VIKSEPASAHABHUVAH
This is the second group of obstacles and they coexist with mental distractions.
Dukha means sorrow and suffering that inflicts the human mind. A disturbed state of mind makes it impossible to practice yoga.
Daurmanasya refers to disappointment caused due to non-fulfillment of desires and ambition. This leads to disturbance in the mind. So, one should develop discrimination to overcome this.
Angamejayatva means restlessness of the limbs. When discrimination and will power are not exercised to subdue disturbances in the mind, caused by sorrow and disappointment, the mind becomes agitated. This affects the nervous system which manifests as physical restlessness.
Svasa and prasvasa mean forcible inhalation and exhalation. This causes disturbances in the practice of pranayama. Controlled breathing or a balance in breathing exerts a calming influence in the mind.
All these impediments can be removed through meditation and devotion to God; this will pave the way for self-realization.
Meditation
According to Patanjali, meditation helps to control the mental modifications or vrittis. It is only when the vrittis are eliminated that the true self is revealed.
Vrittis are classified into five types.
- Pramana- true cognition
- Viparyaya- false cognition
- Vikalpa - verbal cognition
- Nidra - deep sleep
- Smriti - memory
Pramana constitutes pratyaksha (direct perception), anumana (inference) and agama (verbal testimony).
Viparyaya means wrong knowledge of things and this includes doubts also.
Vikalpa arises when one hears a word without any corresponding reality.
Nidra or sleep is a mental state, which signifies dreamless sleep.
Smriti or memory is the reproduction of experiences.
Apart from controlling vrittis, obstacles to yoga practice should also be removed. Guidance from a guru, prayer, and self-analysis helps to eradicate deep-rooted evil tendencies of the mind.
Eight steps of yoga
- Yama (restraint)
- Niyama (culture)
- Asana (posture)
- Pranayama(control of psychic prana)
- Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses)
- Dharana (fixed attention)
- Dhyana (meditation)
- Samadhi (perfect concentration resulting in super consciousness)
Meditation on Brahman alone is considered the highest of all actions. As your meditation practice develops, you will become aware about yourself and this highest of human endeavors.
