Patanjali Yogasutra 2.53
धारणासु च योग्यता मनसः ||२.५३||
"And the mind becomes fit for concentration (dharana)."
In this Sutra, Patanjali addresses the culmination of the practice of pranayama, which leads to the preparedness of the mind for
dharana - concentration. The practice of pranayama helps to calm the fluctuations of the mind and body, leading to mental clarity and focus. Here, Patanjali emphasizes that the regular practice of pranayama not only purifies the mind but also prepares it for higher stages of yoga, such as dharana, dhyana
(meditation), and samadhi (absorption).
The word yogyata in the Sutra is of particular importance. It refers to the fitness or readiness of the mind. This readiness is not simply about the absence of distractions but a deeper mental steadiness that allows for continuous concentration on a single point or object. As a result of pranayama, the mind sheds its habitual tendencies to wander and instead becomes more centered. This Sutra marks the transition from the preparatory practices of yoga to the deeper, more meditative aspects where the mind is capable of focused attention without distraction.
The relationship between
pranayama and dharana illustrates the stepwise progression of the eightfold path of yoga. Before one can achieve the state of deep meditation or contemplation (dhyana), the mind must first be disciplined and focused. This focus is cultivated through sustained practice, showing that the control of the breath directly affects the control of the mind. Patanjali highlights the importance of a clear and calm mind as the foundation for more profound spiritual practices.
Context from Other Vedic Texts
A similar concept regarding mental clarity and preparation for concentration can be found in the Katha Upanishad 2.3.10
यदा पञ्चावतिष्ठन्ते ज्ञानानि मनसा सह ।
बुद्धिश्च न विचेष्टते तामाहुः परमां गतिम् ॥
"When the five senses, along with the mind, remain still, and the intellect is no longer active, that, they say, is the highest state."
This verse from the Katha Upanishad reflects a similar understanding of the mind's readiness for deep concentration or meditative absorption. It speaks of a state where the senses and the intellect are fully controlled, resulting in mental stillness, a prerequisite for attaining higher states of Consciousness. The control of the mind and senses prepares one for the Ultimate Realization, similar to how
pranayama in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras prepares the mind for dharana.
Another parallel can be drawn from the Yoga Vashishta 3.6.37
मन एव मनुष्याणां कारणं बन्धमोक्षयोः ।
बन्धाय विषयासक्तं मुक्त्यै निर्विषयं स्मृतम् ॥
"The mind alone is the cause of both bondage and liberation. When attached to sense objects, it leads to bondage, and when free from them, it leads to liberation."
This verse from the Yoga Vashishta elaborates on the critical role of the mind in both bondage and liberation. A mind attached to external objects is distracted and unfocused, making meditation and concentration impossible. However, a mind that is detached and free from the pull of sensory experiences becomes capable of deep focus, similar to Patanjali's explanation of how pranayama
leads to the fitness of the mind for concentration.
Lastly, the Bhagavad Gita 6.13 also discusses the control of the mind in relation to meditation:
समं कायशिरोग्रीवं धारयन्नचलं स्थिरः।
सम्प्रेक्ष्य नासिकाग्रं स्वं दिशश्चानवलोकयन्॥
"Let him firmly hold his body, head, and neck erect and still, gazing at the tip of his nose, without looking in any direction."
In this verse from the Bhagavad Gita, there is a clear instruction on the posture and focus required for meditation. This emphasis on physical and mental stillness aligns with Patanjali’s teachings on the importance of preparation and readiness before engaging in deeper meditative practices like dharana. By stabilizing the body and focusing on a single point, the practitioner creates a conducive environment for the mind to become still and concentrated.
These verses from various texts emphasize the universal understanding across different schools of thought in Indian philosophy about the importance of preparing the mind for concentration through discipline, detachment, and control of both the body and senses.
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