Dharana: The Sixth Limb of Yoga
The ancient path of yoga is described in the Eight Limbs of Yoga from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Each limb guides us toward greater awareness, peace, and connection. By the time we arrive at the sixth limb, Dharana, we have already built a strong foundation of ethical living, physical postures, breathwork, and internal awareness. Dharana is the practice of concentration, and it invites us to focus the mind in order to prepare for meditation.
What is Dharana?
The word Dharana comes from the Sanskrit root dhri, which means “to hold” or “to concentrate.” At its core, Dharana is the ability to hold the mind steadily on a single point or object. This might be the breath, a candle flame, a mantra, or even a part of the body such as the heart center.
Unlike meditation, which is an effortless state of awareness, Dharana is more about discipline and practice. It is the active training of the mind to rest on one thing rather than jumping from thought to thought.
Why Dharana Matters
In our modern world, distractions are everywhere. Notifications, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists scatter our attention. Dharana helps us reclaim our focus. When we can concentrate, we not only deepen our spiritual practice but also find greater clarity in daily life.
By practicing Dharana, we strengthen the ability to quiet the mental chatter. This quieting creates the space for Dhyana, the seventh limb of yoga, which is meditation. In this way, Dharana serves as the bridge between mindfulness and meditation.
Ways to Practice Dharana
Trataka (Candle Gazing): Focus your gaze on the steady flame of a candle. This helps sharpen concentration and calm the mind.
Mantra Repetition: Choose a mantra such as Om and repeat it mentally or aloud. Let the vibration guide your awareness back each time the mind wanders.
Breath Awareness: Rest your attention on the natural rhythm of your breath. Each inhale and exhale becomes the object of focus.
Visualization: Concentrate on an image such as a lotus flower or a peaceful place in nature. Hold the mental picture with steadiness.
Bringing Dharana Into Daily Life
Dharana is not limited to formal practice. You can cultivate it in everyday tasks. When you are cooking, give your full attention to chopping the vegetables. When you are walking, notice the sensation of your feet meeting the ground. Even simple acts like listening to a loved one with full presence can be a form of Dharana.
Final Thoughts
The sixth limb of yoga reminds us that concentration is a skill that must be nurtured. As we practice Dharana, we create the conditions for meditation to arise naturally. Over time, this focused attention can transform the way we experience both our practice and our life.
Dharana teaches us that peace and clarity are not found in doing more but in directing our awareness with intention. When the mind learns to rest, the heart can open more fully to the present moment.
