Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c16.25

c16.25

(3) *Āsana*, postures for meditation; (4) *Prāṇāyāma*, "regulation of breath by its inhalation, inhibition, and exhalation"; literally, "control of *prāṇa*, the vital plane, i.e. control of springs of impulses"; (5) *Pratyāhāra*, "detachment"; (6) *Dhāraṇā*, "retention and elaboration"; (7) *Dhyāna*, "contemplation of divinities like Śiva, Vishṇu, and the like"; and (8) *Samādhi*, "absorption in meditation."