"Nandi", the bull is frequently found at the doorway of Shiva temples. Nandi is a metaphor for the senses. You can see how the bull is now tamed and resting. The action of the senses is what takes "the Observer" into the external environment and away from inner experience. Most people live their lives focusing their attention outside their body.
"Koorma" the tortoise is the metaphor for the next stage. This tortoise represents the fifth limb of Patanjali's yoga called "pratyahara," withdrawing energy from the senses. Internal Yoga is said to begin at this stage. The yogin turns the outflowing attention inwards and concentrates it. By focusing one pointedly within the framework of the physical body, the yogin brings a billion internal events that are unconsciously constantly affecting our lives into conscious awareness.
"Koorma" the tortoise is the metaphor for the next stage. This tortoise represents the fifth limb of Patanjali's yoga called "pratyahara," withdrawing energy from the senses. Internal Yoga is said to begin at this stage. The yogin turns the outflowing attention inwards and concentrates it. By focusing one pointedly within the framework of the physical body, the yogin brings a billion internal events that are unconsciously constantly affecting our lives into conscious awareness.
“Behold, the Kingdom of Heaven is within!”
Luke 17:21
Luke 17:21