The Essence of Concentration in Tantra, Yoga, and Bhakti: An Exploration

When we delve into the profound world of yoga, tantra, and bhakti, the concept of concentration, or dhyana, emerges as a fundamental yet often misunderstood aspect. While many equate concentration with dhyana, it is essential to recognize that these terms convey distinct yet interconnected principles.

Concentration and Dhyana: Beyond Simple Focus

During the dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna clearly states:

“Yogasthah kuru karmani sangam tyaktva dhananjaya siddhi-asidhyoh samo bhutva samatvam yoga uchyate.”

- BG II -48

He explains: “o Dhananjaya, perform actions being steadfast in yoga, abandoning attachment and remaining equanimous in success and failure. Yoga is the equanimity of mind.”

Beyond Concentration: The Concept of Dhyana and Karma Yoga

While concentration is often associated with focusing on a single point, dhyana goes beyond this simple act of attention. As Patanjali elucidates in the Yoga Sutras, dhyana involves understanding and experiencing a positive feeling when engaged in a thought, idea, or emotional state. This is the essence of dhyana.

Dhyana as practiced in Bhakti and Karma Yoga is about becoming immersed in divine love or the performance of actions without craving the results. For example, a bhakta (devotee) may perform their daily activities such as eating, working, and breathing, solely in devotion to their deity or the divine.

“Buddhiyukto jihatiha ubhe sukrta-duskrte tasmad yogay yujyasva yogah karmasu kaushalam.”

- BG II -50

Translated, this passage means: “endowed with the wisdom of equanimity, cast off in this life both good and bad deeds. Thus, dedicate yourself to yoga. Skill in action is yoga.”

The Paths of Yoga: Aligning with One's Nature

Ultimately, yoga is a path toward self-realization—unifying the individual self (jivatman) with the universal self (paramatman). It is a continuous effort, a practice of sadhana, to achieve this supreme state through concentration:

Karma Yoga is the path of action and service, where one performs all duties without attachment to the outcomes. Bhakti Yoga is the devotion path, involving the sublimation of one's emotions in the pursuit of a beloved deity. Gyan Yoga is the path of knowledge, involving the study of scriptures and deep contemplation. Kriya Yoga and Laya Yoga are advanced practices for psychics, focusing on the transcendence of the ego and consciousness.

Choosing the Right Path

Each path of yoga is suited to different temperaments and dispositions. Aligning with one’s inherent nature—whether emotional, outgoing, intellectual, or psychic—can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful spiritual journey:

For the emotional, Bhakti and Mantra Yoga can provide a way to channel emotions into devotion. For the outgoing, Karma Yoga offers a path of action, performing duties without craving the fruits of those actions. For the intellectual, Gyan Yoga is for those who seek to understand the workings of the universe through study and contemplation. For the psychic, Kriya and Laya Yoga can propel one along the path of spiritual unfolding and transcendence.

Ultimately, the ideal journey is one where the aspirant can evolve their awareness and experience the interconnected nature of all these paths. Choose your path, and let the journey of achieving transcendental consciousness unfold.

Conclusion

The essence of concentration in tantra, yoga, and bhakti is more than just mental focus. It is a rich, multifaceted practice that leads to self-realization and profound transformation. By aligning with one's nature, one can embark on a meaningful and fulfilling spiritual journey, guided by the wisdom of the sages and the teachings of the ancient texts.

References

Bhagavad Gita 2:48, 50. Sanskrit Text.

Patanjali, The Yoga Sutras.