Pratyahara: Inward Focus- Practice of the Month
The practice of inward focus, pratayahar, is the fifth limb on the eight limb path outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. The path begins with external principles, like satya and ahimsa (truth and non-harming), and ends with internal principles like meditation- harder to attain. Pratyahar is the bridge between the external and the internal practice of yoga.
Though many yoga students begin to explore pratyahara by physically withdrawing the senses and focusing on the breath or flow of prana, pratyahara does not require a permanent withdrawal from the world or a detachment from external experience.
Rather pratyahara encompasses whole awareness so that rather than reacting to certain situations- the practitioner can move forward in accordance with inner truth and knowing.
Pratyahara is not about ignoring external stimulus as it arises but instead pratyahara is the choice to avoiding reacting, to remain neutral and unaffected.
Through the practice of pratayahar we begin to notice what it is that draws us out of the present moment, away from our mind/body link, union. We discover the external stimulus or draw out of the present moment is likely a distraction from sitting with reality.
The most common techniques to begin practicing pratyahara include pranayam and visualization of agna chakra, 3rd eye center, doorway to intuition.
August 13th, 2009 at 3:06 am
This is a tricky practice, and one that I’m not sure you can ever fully realize. There have been times where my senses have melted and I have become aware of myself as a breathing being in harmony with my surroundings. For me the bliss is a wonderful expression of the time it takes to learn how to stop listening and looking for the perpetual next moment. We are only in control through action and pratyahara is non action. Like a favorite song of mine, Smiling like a Buddha. Peace.
August 28th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Hmm…I’ve been practicing pratyahara for about a month now and I feel like I’m only now making progress. I have to work on my focus more. I’ve only once felt the sensation that Ryan is talking about. But isn’t it all a lifetime journey? I’m glad to be on this path.