These developed along with dhyana in Hinduism, partly independently, partly influencing each other. Dhyana is also found in other Indian religions such as Buddhism and Jainism. It is, in Hinduism, a part of a self-directed awareness and unifying Yoga process by which the yogi realizes Self (Atman, soul), one's relationship with other living beings, and Ultimate Reality.
The various concepts of dhyana and its practice originated in the Sramanic movement of ancient India, which started before the 6th century BCE (pre-Buddha, pre-Mahavira), and the practice has been influential within the diverse traditions of Hinduism. Dhyana is taken up in Yoga practices, and is a means to samadhi and self-knowledge. Dhyāna ( Sanskrit: ध्यान) in Hinduism means contemplation and meditation.
