Well to be honest these ancient Yoga techniques that allow up to quickly regain control of an unruly mind are neither deliberately hidden or mystical.  Very few teachers in the West know or practice them and consequently they seem esoteric.

The practices in question are termed Pratyahara and are the 5th Limb of Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga system.  These practices are eminently accessible physical techniques to facilitate sense withdrawal. Control of the senses (“Indriyas” in Sanskrit) allows a direct experience of the Self with the mind out of the way.

In Hatha Yoga pratyahara allows for the transition from concentration (Dharana) to true meditation (Dhyana).

So what are these practices???  Well there are numerous practices that have physical techniques (often combined with the use of mudra/hand gestures).  Many of the more accessible practices of pratyahara are mentioned in the ancient Hatha texts such as the Hathayogapradipika, Gheranda Samhita and Shiva Samhita.

ALL ARE BEST LEARNED DIRECTLY FROM A TEACHER.

However one or two are simple enough to be learned alone, here is one.

Khechari Mudra

• Taking a comfortable seated position allow the spine to extend up and the limbs to drop down
• Take up to 5 minutes watching the breath and if necessary release the need to “correct” or “make better” the breath – WATCH WITHOUT COMMENT.
• Close the eyes if not already done so, relax the face and tongue
• TAKE YOUR ATTENTION TO THE VERY TIP OF THE TONGUE AND NOTICE THE SENSATIONS – keep the root of the tongue as relaxed as possible.
• After 5 to 10 minutes let the eyes gently open and enter the external World