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Jyotir Dhyana – Meditation on Light


Jyotir Dhyana in Hinduism is the meditation on the inward light by a spiritual aspirant. It is advocated by Sage Patanjali in his Yogasutra and is a means of concentration.

According to Sage Patanjali, concentration and meditation are the means to understand and realize the ultimate reality – the universe is the result of reflection and expression of this reality.

Jyotir Dhyana is one among the numerous methods of concentration mentioned in the Yogasutra.

The verse in Yogasutra that explains Jyotir Dhyana is:

Vishoka va Jyotismati – concentration on the inner light leads to a state which is beyond sorrow. More than a verse it is an aphorism in the Yogasutra text.


What is Jyotir Dhyana in Yoga and Meditation

When sitting in meditation, while breathing in an aspirant should think of the heart as a lotus with petals touching the Sushumna (navel).

While breathing out, the aspirant should imagine that the lotus with the petals is turned upward and that inside that lotus is a radiant light.

This meditation should be practiced constantly. Initially, there might be problems in concentration but through severe perseverance, one can gain mastery over it.

After constant practice, the aspirant identifies with the radiant light.

Atmajyoti in Jyotir Dhyana

The constant and honest practice of Jyotir Dhyana takes an aspirant to the realm of Atmajyoti.

The ordinary perception of the triple states of mind – the perceiver, the perceived and the perception – merge into an integrated state of consciousness. This is known as Atmajyoti. The aspirant realizes that – Brahmaivedam Vishwam – this universe is nothing but Brahman. This is Kaivalya - Moksha – the state of liberation. And this alone is the goal of yogic discipline.