Significance of Dhyana
Synonyms: Meditation, Contemplation, Mindfulness, Focus, Thoughtfulness, Introspection, Reflection
In Dutch: Dhyana; In German: Dhyana; In Finnish: Dhyana; In Swedish: Dhyana; In Malay: Dhyana; In French: Dhyana; In Spanish: 惭别诲颈迟补肠颈贸苍
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Dhyana'
Dhyana in Buddhism encompasses a range of meditative states that foster deep concentration and insight, aiding spiritual cultivation and enlightenment. It involves focused contemplation, leading to profound mental clarity, happiness, and understanding of reality.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A state of meditative concentration that leads to profound mental clarity and happiness.[1] (2) A meditative practice in Buddhism, referenced in relation to the necessity (or lack thereof) for it to attain the visions described in the Pratyutpannabuddha-sammukhavasthitasamadhisutra.[2] (3) The meditative state of focused concentration that allows the yogin to progress through the abhibhvayatanas.[3] (4) Meditative states or practices that lead to deep concentration and insight.[4] (5) A meditative state that the rishis had once attained but lost due to their distraction.[5]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A state of deep meditation or concentration that leads to spiritual insight, as practiced by individuals during profound experiences.[6] (2) Sanskrit for 'quiet consideration'; refers to states of meditation and focused thought in Buddhism.[7] (3) The practice of meditation aimed at developing concentration, insight, and ultimately enlightenment.[8] (4) The practice of meditation that leads to a state of stillness and clarity necessary for spiritual insight.[9]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Meditative states of deep concentration that are crucial for achieving enlightenment.[10] (2) The practice of deep meditation that leads to calmness of mind and insight, underscoring the path to enlightenment.[11] (3) Meditative absorption or concentration, crucial in developing insight and mental clarity.[12]
From: 础产丑颈诲丑补谤尘补办辞艣补
(1) A meditative state often associated with a higher form of mental discipline.[13] (2) A state of meditative concentration with different levels or stages indicative of heightened awareness.[14] (3) Different states of meditation that help practitioners penetrate deeper truths.[15]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) Meditation in Buddhism. The Patriarch emphasizes understanding its essence rather than mere practice.[16] (2) Meditation or contemplation practices that can enhance spiritual awareness, though the Patriarch suggests they may not be strictly necessary.[17]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) Meditation; a key practice in Buddhism for cultivating concentration and insight.[18] (2) Stages of meditative absorption that lead to the understanding of truths and the attainment of tranquillity.[19]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) Dhyana is a state of deep meditation and concentration, essential in Buddhist practice for achieving enlightenment.[20]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) A meditative state that Brahma gods exist on, which refers to deep concentration and realization.[21]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) The practice of meditation that encompasses deep, concentrated thought and awareness.[22]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A meditative state where the motion of the mind ceases, allowing for a stillness that reveals the nature of reality.[23] (2) The meditative state achieved through shamatha, characterized by free from emanation and gathering.[24]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A state of profound meditation that the Bodhisattva enters to contemplate on life and suffering.[25] (2) A meditative state of concentration and tranquility essential for attaining insight and understanding in Buddhist practice.[26]
Hindu concept of 'Dhyana'
Dhyana in Hinduism signifies a profound meditative practice focused on deep concentration, leading to heightened consciousness, self-realization, and connection with Brahman, essential for achieving inner peace and spiritual insight within the practice of Yoga.
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) Meditation; a focused mental discipline aimed at realizing deep truths and self-realization.[27] (2) Dhyana refers to meditation, which is characterized by focused attention and a firm mind free from transient thoughts and distractions.[28] (3) Meditation or focused contemplation on Brahman or the self to attain higher states of consciousness.[29] (4) Meditation or deep contemplation that focuses on the nature of the self and its relationship with the divine.[30] (5) Meditation or contemplation aimed at achieving mental clarity and spiritual insight.[31]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A meditative practice involving contemplation on various symbols and energies, particularly in the context of spiritual rites.[32] (2) A form of meditation focused on self and the realization of Brahma.[33] (3) Meditation; a practice in which concentration is directed towards the four-armed deity.[34] (4) A term for the meditation or contemplation process described in the text.[35]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Meditative practice aimed at focusing on the consciousness within the Jivatma.[36] (2) Meditation; a practice of deep concentration and self-reflection that Shuka engages in.[37]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The sixth stage of internal practices in Yoga, emphasizing inward contemplation and meditation.[38]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Meditation; the practice of abstracting the mind from sensual objects.[39] (2) Meditation, which can be of two kinds: saguna (with attributes or forms) and nirguna (without attributes or forms).[40] (3) Meditation focused on the inner self and leading to deeper states of consciousness.[41] (4) Contemplation or meditation, focusing on the oneness of consciousness in all objects.[42] (5) Contemplation or meditation on a divine form, an integral part of yoga.[43]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Meditation, a practice associated with spiritual attainment in previous ages.[44] (2) Meditation that the brahmana engages in while absorbed in chants.[45] (3) in meditation[46] (4) Meditation or contemplation, particularly on the divine, which is represented as being enriched by the gopis' devotion.[47] (5) Meditation that devotees engage in to experience desired pleasure and reflect on their inner moods.[48]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Meditation, an essential aspect of spiritual practice emphasized in the context of Tirukkannapuram.[49]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) A meditative practice aimed at focusing the mind and attaining deeper spiritual insights.[50]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Meditation, a practice that aligns with bhava-sambandhi upadana-karana.[51]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A term that denotes spiritual absorption, specifically devoid of material thoughts and focused on spiritual pleasure.[52]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)
(1) Meditative practice that involves focused thought and contemplation, integral to the process of achieving higher states of awareness in yoga.[53] (2) A preliminary phase of meditation where thoughts of other objects are subdued but not completely suppressed.[54]
From: Paduka-panchaka (the five-fold footstool)
(1) The meditation practices mentioned in the text that are associated with controlling the mind and focusing on the divine.[55] (2) Meditation or focused contemplation necessary to understand and conceptualize the spiritual triangle and its significance fully.[56]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Meditation, the continuance of concentration where one seeks to achieve a deeper mental state.[57]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) Meditative contemplation upon the divine forms and attributes of Sada-Shiva, facilitating connection with the higher self.[58]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) A meditative aspect of Yoga focused on concentration, insight, and the cultivation of inner peace.[59] (2) Meditation that shapes the worshipper's mind into the form of the deity, thereby fostering spiritual transformation.[60] (3) Meditation practice in Hindu and Buddhist traditions aimed at deepening one's connection to the divine.[61]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Contemplation, a practice aimed at recognizing the presence of the Inner Soul.[62] (2) Meditation that helps in achieving insight and deeper understanding through focused contemplation.[63]
Jain concept of 'Dhyana'
In Jainism, Dhyana is interpreted as meditation that involves quieting the mind's distractions and engaging in focused contemplation to attain a deeper awareness and spiritual connection.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Meditation or focused contemplation, aimed at achieving a deeper state of awareness and connection.[64]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Meditation; checking the ramblings of the mind.[65]
The concept of Dhyana in local and regional sources
Dhyana encompasses various aspects of meditation, including focused concentration, spiritual realization, and artistic self-identification. It serves as a central practice in Raja-Yoga and Buddhism, guiding practitioners towards enlightenment and deeper consciousness exploration.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Dhyana, or constant thought, is compared to a continuous flow of oil, and it helps individuals achieve liberation by focusing the mind on a specific concept continuously, day and night.[66] (2) The second stage of meditation, where the mind has become strong and does not waver so much, representing a state of focused and stable concentration.[67] (3) Meditation, which is the friction used in the process of bringing out Brahman, and it brings the realization of Brahman in the soul.[68] (4) This is a state in Raja-Yoga where the mind is trained to remain fixed on a certain internal or external location, and it leads to an unbroken current.[69] (5) Dhyana, or meditation, arises when the mind becomes unified, focusing on a single thought or object, after the practice of Dharana.[70]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A meditative practice focusing on concentration and the inward journey of the libido in Hindu spirituality.[71] (2) Meditative absorption or concentration, regarded as a central practice in Buddhism for achieving enlightenment.[72] (3) A form of meditation in Advaita Philosophy, considered essential for the realization of the Supreme Brahman, emphasizing the practical aspect of philosophical pursuits described in the text.[73] (4) The meditative discipline required for Indian artists to achieve a state of self-identification during artistic creation.[74]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is meditation, as mentioned in Vivekamartanda, which is associated with obtaining wondrous power.[75]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A meditative state that Udra-Ramaputtra reached, showing his spiritual capability.[76]