Pratyahara (प्रत्याहारः)

Yoga is a discipline to improve or develop one's inherent power in a balanced manner. It guide and offers the means to attain complete self-realization. The literal meaning of the sanskrit word yoga is 'Yoke'. Yoga can therefore be defined as a means of uniting the individual spirit with the universal spirit of god.

OBJECTIVES

• Explain the terms Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi;

• List the special features of Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi;

• Describe the benefits of Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and

Samadhi; and

• Adopt the correct procedure for practicing, Pratyahara,

Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi.

PRATYAHARA

Pratyahara is derived from the sanskrit word - prati, meaning ‘away’ or ‘against’. and ahara, meaning ‘nourishment’ or ‘food’. Therefore, the whole word denotes a withdrawal from what nourishes the senses. Pratyahara means ‘withdrawal of the senses’. It's a powerful way to master your mind, cultivate inner peace, and boost your focus and concentration. Before we can actually teach kids to control their senses, they need to understand what they are required to do . Start by identifying the five senses: sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. Pratyahara is considered important in yoga helping the practitioner into concentration, meditation and, eventually, to the goal of samadhi (union with the Divine). By withdrawing the focus from the senses and the external environment, the mind can turn inward, deepening yogic practice.

The main objective of Pratyahara is about training the mind to withdraw from the senses.

Benefits

• It allows the mind to be peaceful so that good concentration can be developed.

• It helps to stay away from distraction or disturbance

PRACTICE PRATYAHARA

1. Reduce the physical stimuli as much as you can. This is crucial, especially at the beginning.

2. Sit comfortably on a chair, on the floor, or try to get into any other comfortable position of your choice. Probably it is not a good idea to lie down, because if you do, you might fall asleep. Remember, the idea is to remain conscious and not to doze off. Pratyahara is not relaxation, it is an exercise of awareness.

3. Close your eyes and try to move your body as little as possible for about 10 minutes.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

• Avoid gossips and negative talks

Gossip is a bad thing for children especially when done with the intention is to say or spread words that are hurtful, damaging to a one's feelings or reputation.

• Associate with good friends

Once there was a fruit seller. He had a few mangoes in his basket. All the mangoes were good, except the one, which was rotten. He thought, 'If I leave this rotten mango in the basket full of good mangoes then that rotten mango too would turn to good'. So, he left the rotten mango in the basket full of good mangoes. However, a week later, when he opened the basket, he was shocked to see that, contrary to his expectation, all the good mangoes had become rotten. Keep this point in mind, and always try to remain in the company of good and well-mannered friends.

• Observing the nature

Observing the nature helps create a sense of wonder in you, which you can carry over to other aspects of your life. Being out in nature helps children to become more aware. Nature gives you the chance to engage all the senses. Enjoy the rising sun, full moon, gaze at the tree, observe the birds, listen to the chirping of the birds etc.

• Listening to good music

Singing and music play an important role in our culture, especially singing and listening to bhajans. Right from birth, parents instinctively use music to calm and soothe children, to express love and joy, and to engage and create interaction. Inculcate a sense of appreciation for Indian classical music, try to learn Tabla, Sitar, Santoor or Harmonium etc. These will have a great impact on developing positive aspect of the personality.

• Observe your feeling before food and while having food

You must be fond of food items such as vada-pav, pav-bhaji, pizzas, chinese food, biscuits, potato chips and cold drinks. But are you aware of the adverse effects of consuming these items in excess? These have a harmful effect on our mind and body. We think on the basis of whatever we eat and in turn act according to what we think.

Let us understand this with the help of this story

Once, a Monk committed a theft at king's palace after having his meal. The king was shocked at this incident and sought to find out how even a Monk could commit a theft. While investigation, he found out that the cook who had prepared that day's meal had committed a theft. In this way, the food served, became a medium to pass the bad habit.

Homemade food is fresh, healthy and easy to digest. Not only it satisfies our hunger but also provides us with good nutrition.

• Wash your hands and legs before eating your lunch.

• Before having food, pray to Kuladevata (Family Deity) or the Upasyadevata (Deity of worship).

• Do not talk in between while having your food. Have food with a pleasant mind thanking the supreme for the food.

• Finish all the food in your plate. Do not waste anything.