Pratyahara

Pratyahara is the fifth limb of yoga - the withdrawal of the senses from their external objects. Just as a tortoise draws its limbs into its shell, the yogi draws the senses inward, breaking their automatic engagement with the outer world.

This doesn’t mean suppressing sensory experience but rather disengaging the outward pull of attention. The senses continue to function, but awareness is no longer dragged along by whatever catches the eye or ear. The yogi chooses where attention rests rather than being controlled by stimuli.

Pratyahara bridges the external practices (yama through pranayama) with the internal practices (dharana, dhyana, samadhi). Without some degree of sense control, concentration is impossible - the mind continually runs outward. With pratyahara established, the mind can turn inward and begin the deeper work of meditation.