Makara Jyothi

In the world today, meditation is considered one of the most effective stress busters.  However, there seems to be many different defintions of Meditation - some say its concenteration, focus, chanting a mantra and many many approaches to meditation.  But what exactly is meditation?
If we consult Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga, concenteration or focus and meditation are spoken about separately.  Patanjali mentions Dharana (Sense withdrawal-Concenteration) followed by Dhyana (Meditation).  Thus it is evident that though Concenteration is a prelude to meditation, it is in itself not meditation.
To understand what is meditation, we need to look at the basic meditation technique which is to focus ones attention on the breathing and to be aware to the breathing in and out.  If any thoughts come and disturb the mind, we just bring the mind back to the job of focusing on one's own breath.  If you are successful, then you start watching the mind (the thoughts that run in your mind) - without judging any of the thoughts.  Just be mindful of the thoughts that arise and subside.
From the above process of meditation it is evident that "being mindful" and aware to the moment is meditation and not concenteration or focus (though it is a prelude to the meditating process).