Dharana
Focused concentration - holding steady to a specific focus.
Consciousness can drift in and out with the distractions of everyday life. Dharana is a fixed concentration on an object - like your hair is on fire! Think mountain bike tunnel vision. As fixation is maintained, you will realize that the thing carries out a reflection in everyday life. The object of focus has risen to shine light through the present moment.
After Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), mental confusion ceases, for a harmonious state of being. Don’t get too excited - there is still mental chatter up there due to past experiences and imagined future projections. Dharana is preparing your conscious state to sit in meditation, to understand the experience. The Sri Lokesh is the point of concentration about six inches from your face. This is where the thing of focus will objectify. The Sri Lokesh can be developed with regular Yoga Nidra practice.
You may concentrate on a psychic symbol or seed mantra that matters to the current experience, your fundamental nature, and your ultimate truth. You must become absorbed, consumed, and overwhelmed by this mantra, deity, or guru. Spontaneous attention is what holds focus and keeps the mind from dissipating. Over time, one begins to see more profound aspects of the Sri Lokesh and the archetypal nature of your history can unveil.
One point
toe floint
head to toe
front to know
to let go
in a hazy dance
with romance
no form
a faraway storm
one point
one mic
one square
triangular glare
yantra
mantra
DO NO HARM
breathe to close
the rose
to dive deep,
seek
To keep the mind with a secure concentration on an object while consciousness drifts in and out is Dharana. As fixation is maintained, you will realize that the object carries out a reflection. The object of focus has risen to shine a light on the conscious state. Dharana is to prepare your consciousness state for meditation. Focus on the Sri Lokesh, the space several inches in front of your face. This is where the object of focus will objectify.