Intentional Yoga
Yogic philosophy offers Antarayas, each explain a specific block that holds us back in life and in our practices.
Understanding and facing each one opens doorways for self-awareness, understanding, and self-compassion.
When you hear your ego sharing, "I can't do that!, the Antarayas remind you of the power in a perception shift. What would happen if you asked, "What can I do today?
The nine main Antarayas are described as:
Vyadhi – Illness, disease, physical or mental. It is difficult to do yoga if you are physically sick. Thus it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle for the prevention of illness and promotion of optimal health.
Styana – Apathy, disinclination towards performing one’s kartavya or duty. By procrastinating, we avoid our practice and create excuses for not being on the path and doing the work.
Sanshaya – doubting one’s capability or the result of yoga. We can only come to know Reality, declares the Brihad-Âranyaka-Upanishad (4.4.23), when we are free from doubt. It is important to cultivate faith in oneself as well as the yogic path.
Pramada – Heedlessness, carelessness, a lack of persistence. Yoga is both a science and art, and approaching it without skill, care, respect, and devotion will create erratic and possible negative results.
Alasya – Sloth, inertia of mind or body due to dominance of the tamasic element. Yoga requires discipline, zeal, and tapas (will-power) to succeed on its path. Laziness will prevent you from attaining your highest potential.
Avirati – Overindulgence, attachment to pleasurable things. We must learn to “let go” of our attachments to desire and physical objects if we are to make progress in yoga.
Bhrantidarshan – False vision, a premature sense of certainty. The development of a false notion about the practice of yoga and its outcome can not only lead one off the path of yoga, but also create harm and disappointment.
Alabdha-bhumikatva – Non-attainment of the next yogic stage or accomplishment. This happens due to faulty or poor practice and creates a feeling of being “stuck” and leads to discouragement.
Anawasthitatwa – Instability, non-permanence of a yogic accomplishment or stage. Not being able to maintain an attained stage can be a real drag. This again can be a result of faulty or poor practice.
The four minor Antarayas are described as:
Duhkha – Pain or sorrow.
Daurmanasya – depression, pain caused by non-fulfillment of desires.
Angamejayatwa – the shivering of parts of the body.
Shvâsa-prashvâsa – disturbances in kumbhaka or breath retention causing the irregular breathing pattern that comes with mental agitation.
Transcending these obstacles using a shift in focus and perception is life-enhancing and supported by all the offerings shared by CYWY.
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Namaste
