It is possible to fasten the wayward mind by means of steady discipline and persistent training in Sadhana. This condition is called Ekagrata, one-pointedness, single mindedness or Dharana. The uninterrupted flow of oil from one vessel to another is a fine symbol of the mental process called Dharana. Dharana endows man with divine joy, wisdom beyond measure, the inner vision, the insight into the deeper truths, clearer understanding and unison with the God-head.(DhyV, p. 61)
Dharana according to Yoga Shastra, is the concentration of the mind on one object, without any deviation. Dharana alone can make Dhyanam successful.
The Name is essential for Dhyanam for that alone can ensure quick success.Dhyanam is spiritual strength, the strength that will keep off the Bhava-roga, or the disease of Samsara. How is meditation to be done? The first step is Dharana. Twelve Dharanas amount to one Dhyana. Twelve Dhyanas equal to Samadhi. Dharana is steady concentrated viewing of any object for twelve seconds. You have to look at any object, a flame, a picture or an idol for twelve seconds only with total concentration, without winking the eyelids. This is Dharana. Practising Dharana is a preparation for Dhyana. The denotation of Dhyana is twelve Dharanas. This means Dhyana should be 12x12=144 seconds that is, two minutes and twenty four seconds. Dhyana does not call for sitting in ‘meditation’ for hours. Proper Dhyana need not last more than 2 minutes 24 seconds. It is only after Dharana has been practised well that one can do Dhyana(meditation) well. Twelve Dhyanas equal to the Samadhi – This means 144 x12 seconds, that is 28 minutes and 48 seconds-very much less than an hour. If Samadhi is prolonged, it may prove fatal. These are disciplines the Yogis practised. These disciplines are not explained in any of the Shastras. If you want to proceed correctly in the practice of these disciplines, you have to begin with Dharana. Start practising Dharana for 12 seconds a day from now on: This is very important for students.
In the past, Yogis like Aurobindo and Ramana Maharshi practised these disciplines. Ramana Maharshi used to go up to the terrace and concentrate on a particular star for twelve seconds. In that state, the mind also was still and steady. By continuing this practice of Dharana, you can develop the capacity to perform Dhyana for 2 minutes 24 seconds. Continuing the practice of Dhyana in this way, you develop the capacity to be in a state of Samadhi for 28 minutes and 48 seconds. (D3 , pp. 153-154)
Students must practise Dharana. They may choose any object for the purpose of concentrating on it - a picture or a physical object. There is also an internal method of practising Dharana. When you close your eyes, a small dark spot appears before the inner eye. You may concentrate on this spot for 12 seconds without letting it move. By this practice, the power of meditation can be developed.(D3 , p. 155)