Dharana - concentration

Dharana is the state of pure focused concentration. An object of concentration is chosen, for example the breath or bodily sensations, and one's complete attention is fixed unwaveringly on that object. Many other things can be used as points of focus, a mantra or visualization, or a candle flame, but the breath and bodily sensations are always with us. Through using concentration exploring that physical reality we start to understand more about the mind.

The aim is to be able to maintain concentration for as long as possible, without the mind wandering away. Training the mind in concentration brings us more fully into the present moment. During most of our daily existence the mind is drawn away from the present and we are caught up in thoughts that project either into the future or the past. When we are concentrated on what we are doing we achieve much more. By training the mind to remain concentrated for extended periods we lay the groundwork for meditation.

There are asanas that help to develop the faculty of concentration, particularly balancing poses, such as Kakasan or Vrikshasan for example. When the mind wanders you can no longer hold the posture. Through practice we can extend the period of concentration and maintain the position for longer.

dharana

The secret of health for both body and mind is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.

- Buddha