Pratyahara is one of the eight limbs of Yoga as written in the Yoga Sutras. The other seven are yama,
niyama, asana,
dharana, dhyana, pranayama and samadhi.
Pratyahara involves the practice of withdrawal of sense organs and the mind from going towards the objects of sensation. It prepares the spiritual aspirant to gain concentration, thereby helping meditation (dhyana). Pratyahara is believed to expand our 'awareness' beyond sense perception.
