Challenges in the Pursuit of Yoga

There are many references to the challenges we face in pursuing yoga. In The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (2.3), the five mental afflictions (kleśas) are described as the root of suffering: ignorance, egoism, attachment, aversion, and fear of death. Sutra 1.30 also outlines a chain of distractions that destabilize practice: disease, doubt, carelessness, laziness, sensuality, false perception, lack of progress, and slipping from previously gained ground.

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika offers a practical lens, describing six obstacles commonly encountered on the yogic path:

1. Overeating or Overconsumption (Atyahara)

Taking in more food, information, or sensory input than needed creates heaviness and mental fog. Endless scrolling or constant snacking can scatter attention and dull clarity.

2. Overexertion (Prayasa)

Pushing beyond healthy mental and physical limits or burning the candle at both ends without adequate rest or recovery.

3. Idle or Distracted Talk (Prajalpa)

Unnecessary speech that turns awareness outward instead of inward, including gossip, excessive complaining, or over-explaining.

4. Misguided Discipline (Niyamagraha)

Either excessive rigidity around rules and rituals or a complete lack of structure. The middle path supports consistency without guilt or self-punishment.

5. Unhelpful Company (Jana-sanga)

Surrounding oneself with people or environments that drain energy or do not support inner growth, creating subtle inner tension and distraction.

6. Restlessness and Inconsistency (Laulya)

A tendency to lose focus and jump between paths, teachers, or practices, abandoning effort as soon as it becomes difficult or routine. 

Allow this to be a check-in for your own practice. These are never intended to be hard-and-fast rules, but guidelines to allow your energy to follow your intentions. May your practice be clear, steady and supported.