Difference Between Meditation and Yoga
The meditation and Yoga are often thought as the one and the same because of the similarity in their meanings. But in reality, there are some differences between them. Meditation is one part of the Ashtanga Yoga forward by the Sage Patanjali. It is said that yoga has eight divisions called Asana, Yama, Pranayam Niyama, Pratyahara, Samadhi, Dharana and Dhyana .
Meditation is the seventh division of Yoga and is called in Sanskrit as Dhyana. It consists in the continued concentration of the mind on an object or a symbol of religion. Meditation is even mentioned by Lord Krishna as a means of liberation in Bhagavat Geeta.
Yoga involves the acquisition of a Spiritual absorption state. For a human life, the highest state is to realize the supreme power within oneself. This is the ultimate truth of the practice of Yoga. The practice of Yoga is also greatly recommended to improve the mental and physical health.
It is believed that meditation helps in sharpening of the human senses. Many techniques are intended to improve the standard of meditation. In fact, Lord Krishna teaches meditation techniques in the Bhagavadtita. Meditation brings out the feeling of unity among the creatures.
The yoga is one of the six systems of Indian philosophy. The other five systems are Nyaya, Purva Mimamsa(Vedanta), Vaiseshika and Sankya. The doctrines of the philosophy of yoga are contained in the Yoga Sutras or aphorisms of Yoga, assembled by Patanjali. He belonged to the 3rd century B.C.
The word Yoga comes from the root Sanskrit ‘yuj’ which means ‘to unite’. It is the union of man with the Supreme Power. This union is caused in the state of Samadhi or spiritual absorption preceded by Dhyana or meditation