- Uninterrupted flow (of the mind) towards the object (chosen for medita-
tion) is contemplation.
It was pointed out in the previous Sutra that the Sadhaka should aim at elimi-
nating the intruding thoughts which are called distractions and should see that such
interruptions are reduced in frequency in a progressive manner. When he succeeds in
eliminating the distractions completely and can continue the concentration on the ob-
ject without any interruptions for as long as he decides to do so he reaches the stage of
Dhyana. It will be seen, therefore, that it is the occasional appearance of distractions
in the mind which constitutes the essential difference between Dharana and Dhyana.
Since this Sutra is very important from the practical point of view let us first examine
the significance of the various Samskrta words used in defining Dhyana.
Let us first take the word Pratyaya which is used frequently in the Yoga-Sutras.
This word covers a wide range of notions such as concept, idea, cause etc., but in
Yogic terminology it is generally used for the total content of the mind which occupies
the field of consciousness at a particular time. As the mind is capable of holding a
large variety of objects simultaneously a word has to be used to denote all these ob-
jects taken together irrespective of their nature. Pratyaya is a technical word for this
total content of the mind. In view of what has been said above about Dharana, it will
be seen that this Pratyaya with which the mind remains in continuous contact in Dhy-
ana is fixed and yet a variable thing. It is fixed in the sense that the area within which
the mind moves is defined and remains the same. It is variable because within that lim-
ited area or sphere there is movement. A few illustrations will make this point clear.
When a scientist focusses his microscope on a drop of dirty water the field of vision is
defined and limited within a circle and he cannot see anything outside it. But within
that circular patch of light there are constant movements of all kinds. Or, take a river
which is flowing within well-defined banks. There is constant movement of the water
and yet this movement is confined within the banks of the river. A person who looks at
a river from an aeroplane sees a thing which is fixed and moving at the same time.
These illustrations help us to understand the dual nature of the Pratyaya in Dhyana
and the possibility of keeping the mind moving within the limits defined by the object
of meditation.
The Samskrta word Tatra means ‘in that place’ and obviously refers to the Desa
or place or mental territory within which the mind is confined. The mind has to remain