What is Concentration i.e Dharana in Yoga

DHARANA - CONCENTRATION

Dharana is the sixth step of ashtanga yoga, ashtanga yoga is also known as raja yoga or the kingly path of yoga. Ashtanga yoga is the path of will, or the path of mind control.

8 STEPS of Ashtanga Yoga are - yama / niyama / asana / pranayam / pratyahara / dharana / dhyana. Yama and Niyama are further divided into 5 steps each i.e .....
yama - ahimsa / satya / asteya / brahamacharya / aparigraha
niyama - saucha / santosha / tapas / svsdhyaya / ishwar pranidhana

After doing the first five steps of ashtanga yoga also known as bahiranga ( outer world ), we start with the sixth step i.e dharana.
Dharana is the preparatory exercise for dhyana (meditation)

Dharana is - one thought and one object - subject and object become one - awareness is contracted

While
Dhyana is - one object but multiple thoughts - subject and object become one everything else is just present - expansion of awareness - presence of divinity

"Energy is spent in concentration whereas it is Conserved in Meditation."

"TARGET IS ALL THAT MATTERS"

e.g - "firing by a soldier is rewarded but by a gangster is punished"
Concentration is Ok but what you Concentrate on is IMPORTANT

IN OTHER WORDS concentration is---

"TO ELMINATE DISTRACTION WILL LEAD TO CONCENTRATION "

"REMOVING UNNECESSARY THOUGHTS WILL LEAD CONCENTRATION"

"DELETING THE EXCESS THOUGHTS WILL LEAD TO CONCENTRATION"

HOW TO ACHIEVE CONCENTRATION?

1. SHORTLIST AND NOTEDOWN THE THINGS THAT DISTRACT
2. FIX A PLACE IN THE HOUSE FOR CONCENTRATION OR SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
3. STICK TO A ROUTINE, EFFICIENT STUDY SCHEDULE
4. FOCUS BEFORE - LIKE A WARM UP FOR THE MIND
5. CREATE INCENTIVES AND REWARD YOURSELF
6. CHANGE THE TOPIC EVERY ONE HR OR TWO HRS
7. TAKE REGULAR BREAKS
8. PHYSICAL EXERCISES
9. HEALTHY EATING HABITS
10. VERY IMPORTANT REST WELL - SLEEP

Rule to remember when concentrating is "BE HERE RIGHT NOW"
Mind is a natural wanderer - "Remember its like the monkey without a leash" as explained by swami vivekananda.
When you notice your thoughts wandering astray, say to yourself "BE HERE RIGHT NOW"
And gently bring back your attention back where you want it.

Combination Of Pranayam, Physical Exercises (Asanas, Weights, Aerobics Etc), Satvik Food And Rest (Good Sleep) Is Advised

For A Healthy Body And A Healthy Mind -

As A Result Concentration Becomes Easy & Effortless