Obstacles and Remedies
After the last reading about causes of the citta vrttis (fluctuations of the mind) and klesas (deep rooted obstacles to practice), we find more specifically 13 distinct human behaviors and emotions that affect our mind and hinder our practice (antarayas). These “obstacles and distractions” listed in the Introduction to Light on Yoga are found in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, I.30 and I.31.
It may be daunting to read about all that could be in our way, but I am always amazed at the information Patanjali gives us to keep us on the yogic path of awareness. BKS Iyengar writes, “To win a battle, a general surveys the terrain and the enemy and plans counter-measures. In a similar way the Yogi plans the conquest of the Self.”
The 8 limbs of yoga provide the basis for the Yogi’s battle plan, but our challenge is to sustain a “single minded effort” (Sutra I.32) in working through the plan. The list of 13 antarayas presents knowledge we need to maintain a clear awareness around the nature of the obstacles we may face. The plan also includes 4 protective counter-measures described in Yoga Sutra I.33: maitri (friendliness), karuna (compassion), mudhita (delight in the success of others), and upeksa (indifference to pain/pleasure and virtue/vice).
In “Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” by BKS Iyengar, the first nine obstacles (antarayas) are grouped together according to “physical”, “mental”, “intellectual”, and “spiritual” aspects. Exploring nuances of each of the obstacles is, unfortunately, beyond the scope of this blog. In English translation, many seem similar to each other and also similar to the 5 citta vrttis listed in the previous sutras. So, the grouping of the antarayas in this manner allows us a baseline of knowledge to start with. We can consider the four-fold remedy in terms of these groupings as well.
Physical Obstacles: Vyadhi, sickness or ill health, and styana, the lack of enthusiasm or sluggishness, are bodily impediments, but their effect is more extensive. . The body in pain or disturbance of the nervous system affects our mental and emotional state as well.
REMEDY: Maitri – friendliness, or “bearing malice towards none”. When we encounter others in the world – even those we don’t like or are in conflict with – we will find an energizing force of support for our path of yoga by embodying the feelings and actions of friendliness.
Mental Obstacles: Samsaya (doubt), pramada (intoxication of self-importance), alasya (idleness), and avirati (sense gratification) all affect our mental approach to practice. If we do not have faith in ourselves then how do we proceed? On the other extreme, if we are over confident and lack humility we shut out opportunities to learn. The goal of yoga requires a focus toward Self knowledge, so attachments to and distraction from outside sensory sources can throw us off course.
REMEDY: Karuna – compassion towards all to alleviate the suffering in the world. For me, compassion is a deeper sense of friendliness towards others. We may “do” things that are friendly that will give us positive external feedback, but compassion on the mental level is a balm for ourselves and drives us to want to alleviate the suffering of all.
Intellectual Obstacle: Bhranti Darsana, delusion or illusion, is our ability or inability to have discrimination in our knowledge and wisdom. If we delude ourselves with the idea that we have “made it” or resist acknowledging our own obstacles, we risk being surprised when faced with the inevitable.
REMEDY: Mudita – delight in the successes and good works of others, even if they are ones we disagree with or are enemies to. We can at an intellectual level KNOW that any success in the world is something to be happy about. But when it is someone else gaining in fame or fortune, disappointment and jealousy are poisons we take ourselves. Delusion about our own Self can be broken by seeing others more clearly.
Spiritual Obstacles: Alabdha Bhumikatva (the inability to hold onto continuity of thought or direction) and anavasthitattva (instability in holding concentration which has been attained through practice) are deep seeded obstacles that can throw our whole being off course.
REMEDY: Upeksa – indifference to pain and pleasure or virtue and vice. More importantly, upeksa is a study of our own deeper reactions and responses to all experiences. To have a stable mind in the face of strife or success will keep us on our one-pointed path towards Self realization.
Patanjali lists four additional obstacles separately in Yoga Sutra I.31. Sorrow (dukha), despair (daurmanasya), or disturbance in the physical body (angamejayatva) or breath (svasa-prasvasa) are obstacles that profoundly disturb the mind and would inhibit attempts to practice. They also inhibit our ability to recognize the other 9 behavioral and emotional antarayas. Mr. Iyengar recommends focusing on two of the eight limbs – asana and pranayama – in order to sustain the quiet mind necessary to support the journey to achieve our goal.
Thank goodness the next reading begins to give us guidance along the actual path of yoga now that we know so much of what we may face!
