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## The Nature of Shukla Dhyana
The eleventh chapter of Yoga Shastra, verses 13 to 21, describes the nature of Shukla Dhyana. It is said to be the son of Yoga Shastra, as it leads to the eradication of Bhavopagrahi Karmas, which remain until the end of Bhava (existence).
Just as the word 'Hari' has multiple meanings, like Sun, Monkey, Horse, Lion, Indra, Krishna, etc., the word 'Dhyana' also has various meanings. It is used to denote contemplation, thought, the cessation of Kaya Yoga, and even the state of being devoid of Yoga. According to grammarians and lexicographers, the combination of Nipata and Upasarga with a root verb can lead to multiple meanings. This is evident in this text.
Furthermore, the Jinagam also refers to the state of A-yogi, Kevali, and Avastha as Dhyana. It is stated that "Agam-Yukti, with complete faith, is the proof for accepting the existence of A-ti-indriya substances."
Having said this, the four types of Shukla Dhyana are explained in detail:
**13.** The first two types of Shukla Dhyana are primarily related to the meaning of previously heard scriptures, and are practiced by Purva-Dharas and Chhadma-sth-Yogis, who rely on Shruta-gyan (scriptural knowledge). It is important to note that even A-purva-Dharas like Mashatush Muni and Marudevi are considered Shukla Dhyanis.
**14.** The last two types of Shukla Dhyana are devoid of any reliance on external objects. They are practiced by Yogis who have eradicated all their Doshas (faults) and possess pure Kevala-gyan (omniscience) and Kevala-darshan (omniscient vision).
**15-20.** In the first type of Shukla Dhyana, one should start by grasping a particular object from Shruta-gyan, then move on to contemplating its meaning, and then to contemplating the word associated with it. Similarly, one should move from one Yoga to another. The Dhyani (meditator) should transition between meaning, word, and Yoga with great speed, and return to the starting point with the same speed. When the Yogi becomes adept at practicing this intricate process, the qualities of the Atma (soul) manifest, making him eligible for achieving oneness with Shukla Dhyana. When a Yogi, who has mastered one Yoga, meditates on one particular aspect of the cycle of creation, sustenance, and destruction, it is called Ekattva-Avichaar Shukla Dhyana. Just as a Mantrik (one who knows mantras) can use the power of mantras to concentrate the poison present in the entire body at one point, similarly, a Yogi can use the power of Dhyana to focus the mind, which is influenced by the three worlds, on a single atom. Just as a fire with little fuel gets extinguished when the fuel is removed or taken away, similarly, when the mind is deprived of its fuel, which is the object of contemplation, it becomes calm.
**21.** The fruit of the second type of Dhyana is described as follows: When the fire of Dhyana burns intensely, all the Ghatikarma (destructive karmas) of the Yogi are burnt to ashes in an instant.
**Note:** The names of the Ghatikarma are mentioned in the text.