Pratyahara - Withdrawal of Senses
Drawing the senses inward from external objects.
Pratyahara is the withdrawal of the senses from their objects, like a tortoise drawing its limbs into its shell. This turns attention inward toward the Self.
When the five senses together with the mind are still, and the intellect does not stir - that is the highest state.
Sense withdrawal is essential for deeper meditation.
Katha Upanishad
Written about in
- What the Upanishads say about letting go
The Katha describes the five senses and the mind coming to rest, with the intellect no longer stirring. It is a description of stillness rather than a method for producing it.