Dhyana is absolute imperturbability. It is when all thoughts are still, all thoughts are absent. Perhaps one concentrates on brightness, achieving absolute imperturbability. Perhaps one concentrates on a Buddha image, achieving absolute imperturbability. Perhaps one concentrates on seed syllables, achieving absolute imperturbability. Perhaps one practices contemplation or visualization according to a text, achieving thusness devoid of any distracting thoughts. All of these are called dhyana. In short, absolute imperturbability is dhyana. The meaning of “ta” is dhyana.”
“Earlier, prajna was explained as pure wisdom and also unsurpassed wisdom. Here, “ta” is explained as right dhyana. This is, it is correct and without bias. It is centered and correct, and non-dual. That is what is meant by right [correct] dhyana.”
Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra,
by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III
NOTE: The Sanskrit definition of “dhyana” is meditative absorption achieved through sustained, uninterrupted attention (absolute imperturbabilty). The phonetic transliteration of dhyana became “channa” in Chinese and was later shortened to “chan” which, in turn, became “zen” when it went to Japan and is the term most used today in the West.
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