Pratyahara (प्रत्याहारः)

परिचयः ॥ Introduction

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

OBJECTIVES

• Explain the term Pratyahara

• List the special features of Pratyahara

• Describe the benefits of Pratyahara

• Adopt the correct procedure for practicing Pratyahara

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 the mind, cultivate inner peace and boost one's focus and concentration.

However, before learning to control one's senses, it is important to understand why it is required to do. Pratyahara is considered important in yoga helping the practitioner into Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (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. Therefore, the prime benefits of Pratyahara include

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

• Helping to stay away from distraction or disturbance

THE PRACTICE

The Practice of Pratyahara involves

1. Reducing the physical stimuli as much as possible. This is crucial, especially at the beginning.

2. Sitting comfortably on a chair, on the floor, or in any other comfortable position of one's choice except lying down as the posture may induce sleep. Because, Pratyahara is not relaxation, it is an exercise of awareness. And the idea is to remain conscious and not sleep.

3. Closing the eyes and not moving the body or moving as little as possible for about 10 minutes.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

• Gossips and negative talks should be avoided.

• One should associate with good friends for, one rotten mango spoils the entire basket of fruits.

• One should observe the nature as it helps create a sense of wonder that one can carry over to other aspects of life. It also helps one 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.

• One should listen to good music as it will have a great impact on developing positive aspect of one's personality.

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.

• One should observe one's feeling before and while having food because we think on the basis of whatever we eat and in turn act according to what we think. Therefore, one should

• Wash hands and legs before eating.

• Pray to Kuladevata (Family Deity) or the Upasyadevata (Deity of worship) before having food

• Avoid talking while having food. Instead, have food with a pleasant mind thanking the Supreme Being for the same.

• Avoid wastage of food.