Welcome to the sixth week of our Summer Challenge. We are looking at the sixth stage of the Eighth Limb Path: Dharana, Dharana is a form of meditation that can be called receptive concentration. With the help of Dharana, a set of conditions are created that helps the mind focus in one direction and object, rather than concentrating in many directions, thereby diverting the mind. The term 'Dharana' is given to both the practice of deep concentration and the state in which you achieve deep concentration. Ideally, 'Dharana' should be performed at every moment of the day to gain utmost control of both body and mind. Easy enough, right :)?
The word 'Dharana' simply means 'unbending concentration of mind'. Working with complete focus and concentration is something that satisfies every individual at the maximum. Each of us, feel a sense of frustration, when we are not able to focus. The inability to focus may be because our minds were racing with ideas, judgments, worries, songs, or even memories. The main idea underlying Dharana, is the ability to focus on something (uninterrupted both by external or internal distractions). We will plant the seed of Dharana this week for our practice on the mat and our existence off the mat.
How one achieves Dharana? Well, going through the previous weeks of learning about the Yamas, the Niyamas, the Asanas, Pranayama and Pratyahara. We start to see a progression in walking on the road inward to that sacred, unwavered Self. Last week we were practicing pratyahara, control of the senses to get us ready for Dharana. The mind must be mastered and senses withdrawn in order to truly meditate. This is not an easy thing as the senses and mind have been our masters for so long.
Next, we work toward being able to concentrate and keep the mind from roaming for some length of time. It is best to be situated in an area with as little distraction as possible. Begin focusing the mind on one object. Our attention will get diverted over and over again. As disturbances arise it is best to just notice and then kindly dismiss them. As with most practices, the more we do it, the more skilled we become. It is definitely a long journey but we have the rest of our lives to walk on this path.
And what is Dharana good for? Dharana helps in channeling one's thoughts on a certain thing. It makes sure that we reach a level of awareness in anything we do, by focusing on every step we take. Dharana can bring richness to one's life. With the help of deep contemplation and reflection, one can create the right conditions. Dharana works with the objective to achieve the mental state, where the mind, intellect, and ego are controlled. The mind becomes purified by the practices. It becomes able to focus efficiently on one subject or point of experience. Dharana also helps in the cessation of fluctuations in the mind, one of the major reasons for practicing yoga.
Usually our minds are paying attention to many different things at once. As soon as our senses become stimulated they pull our attention in many directions. As our minds wander from one stimulus to another we become reactive emotionally, hormonally and energetically. The practice of Dharana, at the time, when you are struggling with anger, restlessness or expectation would help in balancing those struggles. Dharana is the practice of training the mind, to concentrate and focus, in such a way, that we can possibly avoid frustrations.
Ready to try it? This week, and many more weeks to come.
Namaste.
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