Yoga and Meditation are often mistakenly considered as being the same due to their similar connotations; however, there are some key differences between them. In fact, Meditation is one of the parts of the Ashtanga Yoga propounded by Sage Patanjali. Meditation involves the continued concentration of the mind on a specific object or religious symbol. On the other hand, Yoga aims at the attainment of the state of spiritual absorption. This is the main difference between the two words. This article will help you understand the distinction between the two words.
What is Yoga?
First, let us discuss the word yoga. Yoga has eight limbs called Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. Yoga aims at the attainment of the state of spiritual absorption. The highest state of human life lies in the realization of the supreme power within oneself. This is the ultimate truth of the practice of Yoga. Yogic practice is also recommended for improving mental and physical health.
Yoga is one of the six systems of Indian philosophy. The other five systems are Nyaya, Vaiseshika, Sankhya, Purva Mimamsa, and Uttara Mimamsa or Vedanta. The tenets of the philosophy of Yoga are contained in the Yoga Sutras or the Aphorisms of Yoga compiled by Patanjali. He belonged to the 3rd century B.C.
The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘yuj’ which means to ‘unite’. It aims at the union of the human being with the Almighty. This union is brought about in the state of spiritual absorption or Samadhi preceded by Dhyana or meditation.
What is Meditation?
Meditation is the 7th limb of Yoga, and it is called as Dhyana in Sanskrit. It consists of the continued concentration of the mind on a specific object or religious symbol. Meditation is spoken of as the means to attain liberation according to Krishna in the Bhagavadgita.
It is believed that meditation helps sharpen the human mind. Many techniques are meant to improve the standard of meditation. In fact, Lord Krishna teaches the technique of meditation in the Bhagavadgita. Meditation brings about the feeling of oneness among living beings. This highlights that a clear difference exists between yoga and meditation, although they are very much related to one another. This difference can be summarized as follows.
Key Takeaways
- Yoga aims at the attainment of the state of spiritual absorption, whereas Meditation involves the continued concentration of the mind on a specific object or religious symbol.
- Yoga has eight limbs called Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi, while Meditation is the 7th limb of Yoga, known as Dhyana in Sanskrit.
- The practice of Yoga is recommended for improving mental and physical health, and meditation is believed to help sharpen the human mind.
