Form and Sound Meditation: The Two Yogic Paths of Dhyāna
Our mind is constantly flooded with countless thoughts. The uncontrollable speed of these thoughts often creates disturbances in our lives. In daily living, we face various situations, challenges, and turmoil that give rise to waves of mental activity. Even long after an event, these thoughts may resurface—whether relevant or not—leaving us scattered and restless.
A scattered mind shows itself in the form of anxiety, phobias, stress, and other mental disorders. Since ancient times, human beings have experimented with different ways to bring the mind under control. Yet, across cultures and traditions, it is universally accepted that the most effective path to mastering the mind is Meditation.
In India, meditation is known as Dhyāna (ध्यान). The root of this word comes from the Sanskrit verb dhi (धी), which means to contemplate or to reflect. Meditation is not a one-time step, but rather a continuous practice—a discipline that must be repeated steadily in order to reach a state of balance and inner harmony.
A common misconception is that meditation means completely stopping all thoughts. In reality, meditation is about cultivating a witness-like awareness of thoughts—observing them as they come and go, without attachment. As we detach ourselves from these mental waves, we begin to see the root causes of our clutter, allowing us to release them.
The more we let go of inner clutter, the deeper the stillness (śānti – शान्ति) we experience. This stillness of the mind leads to clarity, vision, and progress in life. While it may not be possible for everyone to remain in complete silence or equilibrium at all times, what matters most is consistency with determination.
To cultivate this witness-awareness, the mind needs an anchor—an object of meditation. This object can be of two types:
1. Citrarūpa Dhyāna (चित्ररूप ध्यान) – Form-Based Meditation
This practice involves focusing the mind on a visual image, form, or inner symbol.
Divine Image → Meditating on the form of Kṛṣṇa, Śiva, or one’s chosen deity; visualizing details such as the eyes, smile, ornaments, or aura.
Nature Visualization → Holding the image of a sunrise, lotus, mountain, or flame in the mind’s eye.
Inner Symbol → Imagining a radiant lamp within the lotus of the heart, or visualizing a glowing chakra.
By engaging the power of inner visualization, the mind becomes steady, devotion deepens, and concentration sharpens.
2. Śabdarūpa Dhyāna (शब्दरूप ध्यान) – Sound-Based Meditation
This method anchors the mind on sound, vibration, or mantra.
Mantra Japa → Repetition of sacred sounds such as Om Namaḥ Śivāya (ॐ नमः शिवाय) or Om Namo Bhagavate Vāsudevāya (ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय).
Om Meditation → Chanting Om (ॐ) with each breath and immersing oneself in its resonance.
Listening Meditation → Attuning the mind to sacred chants, temple bells, or the subtle inner sound (nāda – नाद).
These practices channel sound vibrations to purify thought, regulate breath, and cultivate inner silence.
Meditation, whether in the form of Citrarūpa or Śabdarūpa Dhyāna, is a timeless science that transforms the restless mind into a focused, calm, and harmonious one. Through patient practice and consistent effort, one gradually moves from scattered thoughts to inner stillness, from confusion to clarity, and from turbulence to peace.