Yoga Nidra, Concentration and Meditation Techniques Flashcards

1
Q

Define Pratyahara

A

Gaining mastery over external influences

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is pratyahara?

A
  • To withdraw the senses from their external objects and turn them inward
  • Train our sense organs to remain quiet and detached from outer stimulation (our senses no longer take us outward or distract our internal practice)
  • Controlling our sensory impressions
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the four main forms of pratyahara?

A
  1. Indriya P (control of senses)
  2. Karma P (control of action)
  3. Prana P (control of vital energy)
  4. Mano P (withdrawal of the mind from the senses)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Why is pratyahara important?

A

It bridges the gap on our eightfold path between all the external practices of yoga and the internal, bringing us closer to Samadhi. Gaining mastery over the senses is a prerequisite to successful meditation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

In yogic thought, what are the three levels of ahara (nourishment)?

A

1) Physical food
2) Impressions
3) Associations

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Ahara: Physical food?

A

Brings in the 5 elements to nourish the body

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Ahara: Impressions?

A

Brings in the subtle substances necessary to nourish the mind

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Ahara: Associations?

A

The people we hold at heart level, who serve to nourish the soul

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How does indriya pratyahara work?

A
  • Control of the senses
  • Gives the tools to strengthen the spirit and reduce its dependence on the body (not suppression but proper redirection)
  • Antidote to sensory overload
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What does prana pratyahara involve?

A
  • Control of vital energy (prana)
  • Control over prana allows for control of our senses
  • Withdraws prana (unlike pranayama which generates it)
  • Practice = withdraw prana from different parts of the body and direct it to where you wish to fix the attention
  • e.g. Visualising the death process (best method) - visualise prana (life force) withdrawing from the body step-by-step from feet to head, shutting off the senses
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How does karma pratyahara work?

A
  • Control of actions
  • Controlling the motor organs
  • Right work and actions give control over the motor organs
  • Two parts:
    1) Outer action - service
    2) Inner action - rituals
  • Surrendering any thoughts of personal rewards for what we do, and doing everything in service
  • Practice of austerity: disciplined spiritual practice that purifies the body and mind of anything that prevents/blocks connection with the higher self. Removing obstacles that prevent the yogi from growing spiritually

1) Physical austerity: yamas and niyamas
2) Austerity of speech: speaking truthfully and kindly
3) Mental austerity: Meditative practice, maintaining calmness, gentleness and self-restraint

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the 3 types of austerity under karma pratyahara?

A

1) Physical austerity: yamas and niyamas
2) Austerity of speech: speaking truthfully and kindly
3) Mental austerity: Meditative practice, maintaining calmness, gentleness and self-restraint

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the two parts of karma yoga?

A

1) Outer action - service

2) Inner action - rituals

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is mano pratyahara?

A
  • Mind withdrawal
  • Withdrawing the mind from mental impressions
  • (When the mind is controlled, the senses are automatically controlled)
  • Withdrawing our attention from unwholesome impressions wherever they arise
  • Highest form of pratyahara and the most difficult. If we have not gained proficiency in the previous 3 pratyaharas, mano pratyahara is unlikely to work
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly