Pratyahara is the fifth limb of Ashtanga Yoga and serves as a bridge between the external practices—like posture and breath—and the inner work of concentration and meditation. The word “Pratyahara” means "withdrawal" or "drawing back," and it refers specifically to the practice of withdrawing the senses from external objects. Patanjali describes this as a state where the senses, rather than chasing outward stimulation, retreat inward and come under the direction of the mind.
A traditional metaphor used to describe Pratyahara is that of the tortoise. Just as a tortoise pulls its limbs inside its shell when it seeks stillness and safety, the yogi draws the senses inward in order to find peace and focus. This practice helps break our habitual identification with the sensory world and prepares the mind for deep meditation. Far from being a denial of the senses, Pratyahara is about reclaiming mastery over them, laying the groundwork for true inner stillness and clarity.
