Dharana

Dharana is the sixth limb - concentration or single-pointed focus. It is the fixing of attention on one object, whether internal (breath, chakra, mantra) or external (flame, image, point). The mind is bound to one place, one thing.

In dharana, the mind still wavers. Attention is placed on the object, wanders away, and is repeatedly brought back. This effort of returning is the essence of concentration practice. Each time attention is redirected, the muscle of focus strengthens.

Dharana leads to dhyana when the effort of redirecting attention becomes unnecessary. As long as there is effort, it is dharana. When the flow becomes effortless and unbroken, dharana has matured into meditation. This progression happens gradually through sustained practice.