Patanjali Yoga Sutra: Tatra Pratyayaikatanata Dhyanam
This sutra is Sutra 7, which introduces the concept of Dharana, the practice of concentration and single-pointed focus. Dharana is a vital step in the path of yoga, leading us to harness the power of our mind and cultivate unwavering attention. Let us dive into the essence of Sutra 7 and discover how Dharana can enhance our practice and elevate our lives.
Sutra 7 encapsulates the essence of Dharana, emphasizing the continuous flow of attention towards a chosen object or point of focus. Dharana involves training the mind to sustain unwavering concentration, free from distractions and wavering thoughts.
Dharana is derived from the Sanskrit word “dhar,” which means “to hold” or “to concentrate.” It refers to the practice of directing and sustaining our attention on a specific object, such as the breath, a mantra, a visualization, or a chosen point of focus. Through Dharana, we cultivate the ability to hold our mind steady and prevent it from wandering aimlessly.
Practical Application of Dharana:
- Selecting a Point of Focus: Begin by selecting a point of focus for your concentration practice. This could be the sensation of the breath at the nostrils, a specific image or object, a mantra, or even a particular part of the body. Choose an object that resonates with you and facilitates concentration.
- Creating a Distraction-Free Environment: Find a quiet and calm space where you can practice Dharana without distractions. Create an environment that supports your practice, free from external disturbances.
- Steadying the Mind: As you begin your practice, gently bring your attention to the chosen object of focus. Allow your mind to settle and rest upon this focal point. When distractions arise, acknowledge them without judgment and gently guide your attention back to the chosen object.
- Cultivating Mental Discipline: Dharana requires discipline and persistence. Gradually increase the duration of your practice, starting with shorter periods and gradually extending them over time. This cultivates mental strength and trains the mind to sustain focus for more extended periods.
- The Power of Anchoring Techniques: Utilize anchoring techniques to enhance concentration. This can include visualizations, repetition of a mantra, or counting the breath. These techniques provide a focal point for the mind, allowing it to rest and remain anchored in the present moment.
Dharana holds immense significance on the yogic path. Through the cultivation of concentration, we develop a heightened state of awareness, mental clarity, and focus. Dharana enables us to penetrate the layers of the mind, transcend distractions, and tap into our innate potential.
Benefits:
Enhanced Mental Clarity: Dharana sharpens the mind and enhances mental clarity. As we practice sustained concentration, the mind becomes more focused, allowing us to cut through mental chatter and gain insight into the nature of our thoughts and emotions.
Heightened Sensory Awareness: Dharana enhances sensory awareness, enabling us to perceive the world with greater clarity and depth. By directing our attention to a chosen object, we become attuned to its subtleties and nuances, cultivating a profound connection with our environment.
Expanded Mindfulness: Dharana deepens our capacity for mindfulness, the art of being fully present in the moment. As we train our mind to stay focused on a single point, we develop a heightened sense of awareness and engage in the present experience with greater clarity and attentiveness.
Improved Mental Discipline: Dharana cultivates mental discipline, strengthening our ability to direct and sustain our attention. This discipline extends beyond the yoga mat, positively impacting other areas of our lives, such as work, relationships, and creative endeavors.
Harnessing the Power of the Mind: Dharana empowers us to harness the immense power of our mind. With focused attention, we gain control over our thoughts, emotions, and reactions, allowing us to respond to life’s challenges with clarity, equanimity, and wisdom.
With patience, persistence, and regular practice, we can develop a laser-like focus that permeates every aspect of our being. Through Dharana, we invite a state of unwavering concentration, opening the doors to self-discovery, transformation, and profound spiritual growth.
Patanjali Yoga Sutra: Tasya Bhumishu Viniyogah
This sutra delves into the depths of Sutra 6, which introduces the concept of Pratyahara, the withdrawal of the senses. Pratyahara serves as a crucial step in the path of yoga, allowing us to turn inward, transcend external distractions, and cultivate a deeper connection with our true selves.
This sutra is short but powerful, acting as a bridge between the external aspects of yoga (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama) and the internal dimensions of meditation (Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi). It signifies the importance of Pratyahara, the practice of withdrawing the senses from external stimuli and redirecting our focus inward.
Understanding Pratyahara:
Pratyahara is derived from the Sanskrit words “prati,” meaning “against” or “away,” and “ahara,” meaning “food” or “nourishment.” In the context of yoga, it refers to the conscious withdrawal of the senses from the external world and the subsequent redirection of attention to the inner realm. It is the art of detaching from sensory distractions and turning inward to explore the subtler layers of our being.
Practical Application of Pratyahara:
- Sensory Awareness: Begin by cultivating mindful awareness of your senses. Observe how external stimuli, such as sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touch, impact your state of mind and draw your attention outward. By developing heightened sensory awareness, you can consciously choose which stimuli to engage with and which to let pass without getting entangled in their influence.
- Breath as an Anchor: Utilize the breath as an anchor to redirect your focus inward. By centering your attention on the gentle rhythm of your breath, you create a bridge between the external and internal realms. The breath becomes a powerful tool to quieten the mind and cultivate a sense of inner stillness.
- Meditation and Mindfulness: Engage in regular meditation and mindfulness practices to deepen your ability to withdraw the senses. By observing thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment or attachment, you cultivate a spacious awareness that allows for greater insight and self-discovery.
- Creating a Sacred Space: Designate a dedicated space for your practice, free from external distractions. This can be a quiet corner in your home or a serene outdoor environment. By creating a sacred space, you set the stage for deeper introspection and facilitate the process of Pratyahara.
The Transformative Power of Pratyahara:
Pratyahara holds immense significance in the yogic journey. Through the practice of withdrawing the senses, we develop a heightened sense of self-awareness, inner strength, and mental clarity. We detach from the constant fluctuations of the external world and discover a deeper connection with our true nature. Pratyahara creates the foundation for deepening meditation, expanding consciousness, and experiencing the higher states of yoga, such as Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (union with the divine).
Benefits:
Inner Stillness and Calm: Pratyahara allows us to cultivate a sense of inner stillness, free from the distractions of the external world. This cultivates a deep sense of calm and tranquility, providing respite from the busyness and chaos of daily life. We tap into a wellspring of peace that exists within us, regardless of the circumstances around us.
Heightened Self-Awareness: Through the practice of Pratyahara, we develop a profound awareness of our internal landscape. We become attuned to our thoughts, emotions, and sensations, allowing us to navigate our inner world with clarity and understanding. This self-awareness empowers us to make conscious choices and respond skillfully to life’s challenges.
Freedom from External Influences: Pratyahara liberates us from the grip of external stimuli. We break free from the conditioned patterns of seeking pleasure or avoiding discomfort that often dictate our actions. By withdrawing our senses, we reclaim our autonomy and no longer feel compelled to react blindly to the external world.
Cultivation of Inner Strength: Pratyahara strengthens our inner resilience and fortitude. As we learn to detach from external distractions, we develop a sense of inner stability and a deeper connection with our true essence. This inner strength allows us to navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and equanimity.
Deepening of Meditation: Pratyahara serves as a gateway to deeper states of meditation. By withdrawing our senses, we create a fertile ground for concentration, mindfulness, and the expansion of consciousness. We can explore the depths of our inner being, unravel the mysteries of the mind, and connect with the boundless wisdom that resides within us.
As we integrate the practice of Pratyahara into our lives, let us remember that it is not about rejecting or suppressing the external world, but rather cultivating a balanced relationship with our senses. By withdrawing from the external stimuli with mindful awareness, we create space for self-discovery, inner stillness, and a profound connection with our own being.
Abhishek Fanse 