Patanjali Yoga Sutra 1.30: Understanding the Obstacles to Samadhi

व्याधि स्त्यान संशय प्रमादालस्याविरति भ्रान्तिदर्शनालब्ध भूमिकत्वानवस्थितत्वानि चित्तविक्षेपास्तेऽन्तराया

vyādhi styāna saṁśaya pramāda-ālasya-avirati bhrāntidarśana-alabdha-bhūmikatva-anavasthitatvāni citta-vikṣepāḥ te antarāyāḥ

The obstacles to practice are the results of distractions of the mind caused by the disease, dullness, doubt, negligence, sloth, over-indulgence, imaginary ideation, inconsistency and instability.

Introduction

Mental focus and clarity are essential for success in all areas of life, but many people struggle to maintain a clear and focused mind. The concept of Vyadhistyanasamshaya pramadalasyavirati bhrantidarshanalabdha bhoomikatvanavasthitatvani chittavikshepaste antarayaha refers to the obstacles that prevent the mind from achieving its full potential. In this article, we will explore the different obstacles to mental focus and clarity and how to overcome them.

What is Vyadhi?

Vyadhi refers to physical illness, which can be a significant obstacle to mental focus and clarity. When the body is sick, it is difficult to concentrate and think clearly. To overcome this obstacle, it is essential to take care of our physical health by exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep. Additionally, seeking medical attention when necessary and taking prescribed medications can help alleviate physical symptoms and improve mental clarity.

What is Styana?

Styana refers to mental laziness or procrastination. It is easy to get distracted and avoid tasks that require mental effort. To overcome this obstacle, it is crucial to set goals, create a schedule, and break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Additionally, holding oneself accountable and seeking support from friends or family can help motivate individuals to stay focused and avoid procrastination.

What is Samshaya?

Samshaya refers to doubt or indecision. When we are uncertain, it is challenging to make decisions and take action. To overcome this obstacle, it is essential to gather information, seek advice from trusted sources, and take calculated risks. Engaging in self-reflection and identifying personal values and goals can also help individuals make decisions with more confidence and clarity.

What is Pramada?

Pramada refers to carelessness or negligence. When we are careless, we make mistakes and overlook important details. To overcome this obstacle, it is crucial to pay attention to the task at hand, double-check our work, and take responsibility for our actions. Developing self-awareness and mindfulness can help individuals stay present and avoid careless mistakes.

What is Alasya?

Alasya refers to laziness or inactivity. When we are inactive, our minds become dull, and it is challenging to think clearly. To overcome this obstacle, it is crucial to stay active, engage in physical activity, and take breaks to refresh the mind. Incorporating mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing can also help clear the mind and increase focus.

What is Avirati?

Avirati refers to lack of restraint or self-control. When we lack self-control, we are easily distracted and lose focus. To overcome this obstacle, it is essential to develop self-discipline, set boundaries, and avoid distractions. Engaging in activities that require focus and mental effort, such as puzzles or reading, can also help develop self-control and increase mental clarity.

What is Bhranti Darshana?

Bhranti Darshana refers to wrong perception or illusion. When our perceptions are inaccurate, it is difficult to see things clearly. To overcome this obstacle, it is essential to question our assumptions, seek feedback, and approach situations with an open mind. Engaging in self-reflection and seeking feedback from others can help individuals gain a more accurate perception of themselves and their surroundings.

What is Abhava?

Abhava refers to the absence or lack of something. When we lack something, it is challenging to focus on what we have. To overcome this obstacle, it is crucial to practice gratitude, focus on what we have, and cultivate a positive mindset. Keeping a gratitude journal, reflecting on positive experiences, and practicing mindfulness can all help individuals shift their focus from what they lack to what they have.

What is Anavasthitatva?

Anavasthitatva refers to instability or lack of continuity. When we lack stability, our minds become unsettled, and it is challenging to focus. To overcome this obstacle, it is essential to create a stable environment, establish routines, and practice mindfulness. Creating a daily routine, setting goals, and developing healthy habits can all help increase stability and reduce mental distractions.

What is Chitta Vikshepa?

Chitta Vikshepa refers to the wandering mind or distraction. When our minds are distracted, it is challenging to maintain focus and clarity. To overcome this obstacle, it is essential to identify sources of distraction and eliminate or minimize them. Practicing mindfulness and meditation can also help individuals develop a stronger ability to focus and reduce mental distractions.

Conclusion

Achieving mental focus and clarity can be a challenging task, but identifying and overcoming the obstacles to mental clarity can make it easier. By addressing physical illness, mental laziness, doubt, carelessness, laziness, lack of self-control, wrong perception, absence, instability, and mental distractions, individuals can cultivate a more focused and clear mind. By developing healthy habits, seeking support from others, and practicing mindfulness, individuals can overcome these obstacles and achieve success in all areas of life.

FAQs

1. What are some physical practices that can help improve mental clarity?Regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and sufficient sleep can all improve physical health and contribute to improved mental clarity.

2. How can I overcome mental laziness and procrastination?
   Setting goals, breaking down tasks into smaller steps, and seeking support from friends or family can all help motivate individuals to stay focused and avoid procrastination. Build Tapas or austerity in practice and life.

3. How can I reduce mental distractions?
   Identifying sources of distraction and minimizing or eliminating them, practicing mindfulness and meditation, and engaging in activities that require focus and mental effort can all help reduce mental distractions. Cultivate pratyahara or sense withdrawal.

4. What can I do to improve my perception of myself and my surroundings?
   Questioning assumptions, seeking feedback from others, and approaching situations with an open mind can all help individuals gain a more accurate perception of themselves and their surroundings.

5. How can I cultivate a more positive mindset?
   Practicing gratitude, focusing on what you have, and reflecting on positive experiences can all help shift focus from what you lack to what you have and cultivate a more positive mindset. Try the practice of Pratipaksha Bhavana.

As we deepen into a new season, I invite you to take a moment to pause and breathe. Just as the cherry blossoms are beginning to bloom and the birds are singing their sweet songs, we too can sense the changes beginning to bloom within us. If we take the time to tune in to nature, we can sense how our bodies are transitioning along with the rhythms and cycles of nature.

We are coming up on eclipse season, with the solar eclipse on April 19th/ 20th and lunar eclipse on May 5th/ 6th. Eclipses are powerful cosmic events that have a profound effect on our lives and the world around us. Eclipses are considered a time of transformation and change. They can bring sudden shifts in our personal and collective consciousness and offer us an opportunity for growth and evolution. It is common to experience feelings of confusion, disorientation, sadness, depression, or anxiety during an eclipse. This is because the eclipse energy can bring up old wounds and unresolved emotions for healing.

As we approach the upcoming Eclipse Season, it’s essential to take time to connect with ourselves, to slow down, turn inward, and connect with our inner wisdom. One practice that can help us do this is meditation. Set aside a few minutes each day to sit in stillness and focus on your breath. As you breathe, imagine a bright light filling your body, emanating from your heart and spreading throughout your being. Visualize this light as your inner luminosity, your source of strength, and guidance during this time of change. Embrace the power of this practice and trust that you have the wisdom within to navigate the energies of the Eclipse Season. Try this practice and see for yourself how it can help you unlock the secrets of Eclipse Season and discover the hidden wisdom within.

Here’s a 61 point Yoga Nidra practice to enhance your connection with your inner wisdom and promote spiritual growth. Feel free to use for yourself or your students. May you be happy, may you be free from suffering, may you be peaceful and at ease. 

With Love, 

Jeanette

61 Point Yoga Nidra Practice For Discovering Your Inner Luminosity

“Abide in the innermost Self as pure consciousness, free from all thought constructs. Be still, and know that you are that.”

Begin by lying down in savasana and taking a few deep breaths, allowing yourself to fully arrive in the present moment. Bring your awareness to your breath, noticing the natural flow of your inhales and exhales without trying to change anything.

Bring your awareness to your right-hand thumb, your first finger, your second finger, your third finger, your fourth finger, your palm, the back of your hand, your wrist, your forearm, your elbow, your upper arm, your shoulder, and your armpit.

Now bring your awareness to your left hand thumb, your first finger, your second finger, your third finger, your fourth finger, your palm, the back of your hand, your wrist, your forearm, your elbow, your upper arm, your shoulder, and your armpit.

Bring your awareness to your right foot big toe, your second toe, your third toe, your fourth toe, your fifth toe, your sole, your heel, your ankle, your lower leg, your knee, your upper leg, and your hip.

Now bring your awareness to your left foot big toe, your second toe, your third toe, your fourth toe, your fifth toe, your sole, your heel, your ankle, your lower leg, your knee, your upper leg, and your hip.

Bring your awareness to your tailbone, your sacrum, your lower back, your middle back, your upper back, your shoulder blades, the back of your neck, the back of your head, and the crown of your head.

Now bring your awareness to your forehead, your right temple, your left temple, your right ear, your left ear, your right eyebrow, your left eyebrow, the space between your eyebrows, your right eye, your left eye, your nose, your cheeks, your upper lip, your lower lip, your jaw, and your tongue.

Bring your awareness to your throat, your right collarbone, your left collarbone, your right chest, your left chest, your upper abdomen, your navel, your lower abdomen, your right hip, your left hip, and your pelvic floor.

Now bring your awareness to your whole body, feeling it as a complete, integrated whole.

Now bring your awareness to your right hand, imagining a golden light shining from within, filling your hand with a radiant, glowing energy.

Move your awareness to your left hand, visualizing the same golden light filling your hand and radiating outward.

Bring your awareness to your right foot, imagining the golden light filling your foot and spreading up your leg.

Move your awareness to your left foot, visualizing the golden light filling your foot and spreading up your leg.

Bring your awareness to your tailbone, imagining the golden light filling your pelvis and radiating outward.

Move your awareness up to your belly, imagining the golden light filling your entire abdomen and radiating outward.

Bring your awareness to your heart, imagining the golden light filling your chest and radiating outward.

Move your awareness up to your throat, imagining the golden light filling your neck and radiating outward.

Bring your awareness to your forehead, imagining the golden light filling your head and radiating outward.

Next, bring your awareness to your heart center, located in the middle of your chest. Imagine a bright, radiant light emanating from this space, filling your entire body with warmth and love. Allow this light to expand beyond your physical body, surrounding you in a cocoon of loving energy.

Now, imagine yourself standing at the entrance of a dark cave. Visualize yourself walking inside the cave, taking deep breaths as you go deeper and deeper inside.

As you walk, you notice that there are five openings in the walls of the cave, each representing one of the senses.

Walk toward the first opening which represents the sense of sight. As you peer through the opening, you see a vast, open space filled with radiant light. The light is so bright and dazzling that it takes your breath away. You feel yourself drawn towards it, and you step through the opening and into the light.

You find yourself in a beautiful meadow, surrounded by lush greenery and fragrant flowers. The sun is shining down on you, warming your skin and filling you with a sense of joy and contentment. You take a moment to soak in the beauty of the scene before you, allowing the colors and textures to wash over you. You notice how the light is reflecting off the petals of the flowers, creating a shimmering, iridescent effect.

As you continue to gaze around the meadow, you become aware of a subtle vibration within you, emanating from your innermost being. This vibration grows stronger and more radiant with each passing moment, until it feels as though you are being filled with a warm, glowing light. You recognize this as your own inner luminosity, shining forth in its purest form. You bask in this light, feeling the love and peace that radiates from it.

Take a few moments to fully immerse yourself in this experience, feeling the light filling you up and radiating outwards. When you feel ready, move on to the next stage of the practice.

As you approach the second opening in the cave, you notice that it represents sound. As you step through, notice any sounds around you. Allow yourself to simply listen without judgement or attachment, and experience the peace and stillness that comes with pure awareness. Stand here for a moment, listening to the echoes bouncing off the walls of the cave. You hear the sound of your breath, the beating of your heart, and the faint sound of water dripping in the distance. Take a moment to fully immerse yourself in the sound of the cave, letting it wash over you like a wave. As you listen, you begin to notice other sounds too, both near and far. You hear the sound of birds singing outside, the rustling of leaves in the wind, and the distant sound of a river flowing. All of these sounds create a symphony of nature, a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things. Take a deep breath and allow yourself to fully absorb the sound around you.

Now walk towards the opening representing the sense of smell and take a deep inhale. Notice the various scents that surround you. Allow your sense of smell to guide you deeper into relaxation and inner awareness. Take another deep breath, allowing the fragrance to fill your lungs and awaken your senses. Notice how your body responds to the aroma and how it makes you feel. Allow any emotions that arise to simply be, without judgment or resistance. Take a moment to savor the experience and then slowly move on to the next opening, representing the sense of taste.

You notice a small table with various foods placed in front of you. Take a moment to observe the colors, textures, and smells of the food. Notice any sensations that arise in your mouth or stomach. Without judgment, choose one item to taste and take a small bite, savoring the flavors and textures. As you continue to chew and swallow, allow yourself to fully experience the taste and sensations.

As you continue to walk, you approach the final opening in the wall of the cave, representing touch. As you step through, notice the feeling of the ground beneath your feet and the sensation of the air on your skin. Bring awareness to any areas of tension or discomfort in your body, and imagine a warm, healing light flowing to those areas, releasing any tension or discomfort.

Now, bring your attention back to your breath, taking a few deep inhales and exhales. As you rest in this state of deep relaxation and heightened awareness, allow yourself to bask in the inner luminosity that you have discovered within yourself. Remember that this light is always available to you, even in the midst of darkness or challenge.

As you rest in this state of inner luminosity, repeat the following sutra from the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra to yourself:

“Radiant one, this experience may dawn between two breaths. After breath comes in (down) and just before turning up (out)—the beneficence.”

Stay in this state of deep relaxation and inner radiance for as long as you’d like. When you’re ready to end your practice, slowly bring your awareness back to your breath and the sensation of your body. Take a few deep breaths and wiggle your fingers and toes. When you’re ready, slowly open your eyes and come back to the present moment, carrying with you the inner luminosity you discovered during your practice.

Om

 Ayurveda prioritizes agni or digestive fire, which is essential for our ability to feel well in our mind-body dynamic. In this article, we explore the concept of agni and its importance in Ayurveda.

Understanding Health from an Ayurvedic Perspective

In Ayurveda, to be in a state of health is not simply to experience the absence of disease. The word for health in Ayurveda is svastha, meaning to be situated in oneself or content in oneself. This definition encompasses not just the bodily factors but also our senses, mind, and spirit—conveying a holistic understanding of health. Therefore, we are being guided by Ayurveda to tend to our whole being to nurture health, which means taking care of the digestive fire not just within the physical sheath but also the mental and emotional sheaths.

Agni is not only a central concept in Ayurveda, but it also holds a significant place in Hindu mythology and religion. In fact, the very first word of the Rig Veda, one of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, is Agni. This highlights the importance of Agni in Hindu culture as well. Agni is revered as the god of fire and is associated with purification, sacrifice, and spiritual awakening. The Vedas describe Agni as the messenger between the gods and humans, carrying offerings from humans to the gods and blessings from the gods to humans. The symbolism of Agni as the bridge between the divine and human realms is profound, reminding us of the role that it plays in bringing transformation and healing to our lives.

The Importance of Agni for Health

Agni is responsible for a vast range of functions within the body. It is the force of intelligence within each cell, each tissue, and every system within the body. It determines which substances enter our cells and tissues, and which substances should be removed as waste. In this way, agni is the gatekeeper of life. Impaired agni is at the root of all imbalances and diseases. Ayurveda identifies at least 40 distinct subtypes of agni in the body, but the mother of all of them is jathara agni, the central digestive fire that governs the digestion and assimilation of food.

What Happens When Agni is Impaired

When the digestive fire becomes vitiated due to an imbalance in the three doshas, or bodily humors, our food or experiences may not be broken down completely, and as a result, nutrients are not absorbed efficiently, beliefs and emotions get stuck inside us, and the cycle of intake, digestion, and release is hindered. This situation can lead to an accumulation of metabolic waste (ama) in the body—physical, mental, emotional, and/or energetic.

Ama is sticky, heavy, and foul, and clogs the channels (srotas) of the body, thus impeding the flow of prana (life force energy) and ultimately causing our health to deteriorate from the inside out. When prana can’t flow freely, the intelligence of the body is disrupted, which leads to confusion in the mind-body dynamic. This can result in excess heat—inflammation, stagnant water (water retention), stuck earth (lethargy), chaotic air (dryness and lack of focus), and so on.

Simple Practices to Sustain Agni

Tending to agni is not just for the sake of the physical human experience. Ayurveda is Yoga’s sister science, and Yoga is the experience and practice of oneness, wholeness, and dissolution of mental activity into the Self. It is our ultimate purpose from the spiritual perspective. Ayurveda describes a plethora of food recommendations and herbal protocols to support individual constitutions, manage seasonal changes, correct doshic imbalances, and optimize the health of agni.

A Few Tips For Restoring Healthy Agni

• Eating regular meals at the same time each day
• Avoiding cold, raw, or processed foods and instead focusing on warm, cooked meals
• Eating mindfully and without distractions
• Taking time to rest and relax after meals
• Drinking warm water with some cumin, coriander and fellnel throughout the day to help stimulate digestion

In conclusion, agni is not just a physical digestive fire but a vital force that operates in every aspect of our being, including the mental and emotional realms. By nurturing our inner fire, we can strengthen our health, vitality, and overall well-being. Ayurvedic teachings provide us with practical tools and practices that we can incorporate into our daily lives to tend to our agni, including mindfulness during mealtimes, sitting down to eat, and lighting a candle. By understanding and honoring the power of agni, we can develop a deep appreciation for the life-giving energy that sustains us and live more fully in alignment with our true nature.