Dharana (Concentration)

"Desabandhas cittasya dharana."

Dharana is the binding of the mind to one place, object or idea. Yoga Sutras 3:1

Dharana may be translated as "holding steady", "concentration" or "single focus". It is the beginning of meditation.

“If you walk, just walk. If you sit, just sit. But whatever you do, don’t wobble.” Zen Master Unman

In 2001 Chris Sharma climbed the world’s hardest sport climb, Realization, a 5.15a overhang in France. It took him thirty attempts before he succeeded. He describes the climb as a mental, not physical, challenge. "To see the whole thing, I had to be in the moment. Meditation is important for balance. You need to rely on yourself to quiet the mind. I know having more of a mental calm has helped me when I try something that’s very difficult. It makes you realize that you’re not always going to be at your best, because when you meditate, you’re paying close attention to your body and how it feels. As a result, you’re at ease when things don’t work out. You learn to appreciate the lows, just let them happen, learn from them, and go back and try again." We can develop this level of attention by connecting with the breath and sustaining our awareness of it. Once we develop the steadiness of attention we can keep our mind focused in the present moment. We can then begin to observe the mind and the body from a different perspective and experience. When attention matures it can be like a calm, deep flowing river.

“If your mind is unsteady and wandering, many branched and endless are the thoughts and choices. When your mind is clear and one-pointed, there is only one decision.” Bhagavad Gita, 2:41

"The essence of climbing hinges on having a keen sense of body awareness. Experience plays a critical role, but the focus of attention is paramount." Lynn Hill