PRATYAHARA
What is Pratyahara?
Pratyahara is part of the Pranayama, wherein we withdraw from the external and bring our focus inwards towards our breath, as connection with the external senses. It is derived from two Sanskrit words: prati and ahara, where prati means away or against and ahara meaning food, or anything taken into ourselves.It means to withdraw oneself from that which nourishes the senses." - Apart from Pranayama, another method that is used to aid in the development of Pratyahara is to concentrate on the point between the eyebrows. This is called AjnaChakra or the third eye.
Another common technique for inducing Pratyahara is to first reduce physical stimuli, then concentrate on one sense, such as hearing.
How should we explore about Pratyahara
1. Skip a meal once a week or give up a favorite food.
2. Observe silence. Sign up for a silence retreat, stay quiet for a day or two on a regular basis, or observe.
3. Silence for a set period of time every day, say from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
4. Avoid gossip and negative remarks.
5. Practice periods of voluntary celibacy.
6. Observe compassion in your thoughts, speech, and actions.