To prevent that, [one should undertake] practice on a single principle.

Eka-tattva-abhyāsa is the universal antidote: concentrating the mind on a single object or principle. Mental dispersion (vikṣepa) is cured by focus.

The specific object is not as important as constancy in practice. It can be the breath, a mantra, an image, a divine quality — what is essential is that it be one single object and that practice be sustained.

This sutra introduces the following ones (1.33-1.39), where Patañjali offers various options for objects of concentration. Each practitioner can choose according to their temperament.