134. Weight watchers, Om and Insanity ...
In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali presents us with the nine obstacles known as antarayah (अन्तरायाः) that stand in the way of our spiritual growth and practice. These obstacles, listed in Sutra 1:30, are roadblocks that cause distractions and lead to mental disturbances or physical suffering. They are:
Vyadhi (व्याधिः) – Disease
Styana (स्त्यानम्) – Mental laziness
Samsaya (संशयः) – Doubt
Pramada (प्रमादः) – Carelessness
Alasya (आलस्यम्) – Laziness or inertia
Avirati (अविरतिः) – Craving for sense objects
Bhranti Darshana (भ्रान्तिदर्शनम्) – False perception
Alabdha Bhumikatva (अलभ्धभूमिकत्वम्) – Failure to attain firm ground in practice
Anavasthitatvani (अनवस्थितत्वानि) – Instability in maintaining progress.
These obstacles can cause distraction and mental disturbance, making it difficult to maintain focus and clarity in our practice. However, Patanjali offers a remedy for overcoming these challenges: Ishvara Pranidhana (ईश्वरप्रणिधान), the surrender to a higher power or divine principle. By dedicating our efforts and surrendering to Ishvara (God or the higher Self), we can find strength and steadiness when facing these obstacles. Surrendering is not about giving up; it's about letting go of egoic resistance and allowing ourselves to be supported by something greater than our individual will.
In this context, Hariharananda suggests a very practical solution to avoid the first obstacle, vyadhi, or disease. He emphasizes the importance of a "wholesome and measured diet." By paying attention to what we consume, we can maintain physical health and avoid many of the ailments that can prevent us from progressing in our practice. In modern times, we understand how a nutritious and balanced diet supports not only the body but also mental clarity and emotional stability.
Jeff shares his personal experience with physical difficulty after undergoing ankle replacement surgery. The challenge of regaining strength and mobility after such a significant procedure reminded him of the need to be more mindful of his diet and lifestyle. As Jeff reflects on the need to lose a bit of weight, he is reminded of Einstein’s famous quote, “Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is insanity.” This highlights the importance of becoming conscious of our habits and making changes that align with our goals of health and well-being. If we want different results, we must be willing to make different choices.
The call to action here is to become aware of what we are putting into our bodies—both physically and mentally. It's easy to fall into patterns of convenience, but true awareness comes from slowing down and making intentional decisions. Even something as simple as adding a moment of mindfulness, such as chanting OM (ॐ), can help us pause, reflect, and make better choices. OM is not just a sound; it is a vibration that can ground us in the present moment, calm the mind, and bring us back to our center.
As Hippocrates wisely said, "Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food." This ancient wisdom resonates with the yogic principle that what we consume has a direct impact on our well-being. By choosing foods that nourish and support the body, we can avoid vyadhi and maintain the vitality necessary for deepening our practice. This concept extends beyond physical food; it includes the thoughts we consume, the energy we absorb, and the practices we engage in daily.
In summary, the nine antarayahs are inevitable on the spiritual path, but through Ishvara Pranidhana and conscious choices in our diet and lifestyle, we can overcome these obstacles. Jeff’s personal journey through physical recovery reminds us that we must be aware and proactive in making changes that lead to health, peace, and spiritual growth.
