Ekagrata is a steady state of mind in Hinduism. The word agra means the end portion of a blade of grass. The word ekagrata when used in relation to the mind in Hindu religion, it means fixed, steady, stable, one-pointed state when one concentrates on a single object without movement of any kind.
Ekagrata is closely associated with dhyana (meditation). In this state of mind, one is absorbed in one single object only.
Ekagrata is needed to achieve success in spiritual and worldly life. Single-pointed focus leads to success in all endeavors.
As per Yoga Sutra
The Ekagarata state of mind arises out of an earlier state of concentration, called dharana, in which the mind is bound to a single object without being pin-pointed ( Yoga Sutra III: 1)
As per Yoga Sutra (III 9 -13), the mind undergoes modification constantly. They are
- Nirodha Parinama
- Samadhi Parinama and
- Ekagrata Parinama.
Our mind is always a chain of experiences. Usually this chain consists of a variety of experiences. When an aspirant practices concentration successfully, the experiences subsides and a similarity of experiences in the chain is established. This is Ekagrata Parinama of the mind.
This happens in the state of Dhayana (meditation). When this ekagrata continues, with experiences coming to an end, the state is called Samadhi parinama.
This happens in the state of Dhayana (meditation). When this ekagrata continues, with experiences coming to an end, the state is called Samadhi parinama.