It is almost the Autumn Equinox. This time of year has an even-ness, a steadiness, that will shortly give way to longer hours of darkness and the onset of winter. For me, this is a time to slow down, cut back and look within.
This is the first of three posts on the ‘inner limbs’ of Yoga that deal with the path of meditation – dhārana, dhyāna and samādhi.
At equinox there is a balance in the hours of daylight and darkness. In āsana practice (postures) we seek balance between the left and right side of the body. In meditation we seek balance between the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
As you read these words, take your attention to your right ear. Now move through the middle of your head and over to your left ear. Really feel your left ear, then move back through the centre of the head and to the right ear. Repeat this right-left left-right movement several times, until you have a good sense of where the midpoint is – let’s imagine its the centre of our brain – between the ears and behind the eyes. Close your eyes now and see how long you can keep your attention on that point.
Dharana is to concentrate on something with patience and persistence until our awareness flows continuously like warm oil (as opposed to dripping like cold water from a tap).
We might focus on a part of the body as in the above exercise, or on the sensation as we move to the rhythm of our breath. We could sit very quietly noticing ‘in’ and ‘out’ as our breath simply flows. Dharana could be gently putting one foot in front of the other as we follow the winding path of the labyrinth towards the centre.
The goal of meditation is not to stop our thoughts but to choose which thought to focus on. This choice, and the patient returning of attention to our chosen object of meditation is dharana.
It is a bit like driving along a road. Sometimes the road passes through very busy towns or cities with lots of side roads, distractions and potential for getting lost. Other times the road travels easily through peaceful scenery, but there is risk of getting bored or falling asleep. Either way, our task is to pay attention to the road ahead.
Meditation is not just an aspect of or adjunct to Yoga, it is actually the goal. All the other practices within yoga (e.g. postures, breathing techniques, relaxation, chanting) are there to lead us towards meditative states.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga provide a holistic map to this inward journey.
Being in the Cycles
This post is part of our journey through the eight festivals of the Celtic calendar – Being in the Cycles – during which we are encountering each of the eight limbs of yoga like a series of gates to pass through on our path.
Each season there is an online yoga class and a labyrinth walk, which all are welcome to join.
