Match the Following

Match the following with respect to Dharana in meditation:

LIST-I	LIST-II
A. Dharana	I. To cut the relationship of various sense organs from the respective subjects
B. Pratyahara	II. To apply the mind to some internal subject
C. Dhyan	III. To concentrate attention on a particular subject of mind
D. Samadhi	IV. Dhyan becomes stable in Dhyeya

Correct option is C

• Dharana (A): To apply the mind to some internal subject (II) – Dharana refers to concentration, where the mind is directed inward, focusing on a specific subject.
• Pratyahara (B): To cut the relationship of various sense organs from the respective subjects (I) – Pratyahara involves withdrawal of the senses from external objects to focus inwardly.
• Dhyan (C): Dhyan becomes stable in Dhyeya (IV) – Dhyan is deep meditation, which becomes stable when the mind continuously focuses on a particular object or subject (Dhyeya).
• Samadhi (D): To concentrate attention on a particular subject of mind (III) – Samadhi is the final stage of meditation where the mind is completely absorbed in the object of concentration.

Information Booster:

• Dharana (A) is the sixth limb of Ashtanga Yoga, where concentration is applied. It involves focusing attention on a single object or thought without wandering.
• Pratyahara (B) is the fifth limb of Ashtanga Yoga, emphasizing the withdrawal of senses from external distractions to facilitate deeper meditation.
• Dhyan (C) is the seventh limb, where sustained concentration leads to meditation, allowing for the deep immersion of thoughts.
• Samadhi (D), the eighth and final limb, is the culmination of the practice where one experiences a state of total absorption and unity with the object of meditation.
• The stages of Dharana, Pratyahara, Dhyan, and Samadhi build upon each other in the yogic process of mental discipline and spiritual awakening.

Additional Knowledge:

• Dharana (A) is crucial for developing the mental focus needed for higher levels of concentration and deeper meditation. It can be applied to any subject, from breath awareness to more complex philosophical or spiritual contemplation.
• The concept of Pratyahara (B) was highlighted by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras, where the withdrawal of the senses is necessary to achieve inner peace and calm. In modern times, Pratyahara is often practiced in mindfulness techniques, such as mindful breathing.
• Dhyan (C) is meditation in its purest form. It is important for maintaining a state of mindfulness in the present moment, allowing for greater emotional and psychological clarity.
• Samadhi (D) is often referred to as the blissful state of absorption. It is achieved when the mind is no longer disturbed by external thoughts and remains deeply immersed in the object of focus. This is akin to the flow state in modern psychology, where the mind is fully engaged in the task at hand.

These practices help one transcend ordinary thinking patterns and move toward a higher state of consciousness.