The most famous part of the Yoga Sutras is called the "eight limbs." Sometimes referred to as branches, these limbs are to be worked on until the impurities are dwindled away in order to achieve yoga. For August we will discuss the next limb, that of "Dharana."
"Desabandhas Cittasya Dharana."
B.3, V.1
Translation: Dharana is the binding of the mind to one place, object or idea.
In yoga we talk about the "monkey mind." Its that constant wondering from one thought, object or event to another, like the proverbial monkey jumping from branch to branch endlessly. Most folks understand this well. For the step of Dharana yoga, the yogi aspirant now is able to focus the mind completely on one item.
Dharana is the beginning of Meditation. "Concentration is the beginning of meditation; meditation is the culmination of concentration," - Sri Swami Satchidananda.
Perhaps one of the biggest realizations that I acquired from practicing yoga is that I can control my thoughts. Previous to any formal study, I assumed that they ruled me. However, through yoga practice I found the ability to redirect it from thoughts that create anxiety, compulsions, and constant negative assumptions to other more positive pursuits.
Through recent studies in quantum physics we know that our thoughts create our realities, quite literally. The early yogis already knew that and they gave us a system for creating peace in our body, mind and spirit. Dharana is the beginning of finding that place. But since the ego is at constant work, so must the practice of dharana be.
Got it? Then get to it!
Namaste.
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