pratyahara

or pra·thya·ha·ra

[ pruh-tyah-hahr-uh ]

noun

1. the Yogic practice of turning the mind to introspection by voluntarily shutting out distractions provided by the senses.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pratyahara¹

First recorded in 1880–85, pratyahara is from the Sanskrit word pratyāhāra

Example Sentences

Pratyâhâra, the retraction or withdrawing of the senses.

From Project Gutenberg

The reader will remember that this state of contemplation is to be preceded by pratyâhâra, or direction of the senses inwards, in which ordinary external stimuli are not felt.

From Project Gutenberg

No, it means nothing for me to tell you that I have learned Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dyhana and Samadhi!

From Project Gutenberg

But,"—he smiled with all his old mockery—"mostly I failed on Pratyahara, which says the senses must be quelled, subdued and set aside!

From Project Gutenberg

The first exercise in Raja Yoga Is what is called Pratyahara or the art of making the mind introspective or turned inward upon itself.

From Project Gutenberg