Obstacles in Yoga Practice

Yoga is considered a solid path to spiritual blossoming and transformation. As with any path of this nature, we should expect to face some obstacles as part of the process. But the obstacles that are placed in front of us have their own purpose; they are actually catalysts for transformation. Obstacles in Yoga Practice often appear when the mind is restless, and the body lacks patience.

These obstacles can cause the scattering of the mind. They prevent us from being established in the Self, the real goal of yoga. Hence, it is important to understand them and also learn the skills to overcome them.

What are the obstacles in the path of yoga according to the yoga sutras?

Sage Patanjali, the founder of yoga, refers to the nine obstacles in the yogic path in the well-known book The Yoga Sutras. All the possible barriers have been enumerated and incorporated in these nine categories. Patanjali’s nine obstacles in yoga explained show how doubt, illness, and laziness affect spiritual practice. Yoga practitioners come across these nine most of the time. Sickness, failure to understand, scepticism, negligence, losing attachment to the senses, illusion, failure to arrive at any state. Challenges in yoga practice can include a lack of time, motivation, or proper guidance.

Physical illness

You can hardly practice yoga when physically ill. The absence of self-care, be it physical, mental, or emotional, can be the cause or contributor to any disease. Common problems in yoga practice include stiffness in the body and difficulty focusing the mind. One should maintain a healthy lifestyle, which is geared towards the prevention of diseases and the enhancement of one’s health. The hindrance of physical illness can be overcome with the help of a restorative approach and a good self-care routine. Staying motivated in yoga practice requires dedication and a clear spiritual goal.