Fundementals Of Prthyahara Of Astanga Yoga - A Holistic Approach

“YOGA” is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline. Goals of yoga are varied and range from improving health to achieving salvation. But, in day to day life its implementation is more towards to tackle mental ailments which are the retribution of stressful life. Equilibrium of mental health is possible when person adopt Yoga as daily routine. Sage Patanjali is recognized as the prime pioneer of the Astanga Yoga, which is incorporated with 8 Anga's(stages), these are broadly divided in to Bahiranga Yoga and Antaranga Yoga. Bahiranga Yoga has the specialty of developing the social and physical equilibrium by attaining control over physical body and breathing, where as Antaranga Yoga for mental and spiritual wellness by gaining mastery of the senses and mind. Between these two Anag's there is bridge which transcends one to other stage that is Prathyahara. Sage Patanjali failed to explain in detail about it. Without the core knowledge and practicing tools of Prathyahara, person cannot make a journey towards inner growth. So here an attempt is made to bring most of the information and practicing methods of Prathyahara like Ajapa japa, Trataka, Antar mouna etc, under single roof by compiling references from various texts.