Dharana is the sixth limb of Ashtanga Yoga. In literal terms, the word "Dharana" means 'unbending concentration of mind'. The main idea underlying Dharana is the concentration or focus of attention in one direction or one object. Dharana is a form of meditation which could be called receptive concentration. With the help of Dharana a set of conditions are created through which mind focuses attention in one direction and object rather than concentrating in many directions.

Dharana aims at fixing the mind by getting it focused upon some stable entity. Though it is easier said than done but after starting with small steps one can achieve the desired results. Rolling the eyes upward and downward to get concentration one by one in one direction after another is a good method to start the concentration practice. Any object selected for practicing Dharana has nothing to do with the meditation part. This is just to stop the mind from wandering -through memories, dreams, or reflective thought-by deliberately holding it single-mindedly upon some apparently static object.

After being purified by Yoga practices, the mind is able to concentrate more on one subject or point. After reaching such position an individual is ready to unleash great potential for inner healing. If the yogi chooses to focus on a center ("chakra") of the inner energy flow, he or she can directly experience the physical and mental blocks and imbalances that remain in his or her system. This ability to concentrate depends on excellent psychological health and integration and is not an escape from reality, but rather a movement toward perception of its true nature.