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pratyahara

The mind should be attacked on all sides with every possible type of weapon-with the repetition of God’s Name, study of religious scriptures, devotion, practice of silence, service. Pranayama, Japa, prayer, Kirtan and meditation. All these should be combined.

-Swami Sivananda

Pratyahara is Japa Yoga which is the repetition of a mantra. I also think that memorizing verses is a part of the pratyahara. The goal is to constantly focus on a mantra which is repeated with devotion and with the Ista in the mind's eye.

When we repeat a mantra repeatedly the mind is focused on the mantra and starts repeating it on its own. When we stop it the clarity is the start of dharana.

Mantras​

Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah

शुक्लाम्बरधरं विष्णुं शशिवर्णं चतुर्भुजम् ।
Shukla-Ambara-Dharam Vissnnum Shashi-Varnnam Catur-Bhujam |
प्रसन्नवदनं ध्यायेत् सर्वविघ्नोपशान्तये ॥
Prasanna-Vadanam Dhyaayet Sarva-Vighno[a-U]pashaantaye ||

Meaning:

  1. (We Meditate on Sri Vishnu) Who is Wearing White Clothes, Who is All-Pervading, Who is Bright in Appearance like the Moon and Who is Having Four Hands,
  2. Who is Having a Compassionate and Gracious Face; One should Meditate on Him to ward of all Obstacles.

Devi Gayatri​

ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः
Om Bhuur-Bhuvah Svah
तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं
Tat-Savitur-Varennyam
भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि
Bhargo Devasya Dhiimahi
धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥
Dhiyo Yo Nah Pracodayaat ||

Notes​

  • Japa by Dayananda Saraswati. Recommend this book to understand the practice of Japa.
  • Prayer Guide by Swami Dayananda Saraswati(Arsha Vidya)
  • Morning Meditation Prayers by Swami Dayananda Saraswati(Arsha Vidya)
  • Purpose of Prayer by Swami Dayananda Saraswati(Arsha Vidya)
  • Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya by Swami Dayananda Saraswati(Arsha Vidya)
  • Sri Rudram by Swami Dayananda Saraswati(Arsha Vidya)
  • My Prayers by Chinmayananda
  • Vishnu Sahasranama by Chinmayananda
  • Shri Shiva Sahasranamastotram Namavali by Chinmayananda
  • Japa Yoga by Swami Sivananda
  • Gems of Prayers by Swami Sivananda
  • Divine Nectar by Swami Sivananda
  • Lord Shanmukha and His Worship by Swami Sivananda
  • Ananda Lahari by Swami Sivananda
  • The Devi Mahatmya by Swami Sivananda
  • Adhyatma Yoga by Swami Sivananda