DAY 25: JUNE 6
Pratyahara
प्रत्याहार
The fifth limb (anga) of the eight limbs (ashtanga) of yoga is Pratyahara.
We’ve gone through the first 3 yamas (non-harm, truthfullness, non-stealing), the first 3 niyamas (cleanliness, acceptance, self-discipline), asana (postures), pranayama (breathing) and now we arrive at pratyahara.
“Pratyahara is withdrawing the senses, mind and consciousness from contact with external objects, and then drawing them inwards towards the seer [self].”
~ Yoga Sutra 2:54; Iyengar
Pratyahara means to restrain or withdraw the senses, to withdraw or close the sense organs (indriyas) that often distract the yogi. Prati means against, or stopping. Ahara means to take something in. This word, ahara is usually used for food. Pratyahara literally means “to fast from the senses”. The food for the ears (sound), the eyes (sight), etc. The period of time where you shut everything out and go inward is called pratyahara.