To achieve anything in life you need focus.
The amount of focus you need depends on the size of your goal. Whether that’s studying for exams, changing your routine, or breaking free of self-limiting beliefs – the size of your goal will determine the amount of focus you need.
Dharana is the ability of the mind to focus and hold that focus.
Just like the banks of a river channel and guide water, dharana channels and guides your attention and your prana toward a specific goal.
Thousands of years ago, Sage Patanjali enumerated 8 limbs of yoga; dharana is the sixth limb.
Table of Contents
What are the Eight Limbs of Yoga?
yama niyama–asana pranayama pratyahara dharana dhyana samadhayo-‘stavangani
|2.29| Patanjali Yoga Sutras
Restraint, observance, postures, regulation of breath, substitute food for the mind, ability of the mind to focus, meditation and higher states of consciousness are eight limbs of yoga.
The limbs of yoga develop together; similar to how pulling one leg of a chair results in the entire chair coming toward you, when you practice one limb of yoga, the other limbs begin to develop as well.
The Goal of Yoga
Before we explore dharana and its purpose, let’s understand yoga.
The word yoga comes from the root word yuj in Sanskrit. Yuj means union between the body, breath and mind. It is when we come into that union that we experience all the wonderful benefits of yoga.
Besides what is already commonly understood about yoga, here are some of the lesser-known facts about the practice:
- Yoga is a spiritual practice.
- Yoga brings your body, mind and soul into harmony.
- Yoga helps you find purpose, peace of mind and deeper meaning in life.
- Yoga helps you heal, burns your karmas and takes you toward moksha or spiritual enlightenment.
The goal of yoga is to eliminate pain and suffering from your life, empower you, and bring you home to your Self.
The Role of Dharana in Yoga
The nature of the mind is to wander.
In a world where wonders are only increasing, the mind doesn’t rest until you consciously bring it to rest.
An overactive mind drains your energy and doesn’t allow you to rest. It keeps you running and chasing things out in the world.
Pranayama and asana practice will work to cleanse the body and mind of restlessness and help you develop dharana – the mind’s ability to focus.
With this focus, you’ll be able to stop overthinking, deepen your meditations and raise your level of consciousness.
Why Practice Dharana
To develop effortlessness in anything you do, you must start with effort.
Mastering an instrument or any craft begins with focussed effort. After a period of study and intense effort, that craft will become effortless.
With respect to your yoga practice, after some period of effort, cutting through the noise and accessing the stillness within will become second nature to you – you’ll just need to sit and close your eyes.
Externally, this will show up as a calm and steady mind, inner strength, and stability in life. You and your mind will no longer flutter here and there in uncertainty. You will find direction in life and keep moving forward despite any obstacles that may come your way.
This stability and steadfastness are required on your journey to inner and outer freedom.
Accelerate your Journey toward Inner and Outer Freedom
Develop dharana and experience deep meditation and stillness inside Parm’s Spiritual Academy.
Add your first comment to this post