Yathabhimatadhyanadva is a Positive Aspect Meditation where the practitioners can concentrate on any object that offers them a sense of well-being, to calm their disturbed mind(1).

Soul is the central point of spiritual discipline.
-Mahavir

Yathabhimatadhyanadva is one of the rare forms of meditation where the meditators have the complete freedom to choose the object of focus(2). It can be anything such as an idol, a sound, an object of devotion, or something else that makes you feel positive and peaceful. It is the most effective way to steady your mind and control it(2). 

The key purpose of meditation is to direct the mind away from any distraction as that helps to attain greater self-awareness(1). As Yathabhimatadhyanadva allows the meditators to practice concentration on objects that are best for them, the technique works efficiently for every individual(1). 

History/Origins

Yatha means “as,” Abhimata means “desired,” Dhyanad means “by meditation,” and Va means “or(3).” Together, the word “Yathabhimatadhyanadva ” denotes the idea of meditating on any object as desired by the practitioner. 

There is a famous mythological story about Arjun and Yathabhimatadhyanadva Meditation found in Maharishi Patanjali’s – Yog-Darshan(4). Arjun was one of the heroes, along with his four brothers, of the Indian epic the Mahabharata. Once, when he was meditating with deep concentration, a sound of music suddenly disturbed his focus. Arjun opened his eyes and looked up to find Urvashi, the chief dancer of the world of Gods, before him. When her beauty could be a distraction for many, Arjun kept his focus directed towards his ‘sadhana’ or practice and through this, he could annul any negative desires, thereby viewing her in a motherly form.(4). This is a primary example of the effectiveness of Yathabhimatadhyanadva.    

The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness.
-Lao Tzu

Benefits of Positive Aspect Meditation

A study(6) conducted on counselors has revealed that practicing focus-based meditations such as Yathabhimatadhyanadva, can help them develop the abilities to respond selectively to patients’ statements and have empathic understanding of the patients. Both of these behaviors are fruitful for providing better care. Another research(7) also shows that such techniques are helpful in improving attention span in the regular practitioners, especially in regards to goal-oriented activities.

 

References

  1. Notion Press | Ancient Indian Quest for Knowledge: Patanjal Yogadarshan by Sushama Karnik
  2. Yoga Publications Trust | Four Chapters on Freedom: Commentary on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
  3. karunayoga.in | Patanjali Yoga Sutra – Samadhi Pada – By Meditation as Desired | 1.39. Yathabhimatadhyanadva
  4. Shree Paramhans Swami Adgadanandji Ashram Trust | Maharishi Patanjali’s – Yog-Darshan: Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali by Swami Adgadanand
  5. 1. Snow Lion | The Practice of Dzogchen by Longchen Rabjam
  6. Journal of Counseling Psychology | Comparative effects of training in external and internal concentration on two counseling behaviors by Paul Leung
  7. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity | Volume 89, 2020 | Deconstructing the effects of concentration meditation practice on interference control: The roles of controlled attention and inflammatory activity by Grant S. Shields, Alea C. Skwara, Brandon G. King, Anthony P. Zanesco, Firdaus S. Dhabhar and Clifford D. Saron