Difference Between Yoga and Meditation

Key Difference – Yoga vs Meditation

Yoga and Meditation are often confused as one and the same due to the similarity in their connotations, however in actuality there is some difference between them. In fact, Meditation is one of the parts of the Ashtanga Yoga propounded by Sage Patanjali. Meditation consists in the continued concentration of themindon some object or religious symbol. On the other hand, Yoga aims at the attainment of the state of spiritual absorption. This is the key difference between the two words. Through this article let us comprehend the difference between the two words.

What is Yoga?

First let us begin with the word yoga. Yoga is said to have 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 supremepowerwithin him. This is the ultimate truth of thepracticeof Yoga. Yogic practice is also recommended for improving mental and physical health as well.

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 thephilosophyof 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 in the continued concentration of the mind on some object or religious symbol. Meditation is spoken of the means to attain liberation according to Krishna in the Bhagavadgita.

It is believed that meditation helps in the sharpening of the human mind. Many techniques are meant to improve the standard of meditation. In fact, Lord Krishna teaches thetechniqueof 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.

What is the Difference Between Yoga and Meditation?

Definitions of Yoga and Meditation:

Yoga:Yoga aims at the attainment of the state of spiritual absorption.

Meditation:Meditation consists in the continued concentration of the mind on some object or religious symbol.

Characteristics of Yoga and Meditation:

Limbs:

Yoga:Yoga is said to have eight limbs called Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi.

Meditation:Meditation is the 7th limb of Yoga, and it is called as Dhyana in Sanskrit.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Lotus position” byBryan Helfrich, Alias52[CC BY-SA 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons

2. Pagan Meditation By Dedda71 (Own work) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons