The mind can be our best friend or our worst enemy, depending on how we choose to respond to it. Our daily lives are filled with distractions in media, pulling our energy away from us through the eyes and ears. That is why the time is now for implementing practices for enhanced concentration, or Dharana.
Dharana, translated from Sanskrit, means “control of the mind” or “right attention,” a term that is described with clear intention in the Yoga Sutra’s of Patanjali as the sixth limb of yoga (within the Eight Limbs of Yoga). Though controlling the mind sounds like a tall order, there are practical steps we can take to aid us on this journey to achieve Dharana.
Putting Dharana in Practice: choose a particular point of focus that is not going to create more distractions, like a mantra Om, visualization, or candle gazing.
Focusing the gaze (Drishti)
Drishti is a gaze of concentration when the eyes maintain a fixed point. This may occur while holding a yoga asana (posture) or staring at a candle flame (Tratak meditation). To practice focusing the gaze, one might try to start by creating awareness around the habits of the eyes when interacting with the world. For instance, speaking to others while looking them in the eyes, as it feels natural, can bring more presence and focus to the conversation. Conversely, overconsumption can happen through the eyes as well. Noticing when our eyes are distracted, jumping around mindlessly, and responding by calming our gaze accordingly can prevent overconsumption and overwhelm.
Visualization
Techniques for visualization can involve fixing your mind on a deity or a principle of truth that brings you peace. Our mind is a powerful tool which can create our reality. By connecting to the divine, however you believe it to exist, you can cultivate a life that channels your highest self in ideas, actions, and goals. One visualization technique that can help with detaching from the fluctuating mind is imagining the attachments in the mind shedding from your body, and allowing them to fall into the earth. Attachments that may come up throughout the day could be clinging to the past, future or judgements. Imagining these attachments leaving your being can help with calming the monkey mind, creating space for stillness and tapping in to greater awareness and focus.
Mantras
Mantras are a practice of devotion and a great repetition for controlling the mind. Repetition of Om, the universal sound that connects us all, can be spoken aloud for short periods of time when starting out a mantra practice. Through practice of Dharana over time, patience for repeating mantras will expand, and the time spent on them can too.
The mind is directly connected to the senses, that is why Dharana follows control of the senses, Pratyahara, in the Eight Limbs of Yoga. Dharana can be practiced throughout the day by coming into each moment with the fullest amount of presence possible, leaving behind judgement and attachment. This allows us to respond to the external in a way that is most relevant, adaptable, and clear.
As the practice of focus strengthens, concentration transforms into meditation, or dhyana. Dhyana is uninterrupted focus. Imagine looking at the world with a lens that has no expectations, judgements, or distractions, this is Dhyana.
Cultivating a mindset that is spacious and clear allows us to be ripe for meditation and ready to bring energy to our passions or remove energy from distractions. We hope you can use Dharana to direct your energy more intentionally and enhance your focus and clarity:)
Understanding and implementing the first five limbs of yoga can help with the journey to Dharana. If you’re interested in learning about the prior five limbs of yoga, look into our articles:
5th limb–Happy Mind, Healthy Soul: Pratyahara
4th limb–Awakening Energy with the Breath: Pranayama
3rd limb–The Power of Posture: Asana
2nd limb–Yoga’s Guide to Self Discipline and Spiritual Practice: Niyamas
1st limb–Yoga’s Ethical Guide for Social Conduct: The Yamas
The truth of these philosophies has held the test of time, though it requires modern adaptations for our life today. We hope these interpretations serve to help nourish your mind, body and soul.
References
Frawley, David. Yoga and Ayurveda. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. Lotus Press. 1999.
Article by Kaylee
Published 4/1/2025
