Dharana Philosophy
The sixth limb is dharana, defined as “keeping the attention on a single place.” (Nicolai Bachman) Dharana is often defined as concentration. Dharana may be considered the beginning of meditation or as a practice that leads to the state of meditation. (See also: Meditation & Mindfulness Introduction.) This process can be described as letting go of everything that is not the object of meditation. Nischala Joy Devi points out that by defining dharana as “concentration,” we may be implying an intensity that brings on tension. She points out that the easeful aspect of dharana may be better cultivated by defining it as “contemplation” or “reflection” instead. DHARANA IS TRAINING THE MIND When the chittam, or sum-total of the mind, is being bound by one thing or bound in one place, it is in dharana. In other words, in dharana you are training the mind. It is the beginning of meditation.
Key Takeaways
– Dharana may be considered the beginning of meditation or as a practice that leads to the state of meditation.
– (See also: Meditation & Mindfulness Introduction.) This process can be described as letting go of everything that is not the object of meditation.
– Nischala Joy Devi points out that by defining dharana as “concentration,” we may be implying an intensity that brings on tension.
– She points out that the easeful aspect of dharana may be better cultivated by defining it as “contemplation” or “reflection” instead.
