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== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

== 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.

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 Samskrit word yoga is 'to enjoin'. Yoga can therefore, be defined as a means of uniting the individual atman with the universal brahman.<ref name=":0">Yoga - Level B ([https://nios.ac.in/media/documents/OBE_indian_knowledge_tradition/Level_B/Yoga/Yoga_(Level-B)_ch-4-final.pdf Chapter 4]), Open Basic Education Programme (Bharatiya Jnana Parampara), Noida: National Institute of Open Schooling.</ref>

== OBJECTIVES ==

== प्रत्याहारः ॥ Pratyahara ==

• Explain the term Pratyahara

The term Pratyahara is derived from the Samskrit words 'Prati' meaning ‘away’ or ‘against’ and 'ahara' meaning ‘nourishment’ or ‘food’. Therefore, the word literally denotes a withdrawal from what nourishes the senses. In other word, Pratyahara means ‘withdrawal of the senses’. It is a powerful way to master the mind, cultivate inner peace and boost one's focus and concentration.  

 

 

 

 

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

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.

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

== अभ्यासः ॥ The Practice ==

 

== THE PRACTICE ==

The Practice of Pratyahara involves

The Practice of Pratyahara involves

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

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

 

# 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.

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.  

# Closing the eyes and not moving the body or moving as little as possible for about 10 minutes.<ref name=":0" />

 

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

=== GENERAL GUIDELINES ===

=== GENERAL GUIDELINES ===

• Avoid wastage of food.

• Avoid wastage of food.