Dharana (धारणा)

It is one-pointed concentration, or fixing one' s full attention at one place, object, or idea at a time. Dharana is the ability to bring the mind into focus and to hold the concentration on a single point. In true dharana all body-consciousness and restless thoughts cease, enabling one to focus on the object of meditation without distraction. The mind will be free within the periphery of this area, but it should not cross the boundary. This exercise is known as Dharana.

Here's an analogy in the form of a story for a better understanding of this definition of Dharana.

A farmer owned a calf. The calf wanted to roam around in different directions. It was essential to control the calf from wandering about in different directions. However, tying it up to a particular point was not possible. So, the farmer tied a cord of certain length to its neck and then tied the other end of the cord to a hook in the ground. That way, the calf freely moved in the circle, the radius being the length of the cord, at the same time, remained restricted within the circle. Thus, the farmer had a control on the calf and also the calf was not at a loss either, as it gained controlled freedom. This attitude and the idea is important. The mind, which is just like the calf wants to roam around everywhere. It is not possible to engage it at a particular point or location.

Dharana is focusing on a single point which could be

• the breath

• a mantra

• a word or

• any object.

In the beginning, focusing of the mind is difficult; therefore a beginner starts meditating for a few minutes only and later on increases its duration. Concentration is direction of attention to a single object. Everyone has the ability to concentrate. However, during favourable activities there is total concentration. While at other times thoughts are scattered, and the mind jumps from one thing to another. It is for those times that one needs to learn and practice concentration.

Learning a skill takes practice whether it is dancing, writing, or concentrating. The practice of concentration can be developed by performing asanas, breathing practices, pranayama and meditation.

Benefits

Dharana trains the mind to be attentive and attain awareness.

PRACTICE OF DHARANA

• Sitting quietly observing one's breath.

• Sitting in Padmasana, with closed eyes and observing the process of inhalation and exhalation. As one inhales, the abdomen bulges out and as one exhales the abdomen sinks.

• Perforimg A-U-M chanting

• Chanting (A-kara , U-kara, M-kara, A-U-M) in a sequence and focusing on the picture of OM will help in Dharana or focusing. This is also called as Nadanusandhana which also gives a soothing effect to the entire body.

Dharana or concentration is fixing of the mind on a concrete object or on an abstract idea.