In Ashtanga Yoga, which practice is called 'Antaranga Sadhana' (inner or internal practice)?

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Correct — D, Dharana. Ashtanga Yoga (Patanjali's eight-limbed yoga) is traditionally divided into two groups: the first five limbs — Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara — are Bahiranga Sadhana ('external' practice, since they still engage the body, breath, or senses); the last three — Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (absorption) — are Antaranga Sadhana ('internal' practice), working purely on the mind. Of the four options, only Dharana belongs to this internal group.

Why the other options are wrong — (a) The fifth limb — withdrawal of the senses from external objects — is the last of the Bahiranga (external) group; it is a transition point but is still classified as external, not internal.  (b) The second limb — personal observances such as self-discipline and contentment — is part of the Bahiranga (external) group.  (c) The fourth limb — breath control — is also part of the Bahiranga (external) group.

Concept: The classical commentary tradition on Patanjali's Yoga Sutra groups Ashtanga Yoga's eight limbs into two sets: Bahiranga Sadhana (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara — external, since they still involve the body, breath, or senses) and Antaranga Sadhana (Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi — internal, since they are purely mental). The three Antaranga limbs together are also called Samyama.

State PCS 2024 Q70 — History PYQ with Answer

State PCS 2024 Q70 — History PYQ with Answer