Vivekananda on Dharana: The Science of Concentration

The Goal of Ashtanga Yoga is to Still the Mind. When the mind is stilled, the “Seer” or True Self is revealed.

In the Yoga Sūtras, Pātañjali defines yoga as having eight limbs. The sixth limb is Dharana, which means Concentration. While Pratyahara is about “unplugging” from the world, Dharana is about “plugging in” to a single point.

In Pratyahara, you were a passive observer letting thoughts pass by. In Dharana, you become active. You choose a spot and force the mind to stay there.

Where to Focus?

Vivekananda suggests focusing on the Chakras – internal spaces where the nerves are concentrated. He specifically recommends:

The Heart (Anahata): Imagine a space full of light in the center of your chest.
The Head (Sahasrara): Imagine a center of effulgent light at the top of the brain.
An External Point: If internal focus is too hard, you can use a candle flame or a sacred symbol.

The 12-Second Rule

Vivekananda provides a scientific measure for success: If you can keep the mind fixed on one point without a single distracting thought for 12 seconds, that is one unit of Dharana.

In the beginning, the mind will “slip” after just 2 seconds. The practice of Dharana is the act of catching the mind and bringing it back, over and over again. This is how you build “mental muscle.”

The Practice Protocol

Preparation: After 15 minutes of Pratyahara (the Witnessing), choose your “point” (e.g., the Heart).
Visualization: Try to keep the “image” of light in your heart perfectly still.
The Correction: Every time you get distracted, gently but firmly pull the mind back.
The Goal: When you can stay on that point for 12 seconds straight, you have mastered one unit of Dharana.