The Dharana Dhyana Mantra is a class of mantras used in the practice of dharana, the sixth limb of Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga as described in the Yoga Sutras (Yoga Sutra 3.1: 'desha-bandhash-chittasya dharana'). These mantras are employed to fix the mind on a single point, object, or thought, thereby cultivating one-pointedness (ekagrata). The term 'dharana' means 'holding' or 'steadying,' and these mantras serve as tools to stabilize the wandering mind. While the Yoga Sutras do not prescribe specific mantras for dharana, traditional texts such as the Mantra Mahodadhi (Chapter 2) and the Shaktisangama Tantra (Section on Mantra Sadhana) elaborate on the use of bija mantras like 'Om' or 'Hrim' for concentration. The beej-akshara 'Om' (प्रणव) is considered the primordial sound representing the unmanifest Brahman, and its repetition (japa) is recommended for focusing the mind.
According to the Mantra-Yoga-Samhita, the phoneme 'Om' consists of three matras (A-U-M) symbolizing the three states of consciousness (waking, dreaming, deep sleep) and the fourth (turiya) beyond. The purpose of these mantras is to prepare the mind for deeper meditation (dhyana) and ultimately samadhi. Traditional benefits include enhanced concentration, mental clarity, reduced distraction, and improved memory. The recommended chanting context is during seated meditation, preferably in a quiet space, at dawn or dusk. The count may vary from 108 repetitions (one mala) to longer sessions as per the practitioner's capacity.
The ritual setting often involves a clean, sacred space, and the use of a japa mala (rosary) for counting. Cautions include avoiding mechanical repetition without awareness; the mantra should be chanted with full attention and devotion. Those with mental health conditions should practice under guidance. The Dharana Dhyana Mantra is not tied to a specific deity but is associated with the universal principle of focused awareness. It is worshiped pan-India and globally as part of yoga practices.
The primordial sound, representing the unmanifest Brahman, used for concentration.
The beej-akshara 'Om' (प्रणव) consists of three matras A-U-M, symbolizing the three states of consciousness (waking, dreaming, deep sleep) and the fourth (turiya) beyond. It is the seed-sound for focusing the mind.