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These two steps Dharna and Dhyan are very important in practical yoga Dharna is starting point while doing any work by concentrating the mind in that work and not allowing it to waver in other thoughts. Dhyan is then continuing the concentration till the work is completed. Both processes should be adhered while undertaking next work and so on. Sitting idly and concentrating on imaginary objects, fantasies is certainly not an ideal type of Dhyan. It is just waste of time which is most valuable in life. Of course advance mental planning for an important task is also necessary and for that one may sit quietly and ponder over pros and cons and methodologies of work to be undertaken. This is not idling but a prerequisite for important work. For examples writing project formulation etc. need such contemplation. But purposeless fantasies while sitting idle are just waste of time. Time is most valuable in life and should not be wasted.
"आयुषः क्षण एकोडपि सर्वरन्नन लम्यते। hyd ag gen ta E: HAERET I 16/175-1781"
- योगवसिष्ठ
"Even a single movement of life can not be obtained by all the diamonds in the world. If any one wastes life in unproductive, useless, passive pursuits it is greatest idleness".
(viii) Samadhi :
“TGTTHI THI GV Irving WHIfe: | 13 ||
"It is further intensification of previous two steps. It is identification with the object of contemplation." Abstract noumenal concept like merging into one's iconic deity object, god etc. are of not practical importance. There are certain very important works like scientist working on important research when the person has to concentrate very intensely as if he is merged in the work and forgets even his own bodily needs of food etc. Samadhi for practical purpose in life is highest stage of concentration while engaged in work of importance.
In the subsequent remaining stanzas of this section there is mention of weird and occult superpowers which may be attained by yogi such as knowledge of past and future, knowing thoughts of others minds, becoming invisible, entering other's bodies, getting rid of hunger and thirst, becoming very small or very large, passing through all types of hindrances, capability to destroy all
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