Be like The Tortoise
Pratyahara - Withdrawal of the Senses
The main moral of the story "The Tortoise and the Hare" is that slow and steady wins the race. It also teaches that perseverance and consistent effort are more valuable than speed and overconfidence. However, in this post, I am discussing “the self-control mechanism” and relating it to the Tortoise Analogy.
In the ancient spiritual text, the Bhagavad Gita, a simple yet profound analogy is used to explain a key principle of wisdom and self-control: the tortoise and its shell. Our senses are our windows to the world. They provide us with information, pleasure, and a means of navigating our daily lives. But in our fast-paced, hyper-connected world, we are constantly bombarded with stimuli. Just as a tortoise withdraws its limbs and head into its shell for protection, a wise person learns to withdraw their senses from the constant stream of external objects and distractions. This "withdrawal" doesn't mean shutting ourselves off from the world entirely. It's about gaining mastery over our senses, so that every whim and desire does not lead us. It is the ability to turn our attention inward, to find a place of stillness and focus amidst the noise.
The tortoise doesn't stay in its shell forever. It emerges when it needs to, to perform its necessary actions. Similarly, by learning to control our senses, we can engage with the world more effectively, with a clear mind and a steady purpose. The tortoise analogy teaches us that true strength lies not in being constantly engaged, but in knowing when to withdraw and recharge.
How to practice Pratyahara - Withdrawal of the Senses?
Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep): This is a cornerstone of Pratyahara. You lie down and are guided to systematically withdraw your consciousness from every part of the body and every external sense, leading to a state of deep, conscious relaxation. There are countless guided Yoga Nidra sessions available online.
Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath): This is a powerful technique for withdrawing from sound.
Sit comfortably.
Close your eyes.
Plug your ears with your index fingers or thumbs.
Inhale deeply.
As you exhale, make a low-pitched humming sound like a bee.
The vibration and internal sound completely dominate your auditory sense, effectively blocking out external noises and drawing your awareness inward.
Trataka (Candle Gazing): This practice masters the sense of sight. Stare at a candle flame without blinking for as long as is comfortable.
When your eyes water or tire, gently close them.
Focus on the afterimage of the flame in your mind's eye.
This trains the eyes (and mind) to hold a single point of focus, preventing them from flitting from one object to another.