dharana

In Indian philosophy, particularly within Hinduism and Buddhism, dharana refers to a state of fixed attention or mental concentration on a single object without wavering. It is a crucial step in meditation practices, aiming to achieve spiritual freedom and ultimately nirvana.12

A related concept is the dharani, a sacred Sanskrit phrase that functions as a verbal protective device or talisman. It is often a concise summary of a longer sacred text, serving as an aid to retention and conveying the same merit as reading the entire work when properly recited. The meaning of a dharani can be obscure, and its accuracy is carefully preserved through oral tradition.3