Dhyana Vahini - Summarizing of Chapters 1 & 2 by Dr Sanjay Mahalingam

The Dhyana Vahini is the third title in the Vahini Series, written by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Himself over a span of 14 months: between Jan 1959 to Feb 1960, and gifted humanity this treasure trove of wisdom and knowledge. The first chapter classifies all actions into two types: Vishaya Karma and Shreyo Karma. Vishaya Karmas are actions based on the senses and are said to be binding actions that lead to sorrow. However, Shreyo Karmas are liberating actions and are based on inner workings that lead to everlasting bliss. Dhyana or meditation has been declared by Bhagawan as the greatest form of Shreyo Karma. Dhyana and Japa are quintessential for the training of Manas, i.e., mind and Buddhi, i.e., intellect. Dhyana directs the mind from a state of waywardness to single-pointedness, i.e., Anekagrata to Ekagrata. Dhyana that focuses inward, easily and automatically facilitates outward focus as well, thereby granting not just inner bliss, but also enhancing physical efficiency and effectiveness. Dhyana has to be pursued and practised with enthusiasm, faith and care. The kind of space, mat, posture, etc., has a major role in facilitating the process of meditation. One must also prepare through mental massage and try to control mind wanderings in order to practise Dhyana with utmost sincerity and dedication. Japa can be a very helpful and effective prefatory to Dhyana. The second chapter explains three types of meditation: Satwik, Rajasik and Tamasik. While Tamasik and Rajasik types of meditation are worldy and result-oriented, respectively, Satwik meditation is the one that is done for its own sake. Satwik meditation focuses on the process than the outcome. Training is needed to work the process, unless it becomes natural. The impact of meditation can be measured in three parameters. First is the ‘Quality of the mind’. Second comes the ‘Ability of single-mindedness’. And the third way to measure is the ‘Degree of Patience’. Another important way to measure the direct impact of meditation is the degree of ‘Conversion of out-faced to in-faced’, i.e., Bahir Mukhta to Antar Mukhta. An aspirant who decides to tread the path of meditation must be equipped with good habits, discipline and high ideals. The mind should be made calm and composed, thus ensuring purity of inner life before taking the plunge into meditation. Shun procrastination and all inhibitions, and start meditation already. Cut out all dullness, lack of enthusiasm and lack of willingness and start the journey.