What does the practice of Pratyahara involve?

The practice of Pratyahara is primarily about the withdrawal of the senses from external objects and distractions. It serves as a bridge between the external practices of asana (physical postures) and pranayama (breath control) and the internal practices of meditation. By focusing inward and reducing sensory input, practitioners can cultivate greater awareness of their thoughts and emotions, leading to deeper states of concentration and meditation.

Pratyahara allows individuals to detach from sensory experiences, which can often lead to disturbances in the mind. Through this withdrawal, a practitioner can still the fluctuations of the mind and foster a more profound connection to their inner self. This inward focus is essential for progressing on the yogic path, as it prepares the mind for deeper meditative practices.

The other options represent different aspects of yoga practice. Control of the breath aligns closely with pranayama, physical postures connect with asana, and ethical conduct relates to the yamas and niyamas, which are foundational principles in yoga, but none of these capture the essence of Pratyahara as effectively as the withdrawal of the senses does.