Pratyahara is sense control where we withdraw from external objects which nourish the senses in order to still the mind. It is the practice of drawing one’s attention inward rather than toward objects.
When our senses are unchecked and in control of our minds we become enslaved by them. The eyes draw our attention away from what we are doing or whom we are speaking to if we feel we have to see everything and everyone that passes by us. Our taste buds cause us to crave all sorts of foods whether they are good for the rest of the body or not so as to please the tongue. We become addicted to a continual need to stimulate our senses and are then driven by desire. As we become overly influenced by external happenings and sensations we find inner peace and tranquility elusive at best.
In practicing pratyahara we choose what is good for us, not only what is pleasant. We find joy in what we are, knowing that we are divine. We are aware of what is going on around us, but not influenced by it or attached to it. This is the aim of pratyahara, to get the senses to follow the mind, not the mind to be dragged around and controlled by the senses.
The practice of pratyahara frees our minds and brings peace as we become released from desire and the constant pull to find pleasure from external objects. When the mind is focused and purified, the senses follow it and peacefulness is attained.
Namaste.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment