What is Nidhidhyāsanā? Why is Nidhidhyāsanā important?

Nidhidhyasana means self-enquiry. It is the stage where self-enquiry happens after one gains wisdom and begins to deeply contemplate on that wisdom.

So, Nidhidhyasana simply means self-enquiry. However, in Sanskrit and in the scriptures, it is explained that Nidhidhyasana comes after Sravana and Manana.

Sravana means listening to the wisdom—Jnana, the knowledge of truth. One listens to this wisdom, and that is called Sravana. The scriptures say that if the soul is ready, just by listening, awakening can happen.

Yes, just through Sravana—listening to wisdom—one can awaken.

But for most people, the journey unfolds through three stages: Sravana, Manana, and Nidhidhyasana.

Sravana is listening to the wisdom. Manana is contemplating and reflecting on what we have heard from the scriptures, the Guru, and other sources of wisdom. Then comes Nidhidhyasana.

Nidhidhyasana itself can be seen as having three parts: Nidhi, Dhi, and Asana.

Once, when a devotee asked Sri Ramana Maharishi, “What is the best Asana one should practice?”

Ramana replied, “Nidhidhyasana.”

So, the “Asana” he refers to is this state of deep, steady abidance in Nidhidhyasana (Self-enquiry).