(“concentration”) Dharana is the sixth of the eight parts of yoga practice in the ashtanga yoga (system of religious discipline) initially codified by the philosopher Patanjali.
Dharana is one of the three components of the "inner discipline" (samyama), which includes dhyana and samadhi.
It is the climax of yogic training.
Dharana is defined as mental steadfastness.
It is the capacity to keep the mind constantly focused on any item, whether a portion of the body or an external object.
This is mind and awareness training, and it is a necessary precursor for concentrated meditation.
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