Dharana literally means concentration. It is the process of holding or fixing the attention of mind on something external or internal.  The common objects of concentration are burning candle, an image, the ocean, the tip of one’s own nose, the center between one’s eyebrows, sound etc. Here the aim is to focus, to channel all thought-power in one direction to stop the incessant wanderings of the mind.

Concentrating our attention on one point allows the mind to be stable and calms the disturbance of activity of the mind. It helps to avoid frustrations, thoughts that are obsessive, compulsive, negative, upsetting and needless, worries and bad habits. It assists in study, helps in focusing on a task, job or goal, improves memory, develops efficiency, inner strength and willpower and boosts inner happiness.