The Obstacles according to Patanjali

Patanjali

According to Patanjali (the sage who compiled the Yoga Sutra-195 aphorisms about yoga-approximately 2,000 years ago), there are nine obstacles that stand in the way of us developing one-pointed focus or a state of yoga.

Yoga Sutra 1.30 says that if we have difficulty attaining mental clarity, these obstacles listed below are creating distractions [citta (mind)viksepah (disturbed mind) te antarayah (obstacles and symptoms of suffering)]:
vyadhi (illness)
styana (apathy)
samsaya (doubt)
pramada (impatience)
alasya (fatigue)
avirati (over indulgence)
bhranti darsana (distorted perception)
alabdhbhumikatva (lack of perseverance)
anavasthitavani (regression)
{This translation loosely comes from Reflections on Yoga Sutra-s of Patanjali, by TKV Desikachar}

I realize that this is a simplification of the sutra, and I am trying to make it accessible to all.

As we move into the new year, I will be looking at these obstacles as they arise in my life and in my meditations.  I am inviting you to do the same.  Svadhyaya (self study) is not always easy and may at times seem impossible.  It is so important to have a teacher and/or a sangha (community of yogis) to work with.  Without sharing who we are with others, it's unlikely, we as regular humans will be able to see our defects, grow and change.

So what can we do? Daily practice of self-reflection is a great start.
One of my favorite chants is: namah namo namah
I surrender, I surrender, I surrender or It's not me, it's not me, it's not me

You can add the chant into your asana or sitting practice.  The funny thing about a practice with chanting is that you have to remember to listen to any messages that come your way.  So after you do your practice with your chant, be sure to give sufficient time for the messages to come.  How long? In the beginning, it might be 5 minutes.  Just see what happens.  I also chant in my head and aloud as I do things in my house, outside, driving.  It brings me great peace and I hope it does for you as well.

Feel free to ask questions or comment on your experiences.

Santa's Christmas Rountine

Here's a cute eBook reposted from Daily Cup of Yoga.  There might be some incentive here for a daily practice.

Why I Chant

I’ve been singing probably as long as I could talk. I remember forcing my family to pay for concerts that I put on in our living room. Granted it was on a nickel, but…

As I’ve shared in a previous post, because of singing, I have a natural attraction and affinity for chanting. Chanting is similar to singing, but it is not the same. The list of benefits below is specifically for chanting even though some are occur with singing as well. My experience has shown me that I receive many more positive affects from chanting than I did from singing even though through singing still makes me feel good.

I like most kinds of chanting and many of the benefits of chanting happen no matter which kind you do. Chanting:

1. Makes me feel good
2. Allows me to breathe more easily
3. Has extended my exhale immensely
4. Tones my abdominal muscles
5. Calms my nervous system
6. Helps develop my memory and focus
7. Is a breathing practice
8. Is a concentration practice
9. Can be a meditation practice or part of one
10. Increases clarity
11. Helps set intention
12. Enhances physical and emotional health
13. Normalizes adrenal and cholesterol levels
14. Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
15. Allows me to move to a place beyond ordinary perception
16. Makes me hungry; increases digestive fire
17. Increases body temperature
18. Calms my animals and crying children
19. Makes my body vibrate
20. Changes my energy level

I know this is a long list (not all inclusive) and not in any specific order, and truly chanting is amazing. You may not receive all of these benefits, but I guarantee, with regular (daily) chanting you will attain many of these benefits. Seek a qualified teacher to guide you especially at the beginning. Chanting can be very challenging and it’s worth the effort. I'd love to hear about others experiences.