Pratyhara Definition and Meaning, Benefits and How to Practice

The simple meaning of pratyahara is the withdrawal of awareness from worldly objects. With different means, if any practitioner withdraws and removes senses from all earthly objects is known a pratyahara. This is the fifth limb of the Ashtanga yoga, and it prepares the yogi for the next step, “Dhyana”. The ultimate aim of the Ashtanga yoga is Samadhi.

The inward focus of the yogi helps in bringing the state of meditation quickly. The continuous stream of information from the five senses of the body is disturbing and makes the monkey mind. With the practice of the other four limbs of Ashtanga yoga, the practitioner is ready to put concentration in the inner world.

What is Pratyahara? 

This word is taken from the Sanskrit, which is an ancient Vedic language, and has different contexts for words. When we break the word, there are two other words- “prati”, which means against or inversion, other word is “ahara” means food or intake. There are many types of intake according to science, like air, water, food, perception and emotions.

In this word, we are talking about the senses or feeling intake means perception and emotional intake inversion. It is a stage of complete withdrawal, or not allowing the five senses to allow perception. It makes a yogi a simple creature and more aware of his inner world.

Read Also:- Emotional Detox Retreat in Rishikesh

Explanation of the Ashtanga Yoga Limbs 

Among various types of Yoga, Ashtanga yoga is one of the major types, and it was formulated by Sage Patanjali. It gives a series of complete practices, which guide any yogi towards the path of salvation. The eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga are: 

• Yama:- It is the very first step and is considered the foundational step. As a yogi grows their desire for the path of salvation, they must have ethical restraints.
• Niyama:- The next discipline is the observances, which must have a proper schedule to train the mindset of the body.
• Asana:- In simple language, or precisely, they are known as poses, or postures, for body flexibility. Stiffness in the body creates emotional and physical blockage. They are trained to remove such blockages.
• Pranayama:- The breathing practice of any yogi is also known as pranayama. It helps in expanding the inner world and the visceral organs. 
• Pratyahara:- The fifth major step is the withdrawal of the five senses from the materialistic objects and to put that focus on the inner world.
• Dhyana:- It is the sixth limb of Ashtanga yoga, which focuses on the self. In simple we may call it meditation.
• Dharana:- The last highest is concentration or “Dharana” to change the objective from the self to the non-self.
• Samadhi:- It is a state of the yogi in ultimate bliss. It is achieved by the practice of all other limbs for a long time and achieving a state where the body lies, but not consciousness to the external world.

Benefits of Practising Pratyahara or Withdrawal 

The concept behind Pratyahara, or withdrawal, is to stop the scattering of the vital energy and use it for inner observation. When the Parana flow is limited to an extent, the stage achieved is Dharana. There are many benefits of withdrawal of senses, prominent are:

1. Although it is not a type os posture, but gives calmness to all the senses of our body.
2. Give mental clarity, or we can say that it removes mind fog.
3. Reduce depression, anxiety and external disturbances in the life of a person.
4. With continuous withdrawal, we heightened deep awareness, which helps in sharpening inner perception.
5. Detachment can be practised more efficiently with pratyahara; it brings self-determination.
6. Emotional clarity increased, and it prepares the mind for meditation.
7. Deep insights and realisations from the inner world.

How to Practice Pratyahara & Types of Pratyahara 

There are two types of Pratyahara: Indriya Pratyahara and the other is Prana Pratyahara. The first one can be performed with the physical practices such as Kumbhaka, closed eyes, bringing focus on breath, etc. The second is tough; it controls the pranic flow in the different parts of the body. It is performed with Karma yoga sadhna or by surrendering ourselves.

Here are some collective methods for practising Pratyahara: 

• By focusing on the third eye or ajna chakra between the eyebrows.
• By focusing on the breath and also by Trataka or candle gazing.
• Seating in Padmasana and practising Kumbhaka

For Prana Pratyahara 

It is practised in the presence of the Guru, who guides you through the whole path. Here are some methods:

• By Karma Yoga.
• Bringing the entire focus to a single point.
• By surendring ourself.
• By distracting the mind or by the withdrawal of wholesome.

Conclusion

Pratyahara is the withdrawal of senses, actions, mind and lastly Prana. It prepares a yogi for further steps, which is known as Dhyana. These senses can’t be withdrawn in one action; it is a long practice. The benefits of the pratyahara are emotional clarity, reducing mental stress, and an increase in willpower or focus. You can Contact Pratham Yoga for more guidance on this topic.