Dharana is concentration without any disturbances, creating conditions for the mind to focus all its attention in one direction. It is practiced with the intention of spiritual renewal and recalling our oneness with The Infinite.
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 first thing to do in order to achieve meditation is learn pratyahara, control of the senses. The mind must be mastered and senses withdrawn in order to truly meditate.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.
The purpose of dharana is to steady and gain control of the mind. When we reach the point of maintaining complete focus uninterrupted, we are engaged in dharana.
Namaste.
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1 comment:
Thanks for this lesson Laura. I was trying to do this today in class, but then I noticed this little worm/bug and he kept moving closer and closer to my mat - so I was a little distracted. I think it was a test:) Wednesday I will ignore him if he comes back!!
Terri
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