Alternative spellings of this word include Panchadharana.

In Hinduism

Yoga (school of philosophy)

Source: eScholarship: Gāruḍa Medicine (yoga)

Pañcadhāraṇā (पञ्चधारणा) refers to the “five-fold meditation on the elements”, according to the Vivekamārtaṇḍa (or Gorakṣaśataka), one of the earliest text on Haṭhayoga.—Meditation on the five elements in five centers of the body is taught in post-twelfth century Yoga texts such as the Vivekamārtaṇḍa (12th–13th centuries) where the Yogin holds his breath and mind for two hours each on the heart (Earth), throat (Water), palate (Fire), space between the eyebrows (Wind), and the crown of the head (Ether). The purpose of this visualization is to gain mastery over the elements resulting in powers specific to each element: “Stabilizing, supporting, and burning as well as desiccating; this is the five-fold meditation on the elements (pañcadhāraṇā)”. The mastery of the elements involves both the ability to harness the power of that element and the ability to be protected from that power. For example, mastery of Fire means one can both make something burn as well as not have oneself be burnt by fire.

context information

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as āsanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: The University of Sydney: A study of the Twelve Reflections

Pañcadhāraṇā (पञ्चधारणा) refers to “five acts of concentration”, according to the 11th century Jñānārṇava, a treatise on Jain Yoga in roughly 2200 Sanskrit verses composed by Śubhacandra.—Accordingly, “In abiding-in-objects [meditation], there are to be known five acts of concentration (pañcadhāraṇā—pañca vijñeyā dhāraṇā) described by the heroes [of the past]. The one who is restrained who is expert in them cuts through the bonds of life”.

context information

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Dharana, Tarana, Panca.

Starts with: Pancadharanaka.

Full-text: Dharana, Bhramani, Bhutadharana, Stambhini, Shoshini, Dharini, Dahani, Panca.

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