Sutra I. 39 Yathabhimata-dhyanad va

Commentary: Va means or. thus this sutra is the last of a list of practices that prepares the mind (citta-vrtti) for samadhi (dhyana being the last and most important). Yatha is simply an indicative meaning, "as". Thus the key word is abhimata-dhyana. Abhimata means drawn to, desired, longed for, wished for, most agreeable. Thus it means that we should customize our meditation to be most effective for our individual constitution. Dhyana is meditation. By meditation Patanjali means silent seated practice where the mind is extended (tanata) from subject/object duality (objects) to more subtle than subtle objects (sunya). That leads one into the highest samadhi. See Yoga Sutra II.11 and III.2 for more on dhyana.

The literal translation is “or from meditation as is suitable or as one is "drawn to” which indicates a natural (sahaj) type of meditation or pure abiding.

There are many types of meditation differing in specific characteristics of preparation, beginning, duration, finishing, etc. Here Patanjali is saying that one shoe does not fit all and there is no exclusive supreme method, but one must explore and choose the method of meditation which the HeartMind is attuned to the most -- the one which brings forth clarity and peace and leads toward samadhi. Why limit oneself? One thus needs to customize one's personal meditation practice to make it fit into one's unique circumstances in order for it to serve your highest potential by listening within for guidance.

All the following sutras in Samadhi Pada refer to realizing the supreme goal of yoga, nirbija samadhi, through the process of meditation (dhyana). Make no mistake about it!