[Aknaton]

We will look at the goal of Pranayama and Pratyahara.

Pranayama as we all know is a breath control practice, but we often forget what the purpose of this practice actually is. Sometimes we practice Pranayama related practices that have been given other names and hope to achieve some boon or even enlightenment.

The goal of Pranayama is to lead you to the withdrawal of the senses, which is Pratyahara. Not bliss, not cosmic consciousness, not partial insanity, but Pratyahara. The withdrawal of the senses. Pranayama is the way that leads to Pratyahara, and when we can enter into Pratyahara without the use of Pranayama, then we continue Pranayama not because we need it to help us withdraw our senses, but for its benefits on our gross and subtle bodies.

Jesus said that when we pray to the Father, we must shut the door! This door is the door of the senses, and this is Pratyahara.

May your breathing exercises lead to you to the withdrawal of the senses.