Which limb of yoga is associated with the practice of focus and contemplation?

The limb of yoga that is specifically associated with the practice of focus and contemplation is Dharana. This is the sixth limb in the Eight Limbs of Yoga, as outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. Dharana refers to the cultivation of concentration, where the practitioner develops the ability to focus the mind on a single point, thought, or object. This profound focus is essential for deeper states of meditation, which follow Dharana in the sequence of practices.

The importance of Dharana lies in its role as a precursor to Dhyana, or meditation, where one begins to experience deeper contemplation. By mastering Dharana, practitioners prepare themselves for the more advanced stages of meditation, ultimately contributing to the attainment of a state of Samadhi, which is the culmination of yoga practice and involves a profound sense of union with the object of meditation.

In contrast, Asana focuses on physical postures and is more about the body rather than the mental aspects of focus and contemplation. Dhyana, while it involves deep meditation, follows Dharana as it requires a prior state of concentration. Samadhi represents the peak of meditative attainment, a state that can only be reached after mastering both Dharana and Dhyana.