Preksha Dhyana Meditation is a technique that helps the practitioners make attitudinal and behavioral modifications, along with initiating personality development(1).

Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.
-The Bhagavad Gita

Preksha Dhyana is a meditation of Vision or seeing(2). The technique is based on ancient wisdom and it encourages changes in the meditators’ behavioral patterns(1). 

Preksha Dhyana can successfully revitalize bodily cells and improve blood circulation(1). By committing to this technique, you can also make your respiration more efficient and train your mind to concentrate better(1). Practicing Preksha Dhyana meditation does not require you to belong to any particular creed. Anyone can benefit from this meditation through regular practice(1).

History/Origins

The word ‘preksha’ originates from the Sanskrit word “iksha” or “seeing(2). It refers to the act of observing carefully or “seeing by entering in depth”. Dashvaikalick Sutra describes this method as: “See the atman through the atman. Seeing is the essential element of this meditation and therefore it is named Preksha Dhyana(2).”

This ancient form of meditation has been in existence since the time of Lord Mahavira(3). Under the guidance of Ganadhipati Gurudev Sri Tulsi, the technique of Preksha Dhyana was later modified and taught to people by Acharya Shri Mahapragya (Mahaprajna)(3).

The goal of the Yoga of Vision is to know one’s self. As long as the soul is covered with afflictions and desires, we are unable to know our self. Therefore, to remove this veil or covering it is necessary to concentrate the mind.
-Acharya Mahapragya

Benefits of Preksha Dhyana Meditation

According to a research article(5), Preksha Dhyana Meditation is an effective technique to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in both adults and children. The effects can be seen even after a short course of the meditation practice. A very recent clinical trial article(6) also suggests that Preksha Dhyana can significantly improve short-term memory, cognitive function, and overall well-being. As per the research, the method can also help treat attention disorders in young adults. 

 

References

  1. Preksha Dhyana by Yuvacharya Mahaprajna | Translated by Muni Mahendra Kumar and Jethalal S. Zaveri
  2. Santmat Society of North America | Harmony of All Religions by Maharishi Santsevi Ji Paramhans Maharaj | Driśti Yoga (Preksha Dhyāna)
  3. Northern Book Centre | Behaviour Problems in Children and Adolescents by Vimala Veeraraghavan
  4. Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd | The Sterling Book of Essence of Indian Thought by Baldeo Sahai
  5. Frontiers in Pediatrics | 2021 | Efficacy of Short Course of Preksha Dhyana for Functional Abdominal Pain Disorder in a Busy Pediatric Clinic by Vijay Mehta, Akshay Mehta, Samit Patel, Laura Irastorza, Syed Ahsan Rizvi, Bassam Abomoelak, Naina Mehta and Devendra Mehta
  6. Frontiers in Psychology | 2021 | Effects of Combining Meditation Techniques on Short-Term Memory, Attention, and Affect in Healthy College Students by Samani Unnata Pragya, Neelam D. Mehta, Bassam Abomoelak, Parvin Uddin, Pushya Veeramachaneni, Naina Mehta, Stephanie Moore, Melissa Jean-Francois, Stephanie Garcia, Samani Chaitanya Pragya and Devendra I. Mehta