Dharana is the sixth limb of Ashtanga Yoga. In
literal terms, the word "Dharana" means 'unbending
concentration of mind'. The main idea underlying Dharana is the
concentration or focus of attention in one direction or one object.
Dharana is a form of meditation which could be called receptive
concentration. With the help of Dharana a set of conditions are created
through which mind focuses attention in one direction and object rather
than concentrating in many directions.
Dharana aims at fixing the mind by getting it focused upon some stable
entity. Though it is easier said than done but after starting with small
steps one can achieve the desired results. Rolling the eyes upward and
downward to get concentration one by one in one direction after another
is a good method to start the concentration practice. Any object
selected for practicing Dharana has nothing to do with the meditation
part. This is just to stop the mind from wandering -through memories,
dreams, or reflective thought-by deliberately holding it single-mindedly
upon some apparently static object.
After being purified by Yoga practices, the mind is able to concentrate
more on one subject or point. After reaching such position an individual
is ready to unleash great potential for inner healing. If the yogi
chooses to focus on a center ("chakra") of the inner energy
flow, he or she can directly experience the physical and mental blocks
and imbalances that remain in his or her system. This ability to
concentrate depends on excellent psychological health and integration
and is not an escape from reality, but rather a movement toward
perception of its true nature.
