Microsoft Word - Taimni - The Science of Yoga.doc

united with the Pratyaya within the limits defined in Dharana. The mind of any person
remains united with the Pratyaya while he is in waking consciousness. But not only is
the Pratyaya changing all the time but the mental territory is also changing because
the mind is flitting from one subject to another.
Ekatanata which means ‘extending continuously or unbrokenly’ refers to the
absence of interruptions from distractions which are present in Dharana. In fact, as
pointed out above, continuity of the Pratyaya is the only thing which distinguishes
Dharana from Dhyana from the technical point of view. This continuity may be com-
pared to the continuity of the flow of water in a river or that of oil being poured from
one vessel into another. Why is it essential to achieve this kind of continuity before
Samadhi can be practised? Because every break in the continuity means distraction and
distraction means lack of adequate concentration and grip over the mind. If the mind is
diverted from the chosen object it means that some other object has taken its place, for
there must be continuity in the movement of the mind. It is only in Nirodha that the
continuity of the movement can be broken without any other object occupying the
mind. Now, if a distraction breaks the continuity, apparently, there is not much harm
done, for the mind can take up the thread immediately and continue with its work of
diving deep into the subject. But actually, the appearance of the distraction is not as
innocuous as it appears. It shows the absence of sufficient grip over the mind and a
corresponding lack in the depth of concentration. In practising Dharana it is found that
as the depth of abstraction increases and the grip over the mind becomes stronger, the
frequency with which the distractions appear becomes smaller. So, continuity should
be regarded as a gauge for measuring the necessary control over the mind and intensity
of concentration. The attainment of Dhyana Avastha shows that the mind is getting
ready for the last stage and the real practice of Yoga. Unless and until this condition is
fulfilled the practice of Samadhi cannot be begun and the real secrets of Yoga will re-
main hidden from the Sadhaka.