Peace and well-being in motion
Dharana - Concentration as a gateway to inner calm
Origin and meaning
The term dharana comes from the root dhri, meaning to hold or maintain. It refers to the ability to fix the mind on an object, idea, sound, or sensation without letting it scatter.
Purpose of dharana
Training the mind: focusing attention reduces mental distraction.
Creating inner stability: constant practice generates calm and clarity.
Preparation for meditation: sustained concentration opens the way to deeper stages of yoga.
Dharana in modern life
In today’s context, where attention is often fragmented by overstimulation, dharana provides a valuable resource. Practical examples include focusing on the breath, on a lit candle, or on the repetition of a mantra. These practices strengthen the ability to focus and reduce the anxiety caused by multitasking and information overload.
Dharana is the art of holding attention on a single point, training the mind to remain stable and clear. It forms the foundation upon which deep meditation is built. In daily life, cultivating concentration through small focus exercises helps restore calm, balance, and presence in the midst of a world full of distractions.