Dharana (pronounced dhah-RAH-nah) is the sixth limb of Patanjali’s eight-limbed path of yoga and translates from Sanskrit as ‘concentration’ or ‘single-pointed focus.’ This essential practice prepares the mind for meditation by training attention to remain fixed on a single object thought or point without wavering.
In the practice of Dharana the practitioner deliberately focuses their complete attention on one specific focal point. This could be the breath a mantra a chakra point a candle flame an image or even a concept. The key aspect is maintaining unwavering concentration despite distractions or the mind’s tendency to wander. Dharana builds mental muscles that enable longer periods of sustained attention.
While Dharana is formally the sixth limb it’s actually integrated throughout yoga practice. During asana practice maintaining awareness of alignment breath and sensation is a form of Dharana. During pranayama observing the subtle movements of breath develops concentration. Even ethical practices require focused attention on one’s behaviors and choices.
Dharana serves as the crucial bridge between the more physical aspects of yoga and the deeper meditative states. It prepares the practitioner for Dhyana (meditation) where concentration evolves into a meditative flow state and ultimately Samadhi (absorption or enlightenment). Through regular practice of Dharana the mind becomes a skilled instrument capable of sustained focused awareness.
