5th Limb, Pratyahara. The Subtlest aspect of Hatha Yoga

So we're on the 5th Limb of Asha-taanga Yoga.

Pratyahara meaning the withdrawal of the senses or mastery of external influences.

It is a prelude to meditation. Most meditation techniques begin by encouraging the senses inwards so that the mind may follow.

Because of the degree of over stimulation of the senses in modern society. For example city life, computers, televisions. This can be a difficult process. But with continuous guidance from the Yamas(1st Limb) and Niyamas(2nd Limb) and senses grow calm.

Gently enticing the senses to draw within starts with our strongest information-gatherer; the power of sight. More than 75 percent of information gathered from the external world is assembled from what we see.

Redirecting the seeing to an internal focus encourages all the other senses to follow. Because we load so many visual images in our minds, we continue to 'see' even with the eyes closed. Often students learning to meditate are coached to establish their inward gaze between the eyebrows (to their 'third eye') or at the heart centre. With this slow and gentle training the mind will gradually let go of images/thoughts and become still.

Carefully choosing our outward images can help the inner vision to calm. Choosing to watch a television that changes channel over and over again over the course of an evening or surf the internet going from one website to the next and on again will leave the mind racing between umpteen amount of images and thoughts and usually with not one of any importance at all.

For a deeper level of practice, you may choose to withdraw, to a simple place in nature that affords very little outward stimulation. Now would be a perfect opportunity to mention that our public parks offer many such places:)

As the 'sight' firmly adheres to the inner world, the sense of hearing follows. Refining the level and quality of sound we regularly experience prepares us for the subtle internal sounds. The subtler senses of touch, smell and taste join seeing and hearing.

Encouraging the senses to draw inwards is Pratyahara