Meditation Timer

Meditation, called Dhyana in Sanskrit, is the seventh of the eight limbs described in Maharishi Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. It is the sustained, effortless flow of awareness toward a chosen object — a divine form, a mantra, the breath, or pure consciousness itself. Unlike concentration (Dharana), which involves effort, Dhyana is the natural deepening of that focus into an unbroken stream. It is the gateway to Samadhi — complete absorption — the ultimate aim of yogic practice.

Set your desired session duration using the timer controls. You can optionally enable interval bells, which ring at regular points during the session to help you gently return attention if the mind has wandered. Press Start to begin. The timer runs silently in the background so you do not need to watch the screen. A gentle sound marks the end of your session.

Tradition and modern research both support consistency over length. Starting with 10 to 15 minutes daily is more beneficial than sporadic longer sessions. Maharishi Patanjali's Yoga Sutras emphasise that practice (Abhyasa) must be sustained over a long time, without interruption, and with sincerity for it to take firm root. Once 15 minutes feels natural, gradually extend to 20, then 30. Many practitioners eventually sit for 45 minutes to an hour, particularly during formal retreats.

This depends on the tradition and method you follow. Common objects of meditation in Hindu practice include a mantra (such as So-Ham, Om, or a deity-specific mantra received from a Guru), the natural breath as it moves at the nostrils or navel, the image of a chosen deity (Ishta Devata) held in the mind's eye, or the awareness of awareness itself (as in the practice of self-inquiry taught by Bhagwan Ramana Maharshi). Consistency with one method, rather than switching between many, is generally recommended.