Pratyahara
Pratyahara
is the fifth element among
the Eight stages of Patanjali's
Ashtanga Yoga. At this stage,
the consciousness of the individual
is internalized in order that
the sensations from the senses
of taste, touch, sight, hearing
and smell don't reach their
respective centres in the
brain. With this, the Sadhaka,
or disciple, is free to meditate
without distractions.
At
the advanced levels, the electrical
currents which pulsate through
the nerves and even the involuntary
muscles are turned off by
the practitioners. This is
accomplished through Pranayama
or breath-control.
Apart
from Pranayama, another device
that is used to aid in the
development of Pratyahara
is to concentrate on the point
between the eyebrows. This
location is known as Ajna
Chakra or the third eye.
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