Yoga Practice Name
Dharana
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English Name
Concentration of Mind
Description and Steps
| Name and Sanskrit Spelling | The Sanskrit name is धारणा, transliterated as "Dhāraṇā," and pronounced "dhaa-raa-naa." |
| Literal Meaning | Derived from the root “dhṛ” meaning to hold or maintain. Dhāraṇā means concentration, or the act of holding the mind steadily on one point or object. |
| Definition in Yoga | Dhāraṇā is the sixth limb of Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga. It refers to the practice of fixing the mind on a single object of concentration—such as a deity, a mantra, the breath, or a visual point. It is the foundational step toward meditation (dhyāna). |
| Scriptural Reference | Yoga Sutra 3.1: Deśa bandhaś cittasya dhāraṇā – “Concentration is the binding of the mind to one place (object).” |
| Philosophical Significance | Dhāraṇā marks the beginning of internal mental discipline. It trains the mind to become one-pointed, moving away from habitual distractions. It is the essential link between sensory withdrawal (pratyāhāra) and uninterrupted meditation (dhyāna). |
| Symbolism | Often symbolized by a focused flame, a lotus, or the bindu (dot) representing single-pointed focus amidst a field of distraction. |
| Psychological/Emotional Themes | Focus, clarity, inner steadiness, mental discipline, intentional awareness. It develops willpower and the capacity to remain anchored in the present moment. |
| Signs of Development | Improved attention span, ability to hold awareness on an object without wandering, increased mindfulness, better decision-making, and sense of mental spaciousness. |
| Common Misunderstandings | Dhāraṇā is often confused with meditation itself. However, it is a precursor—a preparatory stage where the mind is trained to hold attention. Dhyāna occurs when this concentration becomes effortless and uninterrupted. |
| Practices to Cultivate It | - Trataka (candle gazing)- Mantra japa- Mindfulness of breath- Visualizations (yantra, chakra, deity)- Focusing on sound or a body sensation- Time-bound attention practices (e.g., 5 minutes of focused breath awareness)- Guided concentration sessions |
| Reflective Prompts / Inner Inquiry | - “What object or practice helps anchor my mind most easily?”- “What are my biggest internal distractions?”- “Can I hold a single focus for a few minutes without resistance or fatigue?” |
| Real-Life Examples or Modern Context | Practicing deep listening during conversations, focusing on a single task without multitasking, mindful driving, or writing without distraction are everyday expressions of Dhāraṇā. It is the antidote to digital distraction and overthinking and cultivates depth, presence, and purposeful action in both personal and professional life. |
