Dharana (Concentration)

 

  After the mind have been collected into itself, that is, when pratyahara has been accomplished, it must be directed toward one object of concentration. This focusing of attention onto one point is dharana, the sixth limb of Ashtanga Yoga.
  The word dharana is derived from the root dha, meaning "to hold, carry, support". It refers to the holding of an object in the mind. In dharana the mind dwells only on the chosen object, and is not allowed to wonder to other objects.
   Important objects of concentration are sixteen points within the body (shodhashadhara): thumb, ankles, knees, thighs, foreskin, genitals, navel, heart, neck, throat, palate, nose, middle of eyebrows, forehead, head, and Brahmarandhra.
  Other suitable objects of concentration may be a picture of a deity, a chakra, one's breath, a visualization, a candle flame, or a mantra.

Continue (Dhyana)

 

 

The Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga

Yama	Niyama	Asana
Pranayama	Pratyahara	Dharana
Dhyana	Samadhi