Dharana — the sixth limb of Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga — is the practice of one-pointed concentration. Master it and the deeper states of meditation and Samadhi open naturally.
🧘Dharana— the Sanskrit word forconcentration— is the sixth limb of Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga. It is the foundation upon whichmeditation (Dhyana)and ultimatelySamadhiare built. Without Dharana, the mind remains scattered and the deeper states of yoga are simply not accessible.
In this guide, you'll discoverwhat Dharana is, why it matters, how to practise it step by step, and how it connects to Kundalini awakening — all grounded in the classical teachings ofSwami Sivananda.
🔍 What Is Dharana? (Definition & Meaning)
Dharana means "holding" or "binding" the mind to a single point.You fix your attention — either on an object within the body (such as a Chakra) or on an external focal point (such as a candle flame or a deity) — andhold it there steadily.
According to theYoga Sutras of Patanjali(III.1): "Desha-bandhas chittasya dharana" — Dharana is the binding of the mind to a place.
"Concentration is the root of all higher abilities in man." — Swami Sivananda
✨ Why Dharana Matters in Your Spiritual Practice
Most people's minds jump from thought to thought like a restless monkey. Dharana is the antidote. Here is why it is so critical:
🧠 Mental Clarity:Concentration purifies emotions, strengthens thought currents, and clarifies ideas that once seemed confusing.
⚡ Psychic Development:Even one hour of daily Dharana practice awakens tremendous psychic powers and builds an unshakeable will.
🌀 Gateway to Kundalini:In Kundalini and Laya Yoga, Dharana on the six Chakras is the primary technique for awakening Shakti.
🎯 Practical Efficiency:Those who practise concentration work with greater efficiency — what was once difficult becomes clear and easy.
📋 Prerequisites: What to Do Before Practising Dharana
⚠️Dharana without ethical purification is futile.Swami Sivananda was emphatic: you must first cultivateYama (ethical restraints)andNiyama (personal observances)before sitting for concentration.
The full preparatory sequence is:
1. Yama→ ethical living (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing)
2. Niyama→ personal discipline (cleanliness, contentment, self-study)
3. Asana→ stable, comfortable posture
4. Pranayama→ breath regulation and purification of Nadis
5. Pratyahara→ withdrawal of the senses from external objects
6. Dharana ✦→ concentration (you are now here!)
🕯️ How to Practise Dharana: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1 — Choose Your Object of Concentration
Beginners should start withconcrete, pleasant objects— the tick of a clock, the flame of a candle, or a small image. Advanced practitioners use:
For Kundalini / Laya Yoga:Focus on any of theseven Chakras(energy centres within the body)
For Bhakti Yoga:Focus on yourIshta Devata(chosen deity — Hari, Krishna, or Devi)
For Vedanta / Jnana Yoga:Focus on theAtman(pure Self-awareness)
Step 2 — Prepare Your Body and Environment
Find aquiet room. Sit in a stable Asana. Ensure you are not hungry or unwell — physical discomfort shatters concentration. PractiseMouna (silence)for at least two hours daily to reduce mental noise.
Step 3 — Fix and Hold the Mind Gently
Close your eyes. Bring the object clearly into your mind's eye.Do not wrestle with the mind— there should be no tension in the body. When the mind wanders (and it will!),gently bring it backwithout frustration.
Step 4 — Deepen and Extend
Gradually extend the duration of each session. With practice, the mind will hold the object for longer without interruption. This deepening is the transition from Dharana intoDhyana (meditation)— the two are a continuum.
🌸 Dharana and Kundalini Yoga: The Deep Connection
InLaya YogaandKundalini Yoga, Dharana is not merely mental — it is energetic. When you hold awareness on a Chakra with full, unwavering attention,Prana (life-force) flows to that centre. This concentrated Prana gradually awakens the dormant Kundalini Shakti.
The Chakra-Dharana sequence in Laya Yoga:
🔴 Muladhara— base of the spine — earth element, stability
🟠 Svadhisthana— sacral centre — water element, creativity
🟡 Manipura— solar plexus — fire element, will-power
💚 Anahata— heart centre — air element, love
💙 Vishuddha— throat — ether element, expression
👁️ Ajna— third eye — mind, intuition
⚪ Sahasrara— crown — pure consciousness, liberation
❌ Common Dharana Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Starting without ethical preparation:You will concentrate but lack the purity to go deeper. Always build Yama-Niyama first.
Forcing and tensing:Concentration should begentle and effortless. Strain creates more disturbance.
Giving up too soon:The first months are difficult — the mind is cutting new grooves. Push through. After a few months it becomes joyful.
Chasing desires during practice:Every desire that arises should berejected immediately. The fewer desires, the stiller the mind.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Dharana
How long should I practise Dharana daily?
Begin with 15–20 minutes and gradually work up to one hour. Even 15 minutes of genuine concentration daily will produce noticeable results within weeks.
Can beginners practise Dharana?
Yes — start withexternal concrete objectslike a candle flame. Internal focuses (Chakras, Atman) are for more advanced practitioners who have already stabilised Asana and Pranayama.
What is the difference between Dharana and Dhyana?
Dharanais theeffortto hold the mind on one point.Dhyanais when that holding becomeseffortless and continuous— the distinction dissolves in practice.
Is Dharana the same as mindfulness?
They overlap but are not identical. Mindfulness is open, non-directive awareness. Dharana is focused, one-pointed concentration. Both are valuable; they serve different purposes on the path.
🙏 Final Reflection
"What was difficult becomes easy. What was unclear becomes crystal clear."This is the gift of Dharana — not just on the meditation cushion, but in every area of life.
Begin today. Choose one object. Give it your full, gentle attention. Return to it again and again. The rest of the yoga pathopens naturally from this single practice.
Written by
Editorial Team
