Yoga, however, is not simply asana practice. It has much to offer in terms of fostering joy, happiness, and fulfillment in conflicted modern times. An important Yogic ally in this cause is the concept of Dhyana. Dhyana, outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, is an integral part of the eight-fold path of Patanjali Yoga. It represents a state of deep and focused meditation. In Yogic philosophy, it serves as the precursor to Samadhi, the ultimate stage of enlightenment. Dhyana involves sustained concentration, where the practitioner becomes absorbed in a single point of focus, often the breath, a mantra, or an image. The key is to cultivate unwavering attention while letting go of the chatter of the mind. Mindfulness, drawing inspiration from Yoga and Buddhist traditions, shares a common thread with Dhyana. It centers on the present moment, with a non-judgmental awareness of thoughts, sensations, and emotions. The practice of mindfulness enables individuals to observe their inner world and the external environment without attachment or aversion. That is, it teaches you to let go of the past and not be worried about the future. It encourages you to be happy and peaceful now. It’s about acknowledging the impermanence of experiences while maintaining a deep sense of presence. Dhyana encourages a deep awareness of the present moment to cultivate health and happiness. It makes space for us to accept that the present is only what we have because the past is unchanging and the future is unknowable. It guides us to participate in the here and now; to situate thought and action in the present through which we engender a foundational sense of happiness within us.
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