Life in the modern age often moves at a relentless pace. We are urged to do more, achieve more, and fill every moment. Yet this pursuit can often leave us feeling scattered, tired, stressed, and oddly unfulfilled. The yogic path reminds us that richness does not come from adding more. Instead, we are guided to refine our gaze or viewpoint - which in yoga is called Dṛṣṭi (दृष्टि) [Drishti] - to one thing at a time.

This quality of gathered attention is known as Ekāgratā (एकाग्रता) “single-pointed focus”. And surprisingly, far from being restrictive, it opens the doorway to freedom.

Yogic Wisdom

The Yoga Sūtra (III.11) tells us:

एकाग्रता परिणामः चित्तस्य समाधिप्रकरणम्
ekāgratā pariṇāmaḥ cittasya samādhi-prakaraṇam
“The transformation toward one-pointedness of mind is the beginning of samādhi.” 
In other words, when the mind rests steadily, even for a moment, we taste peace.

The Kaṭha Upaniṣad (II.6.11) reminds us:

यदा पञ्चावतिष्ठन्ते ज्ञानानि मनसा सह । बुद्धिश्च न विचेष्टते तामाहुः परमां गतिम् ॥
yadā pañcāvatiṣṭhante jñānāni manasā saha | buddhiś ca na viceṣṭate tām āhuḥ paramāṁ gatim ||
“When the five senses and the mind are still, and the intellect is at rest, that 
is said to be the highest state.”

Minimalism and Aparigraha

Yoga also teaches Aparigraha (अपरिग्रह) which is the practice of non-grasping, non-hoarding, detachment, and self-reliance. This is a form of minimalism. However, it's not about deprivation. It's about creating space. By releasing what is excessive (in our homes, schedules, habits, or other behaviours), we uncover what is essential.

When aparigraha meets ekāgratā, life becomes a practice of devotion to the simple and the true: a sip of water, the fragrance of a flower, the feel of the earth, the expanse of the sky,

The Bhagavad Gītā (VI.17) expresses this balance beautifully:

युक्ताहारविहारस्य युक्तचेष्टस्य कर्मसु । युक्तस्वप्नावबोधस्य योगो भवति दुःखहा ॥
yuktāhāra-vihārasya yukta-ceṣṭasya karmasu | yuktasvapnāvabodhasya yogo bhavati duḥkha-hā ||
“For one who is balanced in eating, moving, working, sleeping, and waking, yoga destroys sorrow.”

Simple Yogic Practices to Cultivate Ekāgratā (एकाग्रता):

• Mindful Walking (चङ्क्रमण / caṅkramaṇa)
  Walk slowly, noticing each step and the contact of earth beneath your feet.
   
• Breath Awareness (प्राण ध्यान / prāṇa-dhyāna) 
  [Note: dhyana = meditation/contemplation/awareness]
  Pause often and lengthen the exhale; feel how the body softens.
   
• Gentle Steady Āsana (आसन)
  Enjoy a few breaths in grounding yogic postures such as forward folds, or simply lay down in savāsana (शवासन).
   
• Nature Contemplation (प्रकृति ध्यान / prakṛti-dhyāna)
  [Note: dhyana = meditation/contemplation/awareness]
  Sit by a tree, a river, in your garden, or anywhere you feel close to nature. Let attention rest on what is alive and changing.
   
• Mouna (मौन) Sacred silence
  Sometimes, few moments of silence each day can do more for clarity than hours of conversation. 
   
• Japa (जप)
  Repeat a mantra softly (internally or externally), allowing the mind to rest on its rhythm.
   
• Aparigraha (अपरिग्रह)
  Let go of one unnecessary object or habit today. Notice the lightness that follows.

The Power of Less

Ekāgratā is not withdrawal from life, on the contrary, it is immersion into it to a far deeper level. By doing less and doing it with presence, we align with nature’s own rhythm. In the stillness of one breath, in the simplicity of one flower, the fullness of yoga (a calm equanimous mind) reveals itself.