Is Dhyana the same as concentration?

No, concentration (Dharana) is the effort to keep the mind on an object. Dhyana is the effortless, continuous flow once concentration is achieved.

Sanskrit Lexicon

ध्यान

Dhyana

dhyāna

The precise linguistic root, etymology, and scriptural context of Dhyana.

Pronunciation

dhyah-nuh

Dhyana is the state of deep, unbroken meditation and contemplation where the mind completely merges into its point of focus.

Yoga Sutras

Defined as the uninterrupted, unbroken flow of concentration on an object.

Yoga Sutras 3.2

"तत्र प्रत्ययैकतानता ध्यानम्"
— An unbroken flow of knowledge in that object is Dhyana.

Significance: Patanjali's definition of meditation: when the mind maintains continuous focus without any break.

Dhatu (Root)

dhyai (ध्यै)

Root Meaning

to meditate, contemplate, or think of

The continuous flow of attention.

For the philosophical deep-dive, practical application, and related concepts of Dhyana.

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