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.

To understand this definition let us read this story:

A farmer own a calf. The calf want to roam around in different directions. To control the calf from such wandering in different directions, it was not possible to tie it up to a particular point. So the farmer tie a cord of certain length to its neck and then ties the other end of the cord to a hook in the ground. The calf freely moved in the circle, the radius being the length of the cord, but cannot go out of that circle. Thus the farmer had a control on the calf and also the calf is not at a loss either, as it gain a 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 -

• your breath,

• a mantra,

• a word, or

• any object.

In the beginning, focusing of the mind is difficult; therefore a beginner can start meditating for a few minutes only and later on can increase its duration. Concentration is direction of attention to a single object. We all have the ability to concentrate. Think of the times when you watch movies, play games. It is total concentration.

But at other times your thoughts are scattered, and your mind jumps from one thing to another. It's for those time that you need 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 your mind to be attentive and attain aware.

PRACTICE OF DHARANA

• Sitting quietly observing your breath.

• Sitting in Padmasana, close your eyes and observe your inhalation and exhalation. As you inhale your abdomen bulges out and as you exhale the abdomen sinks.

• Do 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 you in Dharana or focusing. This is also called as Nadanusandhana which also gives a soothing effect to our whole body.