The concept of Antarayas (which means "those which come in between") is integral to understanding the challenges faced in the practice of yoga. The term specifically refers to obstacles that hinder the union (yoga) of the individual self with the Supreme Self. This union is achieved through perfect concentration, leading to samadhi or the superconscious state. However, the journey is fraught with challenges as the mind's constant fluctuations—referred to as vrittis or wave-like modifications—are disrupted by antarayas, which act as intruders on the path to yoga.
Patanjali’s Nine Antarayas (Yoga Sutras 1.30)
Patanjali, in his Yoga Sutras, enumerates nine primary obstacles that disrupt the practice of yoga:
- Vyadhi (Illness): Physical health issues can prevent one from practicing yoga consistently.
- Styana (Languor of the Mind): Mental stagnation or lack of enthusiasm impedes progress.
- Samshaya (Doubt): Doubts about the path, the teacher, or one's own capabilities create mental unrest.
- Pramada (Heedlessness): Carelessness or negligence towards the practice.
- Alasya (Laziness of the Body): Physical laziness which discourages active engagement in yoga.
- Avirati (Absence of Dispassion): Inability to detach from sensory pleasures and worldly attachments.
- Bhranti-darshana (False Perception and Hallucination): Misunderstanding the teachings or having illusions about the practice and its goals.
- Alabdhabhumikatva (Non-attainment of Yogic States): Failure to achieve the desired states in yoga, leading to frustration.
- Anavasthitatva (Instability of a Yogic State): Difficulty in maintaining a yogic state once it is attained.
Secondary Set of Antarayas (Yoga Sutras 1.31)
Patanjali also identifies a second set of obstacles that coexist with mental distractions, known as vikshepa-sahabhuvah. These are:
- Duhkha (Sorrow): Emotional pain and suffering that disturb the mind.
- Daurmanasya (Disappointment): Feelings of frustration and discouragement.
- Angamejayatva (Restlessness of Limbs): Physical restlessness that distracts from meditation.
- Shvasa (Forcible Inhalation): Uncontrolled breathing that disturbs mental tranquility.
- Prashvasa (Forcible Exhalation): Similarly, erratic exhalation that disrupts focus.
Impact of Antarayas on Yoga Practice
These obstacles create disturbances in the mind, making it difficult to achieve the concentration and tranquility necessary for yoga. Understanding and recognizing these antarayas is crucial for practitioners, as it allows them to develop strategies to overcome these challenges and continue progressing on their path to union with the Supreme Self. Techniques such as regular practice, mindfulness, and guidance from a knowledgeable teacher can help in mitigating the effects of these obstacles and advancing in yoga