Patanjali Yogasutra 2.55
(Pratyahara)
ततः परमा वश्यतेन्द्रियाणाम्॥
"From that (mastery of pratyahara), the supreme control over the senses is attained."
In this Sutra, Patanjali describes the ultimate result of practicing pratyahara, the withdrawal of the senses from external objects. The term "ततः" (tatah) refers to the consequence of pratyahara, while "परमा वश्यता" (parama vashyata)
means "supreme control" or "perfect mastery." "इन्द्रियाणाम्"
(indriyāṇām) refers to the senses. Together, the Sutra indicates that by mastering pratyahara, one
achieves complete mastery over the senses.
Pratyahara is the fifth limb of the eight-fold path (Ashtanga Yoga) in Patanjali's system. It serves as the transition from the external practices (yamas, niyamas, asana, pranayama) to the internal ones (dharana, dhyana, samadhi). In this stage, the practitioner learns to withdraw the mind from external stimuli, preventing the senses from leading it astray. Instead of being influenced by sensory distractions, the mind becomes focused and directed inward. This is not suppression of the senses but a state where they no longer dominate the mind.
Achieving this state of control over the senses is crucial for progressing towards Higher States of meditation and Consciousness. When the senses are fully mastered, the mind is no longer pulled outward by sensory desires, allowing for deeper introspection and the cultivation of inner peace. This control marks a significant milestone in the journey towards enlightenment, enabling the practitioner to advance toward the subtler aspects of yoga like dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi
(absorption).
Comparison with Other Vedic Texts:
Bhagavad Gita 2.58
यदा संहरते चायं कूर्मोऽङ्गानीव सर्वशः।
इन्द्रियाणीन्द्रियार्थेभ्यस्तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता॥
"When, like the tortoise that withdraws its limbs from all sides, a person withdraws his senses from sense-objects, his wisdom becomes steady."
This verse from the Bhagavad Gita draws a parallel with the concept of pratyahara. It compares the withdrawal of the senses to a tortoise retracting its limbs, symbolizing control over sensory desires. The steadiness of wisdom mentioned here is a result of sensory mastery, much like Patanjali’s emphasis on the importance of pratyahara for attaining control over the mind. Both texts highlight the idea that True Wisdom and Self-Realization are possible only when the mind is no longer distracted by external objects.
Katha Upanishad 2.1.1
पराञ्चि खानि व्यतृणत्स्वयम्भूः
तस्मात्पराङ्पश्यति नान्तरात्मन्।
कश्चिद्धीरा: प्रत्यगात्मानमैक्षद्
आवृत्तचक्षुरमृतत्वमिच्छन्॥
"The Self-existent (Brahman) has created the senses to go outward. Therefore, man looks outward, not within himself. Some wise men, desiring immortality, turn their gaze inward and perceive the Inner Self."
This verse emphasizes the natural tendency of the senses to seek outward experiences. It highlights the challenge of sensory control and the importance of turning the mind inward to Realize the Self. In a similar way to Patanjali's teaching, the Katha Upanishad points to the practice of sense withdrawal as a means to achieve higher wisdom and immortality (amritatva). Both stress that mastery over the senses is necessary for spiritual growth.
Yoga Vashishta 5.78.2
इन्द्रियाणि हि मृग्यन्ते वशीकृत्येन्द्रियाण्यपि।
मनसाप्यर्थनिर्बन्धो यत्नेन विवर्जयेत्॥
"Having controlled the senses, one should still strive to remove the attachments of the mind to objects with effort."
The Yoga Vashishta also stresses the importance of sense control but adds that even after mastering the senses, one must continue to purify the mind of attachment. This complements Patanjali’s teaching in that pratyahara is only the first step. The Yoga Vashishta emphasizes that mastery over the mind is the next level beyond sensory control, indicating that true liberation comes when both the senses and the mind are free from external influences.
In conclusion, Patanjali’s sutra on pratyahara resonates deeply with other key texts, all of which recognize sensory mastery as an essential step toward self-realization and spiritual liberation.
End of Chapter-2, Sadhana Pad
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