Our mind is restless and is wavering. It rarely stays in one area but keeps rushing around. When we engage our mind in a particular area, it is called Dharana. In Dharana,the mind is trained to wander around in a limited area but not cross that boundary. Dharana is the sixth limb of Ashtanga Yoga. Usually the last three limbs - Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi -are referred together. They are collectively called Sanyam or Control. Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi are progressively advanced stages of concentration. The highest level of mental concentration as given by modern psychologists corresponds to the levels of Dharana. Dharana is the primary stage of concentration given by Patanjali. While practicing Dharna, the stage of Dhyana is attained and when Dhyana is attained, Samadhi occurs. Each stage progressively leads to the other automatically.
In Dharana, the mind is restricted to a particular subject but is permitted to wander in that area. For example, if the breath is observed, the mind watches the ingoing breath and the outgoing breath. It is permitted to measure the length of the breath, the heat of the air passing when it touches the nostrils, the changes in the length of breath, the pauses in breath and the speed of breathing. The mind is free to wander within the periphery of the area of breath but not cross the boundary. The Rishis understood that it was not possible to just put a brake on the wanderings of the mind. So they devised Dharana whereby the mind is trained slowly to restrict its wanderings and remain in a certain area.
In order to stabilize our mind, attention should be paid as to how to reduce sensory perceptions. The place where we sit for Dharana is important. It should be a pleasant place. There should be no external disturbances. The general noises and sound, strong breeze, different smells, bright light are disturbances which should be avoided. Once theses disturbances are removed, the mind has less cause to be distracted and roam out. We should sit in a comfortable seat in padmasana or sukhasana. We should be physically comfortable in that pose, else the mind will get diverted to the pain and stress in the muscles. Then we should start our Dharana.
When we practice Dharana, in the beginning stages, all the time is spent in bringing back the mind to the object of focus. With regular practice, we are able to retain the stage of Dharana for few minutes and rest of the time is spent in reining in the mind. As we progress, we are able to spend more time in the stage of Dharana. Patience and perseverance are required to practice this stage. Then we achieve concentration without disturbance and get ready for the next stage of Dhyana.
Dharana affects the mind and reduces the wandering of the mind. The mind is held to one area and the disadvantages of the restless and wavering mind get reduced. The strain on the mind is less. Because of this, mental strength increases. When Dharana is practiced on regular basis, concentration becomes habitual and our work is done efficiently and effectively. When the indecisive mind becomes focused in one selected area, there is a great peace and this peace is with us throughout the day. We have greater awareness in us and can chose areas of focus and concentration. Dharana helps to achieve a mental state where the mind, intellect and ego are controlled. The fluctuations of the mind cease and the mind gets purified. We are able to focus our concentration on any point. By doing so, we can overcome anger, restlessness and expectations. We remain in a peaceful and balanced state and have clarity of thoughts. Dharana leads to the next stage of Astanga Yoga – Dhyana.
