* * *

Dhyana is essentially Hindu or, rather broadly
speaking. Oriental in its origin as well as in its
significance. In this we can trace one of the many
characteristics which lend a peculiarly charming
color to Oriental culture. The Oriental mind
ever strives after the One and is so idealistic in
all its tendencies as sometimes altogether to
ignore the external world. It shuts out all the
impressions the senses may bring in from with-
out, thus endeavoring to realize the aspiration
after unity and eternality. It does not care so
much for the subjugation of natural forces to its
own will as for the deliverance of self from its
illusory imprisonment. It does not antagonize
the world in which it lives, but calmly contem-
plates it, reviewing its vagaries or vicissitudes,
or whatever they may be termed. It dwelleth
not in the manyness of things, but in their
oneness, for its ultimate abode is in the region
of the absolute and not in the phenomenal realm.
PRACTICE OF DHYANA I49

A mind like this naturally takes more to contem-
plation than to the strenuous life ; it thinks more
and acts less ; it appreciates instead of criticizing ;
it synthesizes instead of analyzing. The practice
of dhy^na, therefore, was the most natural thing
for the Oriental people.
