Dhyana

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The word 'Dhyana' means practice of meditation[1] or concentrating mind. Dhyana is a form of Samadhi.[Chakrapani on Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/ 17]. It is a state of deep trance, completion referring to “intense self-absorption”, contemplation. It is one of the most important therapy for management of psychiatric disorders in Ayurveda. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 1/58] It is one of the eight practices of yoga (ashtanga yoga). Meditation is an important practice to preserve mental health and prevent mental disorders. [2]

Process of meditation

Meditation is a process in which a conscious connection is made with the deep inner Self. It is the experience of the unity of the deep inner Self (atma) in awakened state. This experience of the peace and bliss of unity modifies the inner faculty. The properties of the deep inner Self begin to extend into the inner faculty, and since the deep inner Self is the source of all knowledge (which correlates with DNA on the physical level), the benefits of this process extend to all aspects of life - physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, etc.[3]

Effects of meditation

Meditation provides a number of positive health benefits by reduction in stress, anxiety, depression, pain (both physical and psychological),blood pressure, heart rate, lactate, cortisol, sympathetic overstimulation and cholesterol. Meditation practice shows improvement in memory, efficiency, melatonin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), skin resistance, and relative blood flow to the brain. Meditation increases regional cerebral blood flow in the frontal and anterior cingulate regions of the brain, increases efficiency in the brain's executive attentional network, and increases electroencephalogram (EEG) coherence.[3]

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References

  1. Available from https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/dhyana cited on 20/12/2020
  2. Deole Y.S. How to preserve and protect mental health. JSHO.2016;8(30):5-12.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Sharma H. Meditation: Process and effects. AYU [serial online] 2015 [cited 2020 Dec 20];36:233-7. Available from: https://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2015/36/3/233/182756