Jyotir-dhyana

Jyotir-dhyana

ज्योतिर्-ध्यान, jyotir-dhyāna

Contemplation of light, dhyana to light "jyoti" or radiance "tejas", which leads to comprehension of Atman and transcendental light of Consciousness – Prakasha. It is usually recommended to contemplate the light in sushumna, bhrumadhya, brahmarandhra, anahata or muladhara, but these are only general recommendations, during practice a yogi can contemplate light or radiance in completely different places, in all three lakshyas.

"Gheranda-samhita" gives three ways of jyotir-dhyana, which is also called tejo-dhyana:

atha jyotirdhyānam ।
gheraṇḍa uvāca ।
kathitaṃ sthūladhyānaṃ tu tejodhyānaṃ śṛnuṣva me ।
yaddhyānena yogasiddhirātmapratyakṣameva ca ॥ 15॥

Now is jyotir-dhyana.
Gheranda said:
I have told you about sthula-dhyana, and now listen to me about dhyana to the light, through which yoga-siddhi and direct comprehension of Atman are really [found]. (6.15)

mūlādhāre kuṇḍalinī bhujagākārarūpiṇī ।
jīvātmā tiṣṭhati tatra pradīpakalikākṛtiḥ ।
dhyāyettejomayaṃ brahma tejodhyānaṃ parātparam ॥ 16॥

In muladhara is a Kundalini in the form of a snake. There dwells Jivatma, like a candle flame (literally– a bud of light). One should contemplate [it as] Brahman, consisting of light and radiance. [Such is] tejo-dhyana, the best among the best. (6.16)

prakārāntaram ।
nābhimūle sthitaṃ sūryamaṇḍalaṃ vahnisaṃyutam ।
dhyāyettejo mahadvyāptaṃ tejodhyānaṃ tadeva hi ॥ 17॥

Another way of [jyotir-dhyana].
At the base of the navel is the fiery Surya-mandala (the sphere of the sun). One should contemplate [this] powerful, spreading light. This is undoubtedly tejo-dhyana. (6.17)

prakārāntaram ।
bhruvormadhye manordhve ca yattejaḥ praṇavātmakam ।
dhyāyejjvālāvalīyuktaṃ tejodhyānaṃ tadeva hi ॥ 18॥

The other method of [jyotir-dhyana].
In the interbrow, beyond the mind, [is] the light, whose nature is Pranava (OM). One should contemplate [this] by connecting with the fiery radiance. This is certainly tejo-dhyana.(6.18)