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Abstraction of Senses

Classification > Abstraction of Senses

Fifth limb: Abstraction of Senses (Pratyahara)

The art of withdrawing the attention of the five senses from the outside world to the inner world. Becoming one with the inner experience.

By withdrawing our attention from the external environment and by focusing inwards on the breath and sensations, we ease the mind and become more aware of our body. With this awareness and focus we can move deeper into the practice of Yoga, learning to move through our limitations, fears and expectations. A key in the practice of Pratyahara is the observing of the body, breath and sensations as a detached witness.

Indriya-pratyahara, the control of the senses, is a very important form of Pratyahara. In our mass media-oriented culture, most people suffer from sensory overload. The result of constant bombardment of impressions from television, radio, computers, newspapers, magazines and books is an ongoing stimulates the placing of ones awareness in the outer world rather than in the inner. We are confronted daily with noise, commercials, bright colors, dramatic sensations. We have been brougt up to indulge in sensory impressions through entertainment and contstant exposure to different medias like the TV, Internet etc.

The problem is that the senses, have their own instinctual will. They tell the mind what to do. If we don't discipline the senses, they will dominate us with their endless demands. We are so accustomed to ongoing sensory activity that we don't know how to be in peace of mind. We have become hostages to the world of the senses and its allurements. We run after what is appealing to the senses and forget the higher goals of life.

Pratyahara translates directly as 'sense withdrawal'. By withdrawing our attention from the external environment and by focusing inwards on the breath and sensations, we still the mind and increase our awareness of the body. With this awareness and focus we can move deeper into the practice of Yoga, learning to move through our limitations, fears and expectations. The key to practicing Pratyahara is to become a witness and observe the body, breath, sensations and the mind stuff coming and going through your mind. When you practice Pratyahara with compassion and discipline, it will lead you to deeper stages of concentration and meditation.