There are obstacles in achieving the fruition in Yoga.
These impediments are the blocks for spiritual development and for normal Life.
They are,
- vyadhi = disease, illness, sickness
- styana = mental laziness, inefficiency, idleness, procrastination, dullness
- samshaya = indecision, doubt
- pramada = carelessness, negligence
- alasya = sloth, languor, laziness
- avirati = sensuality, want of non-attachment, non-abstention, craving
- bhranti-darshana = false views or perception, confusion of philosophies (bhranti = false; darshana = views, perception)
- alabdha-bhumikatva = failing to attain stages of practice (alabdha = not obtaining; bhumikatva = stage, state, firm ground)
- anavasthitatva = instability, slipping down, inability to maintain
- chitta-vikshepa = distractions of the mind (chitta = mind field; vikshepa = distractions, diversions)
1.30 Nine kinds of distractions come that are obstacles naturally encountered on the path, and are physical illness, tendency of the mind to not work efficiently, doubt or indecision, lack of attention to pursuing the means of samadhi, laziness in mind and body, failure to regulate the desire for worldly objects, incorrect assumptions or thinking, failing to attain stages of the practice, and instability in maintaining a level of practice once attained.
(vyadhi styana samshaya pramada alasya avirati bhranti-darshana alabdha-bhumikatva anavasthitatva chitta vikshepa te antarayah)
One may notice that these are the afflictions of the mind ,primarily
Even Vyadhi, Disease(loose translation) is the result of mental attitudes and mental state.
Today they are called as Psychosomatic disorders.
While the first five,disease, mental laziness,Indecision,carelessness and Sloth are acquired qualities of the mind over a period of time, the others are the natural attributes of the Mind.
In the case of the former one can be vigilant and resist acquiring them by following Achara and Anushtana.
Doing things that facilitate mental hygiene and following a strict code of conduct.
These are covered by Patanjali under Yama and Niyama.
The latter impediments, like attachment, sensuality are to be warded of or channelized to ensure a healthy Body and Mind.
It is human nature to go after the objects of senses.
They are not to be shunned out right.
The craving has to be regulated in such a way that they do our bidding not the other way around.
When an object of senses forces you to go after it, it indicates that you are after it and you are no longer in control.
This is akin to Drinker’s Problem.
They day one feels that one should have a Drink at any cost, irrespective of the time and place, it is a sign he/she becomes an alcohol addict which requires treatment.
The way to handle such issues is to be among people who have clean habits which do not hurt one physically and mentally.
And the setting of goals in Life should be realistic and one has to understand is limitations,
This is not possible by the individual concerned.
This can be evaluated by a Guru,who can dispassionately analyse and offer solutions.
The identification of one’s ability is essential for contentment in life.
Not every one is endowed with everything in Life.
Everything in the world has its place, be it a blade of grass or an elephant.
One should be where he is and be content and happy in doing what he is comfortable with.
Patanjali explains in the next few sutras the other ailments associated with these attitudes and offers solutios.
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