Pratyahara - The Forgotten Limb of Ashtanga Yoga

Many, many people enjoy the benefits of Ashtanga Yoga the world over, maybe even you. Yet practicing Yoga is much more than just mastering some poses, or Asanas. Yoga, at its core, is an all-encompassing practice that seeps into every facet of your life - physically, mentally and spiritually. Yoga is not just about gaining peace of mind, it is also about going beyond your physical existence and understanding the true and deeper meaning of life.

Fully embracing Yoga will help you discover the full range of benefits this ancient practice can offer, starting with understanding - and implementing - the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga, including Pratyahara. Pratyahara is the fifth leg of Ashtanga Yoga, and while arguably one of the most important, it is often overlooked.

This limb works closely with the Asana limb, or the part of Ashtanga Yoga that focuses on the poses and Pranayama, otherwise known as the breath of Yoga. Pratyhara is the next limb, one that leads to self-realization and builds the blocks that become the life and soul of Yoga. This limb pulls the entire practice together and galvanizes Ashtanga Yoga to the beneficial heights we all know it can reach.

This comprehensive guide takes a close look at this fifth limb, exploring its meaning and vital importance to the practice of Ashtanga Yoga. If you want to take your Yoga practice to the next level, this series is for you.