What does "Dharana" signify in the context of yoga's eight limbs?

Dharana is a term that specifically refers to the practice of concentration. In the context of yoga’s eight limbs, it signifies the ability to focus the mind on a single point or object. This could involve concentration on the breath, a mantra, a physical object, or an aspect of one's inner self. The significance of Dharana lies in its role as a preparatory step for deeper practices such as Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (absorption), where concentration is key to achieving a meditative state.

While meditation is a broader practice that includes various techniques for mental stillness and awareness, and mindfulness refers to the quality of being present and fully engaged in the moment, Dharana specifically zeroes in on the act of focusing on a singular point, making it an essential building block in the process of mental discipline and spiritual development within the eight limbs of yoga. Additionally, the observance of moral values corresponds to the first two limbs of yoga, Yama and Niyama, which focus on ethical conduct and self-discipline rather than concentration.