Dharana is the sixth limb of Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga, and it marks the stage of one-pointed concentration. At this point, the mind is trained to focus steadily on a single object, free from distraction. While this might sound like meditation, it is actually the foundation for the deeper practices of dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (enlightenment). Dharana is about developing the skill of sustained concentration, which allows us to move toward the higher, more effortless states of mental absorption and unity with the object of focus.
The Preparatory Limbs: Asana, Pranayama, and Pratyahara
Before we can reach dharana, the previous limbs—asana, pranayama, and pratyahara—prepare both the body and mind. Asana, the third limb, focuses on creating a stable and comfortable body through physical postures. This stability makes it easier to sit for meditation and concentrate for extended periods. Pranayama, the fourth limb, works on regulating the breath, which calms the mind and sharpens mental clarity. Pratyahara, the fifth limb, involves turning the senses inward and withdrawing from external distractions, setting the stage for the focused mental state required in dharana.
The Essence of Dharana: One-Pointed Concentration
Dharana is the practice of holding the mind’s focus on a single object—be it the breath, a mantra, a chakra (energy center), or a mental image. According to T.K.V. Desikachar, dharana creates the conditions for the mind to direct its attention in one direction, rather than scattering in many. In this state, the practitioner’s attention is drawn entirely to one point, and as that concentration deepens, all other distractions begin to fall away. However, this process takes time and practice. Initially, the mind will wander, but with perseverance, the distractions lessen, and the focus becomes more stable.
Concentration vs. Meditation: Clarifying the Difference
It’s important to distinguish between concentration (dharana) and meditation (dhyana). While dharana is about focused attention, dhyana is the effortless flow that arises once concentration has deepened. At its core, dhyana is the natural progression of dharana—when the mind is no longer actively trying to maintain focus, but rather resting in the object of concentration. Samadhi, the final limb, is the experience of merging with the object of focus, where individual consciousness dissolves into pure awareness.
Dharana as a Tool for Emotional Balance
Dharana is also a valuable tool for navigating strong emotions. In moments of stress, anxiety, or overwhelm, our thoughts can become scattered, and negative patterns often arise. Practicing dharana in these moments can help center the mind. By first calming the breath with pranayama and withdrawing from sensory distractions with pratyahara, we can focus the mind on one point and detach from the emotional turbulence. Whether focusing on the breath or repeating a mantra, this concentrated attention can bring clarity and calm, offering a space to process emotions without being consumed by them.
Preparing for Dhyana and Samadhi
Dharana is the doorway to the final three limbs of yoga—dhyana and samadhi. These last three limbs are known as the “inner limbs,” while the first four are the “outer limbs.” Pratyahara, as the bridge between the outer and inner, helps us turn our attention inward, where dharana, dhyana, and samadhi unfold. At this stage, things become even more subtle, and it becomes difficult to distinguish one from the other as they merge so seamlessly over time and with continued practice. Dhyana, the seventh limb, emerges naturally from dharana as concentration deepens and becomes effortless. Samadhi, the eighth limb, represents the culmination of the yogic journey, where the practitioner merges with the object of concentration, experiencing profound unity and transcendence. As dharana evolves, it gradually shifts into dhyana, and in turn, dhyana blossoms into samadhi, each merging with the next in an ever-deepening cycle of awareness.
Cultivating Focus for Inner Peace
As we progress through these inner limbs, the practice becomes less about effort and more about surrendering to the flow of concentration, meditation, and transcendence. Dharana, dhyana, and samadhi guide us into ever-deeper states of peace and unity, where the boundaries between self and object dissolve. With each step, we move closer to a profound inner stillness and a deeper connection with the essence of our being. This seamless progression invites us to explore the depths of our consciousness, leading us toward true sense of inner peace.