What is Meditation?

Meditation is deconcentration. Meditation itself is not concentration, but the result of meditation is concentration. Meditation comes after concentration　(Dyana), and before the stage of Enlightenment (Samadhi).

It is not possible to do Meditation before Dharna, which is the 1st stage of concentration. You should not think of Meditating when practicing Meditation. Meditation is the output of Dharna. In fact, it is difficult to realise the difference between Dharna. Dyana and Samadhi. Even a great yogi cannot tell the difference. A Great yogi, or even a yoga practitioner, all start from Dharna.

Meditation itself is to have full attention at one point. All the other points, factors, thoughts, will disappear/deconcentrate. All your thoughts will stop. It is said that 12seconds of Dharna leads you to Dhyana, and that 12 Dyanas will lead you to Samadhi.

Before practicing Meditation, everyone should practice Dharna. That is why whenever anyone starts to practice Meditation(not from Dharna), they are lost. Teachers often tell you to concentrate on your agya chakra, manipura chakra, or to practice tratka. All of these are tools, preparing you to concentrate.

How to get Dharna

This is only possible if you have full control of your breadth. The Highest stage of Pranayama is Dharna.