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Meditation 

What is the meaning of meditation in yoga?
Meditation is a part of yoga, which deals with mental relaxation and concentration. Here, attention is focused on thoughts and breath. Being aware of breathing automatically controls the thought process and thus relaxes mind completely.
Loosely, meditation refers to the state of the mind when you are in yoga (in union), and actually means yoga (union).
Texts on râja yoga, which is said to be the ‘yoga of meditation’, say that yoga, and hence meditation, is the state that arises when you ‘still’ the fluctuations of the mind.

YSA 03.17.22 Meditation on Koshas with Hersh Khetarpal
25:53

YSA 03.17.22 Meditation on Koshas with Hersh Khetarpal

Koshas are the five layers of awareness that veil the Atman, or true Self. Discovering each layer is believed to bring the individual closer to oneness with the true Self. In Sanskrit, kosha means "sheath" or "covering." As such, the koshas are often called the five sheathes. The Upanishads describe the koshas as a system of five layers of awareness, starting with the physical body and moving inward to the core of the self. The practice of yoga takes the individual deeper into the self through the koshas that make up one's being, thereby bringing one closer to the true Self. Meditate upon these 5 Koshas / sheaths. * ANNAMAYA kosha (food) - This outermost kosha feeds the physical body and sustains the other koshas. In yoga, asanas can affect this kosha by nurturing the body. * PRANAMAYA kosha (energy) - This kosha regulates the flow of prana (life-force energy) through the body via the nadis (energy channels) and the chakras (intense points of energy). In yoga, both asanas and pranayama (breathing exercises) affect this kosha. * MANOMAYA kosha (mind) - Manomaya is the kosha that contains and controls thoughts and emotions. Various aspects of yoga practice affect this kosha. For example, meditation and alternate nostril breathing can calm the mind. * VIJNANAMAYA kosha (intuition) - This kosha is connected to a deeper level of intuition and inner wisdom. In yoga, meditation and meditative asanas affect this kosha. * ANANDAMAYA kosha (bliss) - The deepest layer, this kosha contains ecstasy, love and joy. Some traditions refer to this layer as the true Self, while others believe this kosha opens the door to the true Self.
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