Prakaraṇa 7, verse 5 introduces a nuanced understanding of dhyāna, meditation, recognizing it as possessing two distinct forms. The savishaya – meditation with an object, such as a mantra or visual form – is described as mula-bhuta, fundamental, serving as a foundational practice. This signifies the initial stage where attention is fixed on a specific point, a technique used to calm the prāṇa and establish a stable samādhi. Conversely, the nirvishaya – meditation without an object – represents a more advanced practice, a direct contemplation of the paramatman or the underlying reality, and is presented as muktidam, liberating. This form is understood to lead directly to nirvana through the dissolution of the mind’s inherent limitations. The verse highlights that while the savishaya dhyāna is necessary for building the capacity for concentration, the nirvishaya dhyāna is the key to unlocking the ultimate liberation, suggesting a progression within the yogic path. It’s a recognition that the initial stabilization of the chitta through focused attention is a preparatory step towards the more profound and transformative experience of unmediated awareness.