132. Om, peace… ill?
In Yoga Sutra 1:30, Patanjali begins to lay out the obstacles (antarayas) that can arise on the path of yoga. These obstacles are mental, physical, and emotional hurdles that distract us from our practice and hinder our progress toward self-realization. They are part of the natural course of human life, but Patanjali gives us the tools to recognize and overcome them. In this sutra, we are introduced to the first of these obstacles: vyadhi, or disease.
Jeff shares a lighthearted story about chanting the long yoga sutras with his teacher training students. He recalls how everyone inevitably giggles as their tongues twist over the complex Sanskrit pronunciations. While it may seem humorous, the struggle to chant these ancient texts reflects a deeper lesson in yoga—the need for patience, persistence, and acceptance of the learning process. This "elegant struggle," as Jeff calls it, is part of the journey. Mistakes are natural, and every misstep brings us closer to understanding, not just the language of Sanskrit but the essence of the teachings themselves.
In Yoga Sutra 1:30, Patanjali sets the stage for the obstacles that lie ahead. The ultimate goal of yoga, as Jeff reminds us, is to move away from the suffering of the citta vrittis—the mental fluctuations that keep us trapped in states of distraction, anxiety, or distress. Patanjali offers two main methods for navigating this suffering: practice (abhyasa) and non-attachment (vairagya), or alternatively, devotion to Ishwara (Ishwara pranidhana). Both paths help to quiet the mind and develop steadiness, but obstacles are inevitable along the way.
As Jeff chants Yoga Sutra 1:30, we are introduced to the list of obstacles, beginning with vyadhi:
Yoga Sutra 1:30: व्याधि-स्त्यान-संशय-प्रमाद-आलस्य-अविरति-भ्रान्तिदर्शन-अलम्बना-असमिता-भुविः अन्तरा
Vyadhi-styana-samsaya-pramada-alasya-avirati-bhrantidarshana-alabdhabhumikatva-anavasthitatvani chitta vikshepas te antarayah
Meaning:
"Disease, dullness, doubt, carelessness, laziness, sensual indulgence, false views, lack of perseverance, and instability—these are the distractions of the mind, which are the obstacles."
Vyadhi means disease or illness, and it is one of the first and most significant barriers on the yogic path. When we are physically unwell, our focus narrows. As Confucius famously said, "A healthy man wants a thousand things, a sick man only one." This quote, later adapted by Tony Robbins, reflects the idea that illness can overwhelm us, making it difficult to focus on anything else. When we are sick, all we can think about is getting better. Our practice becomes harder to maintain, and our minds are consumed by the discomfort of the body.
Learning to chant and study the sutras is an example of what Brene Brown refers to as "FFT"—the "fucking first times". It’s that moment when we start something new, feel clumsy, and struggle to get it right. But, as with all new endeavors, it's through this struggle that we grow. The same applies to our experience with obstacles like vyadhi. Illness, just like learning to chant or trying anything for the first time, is an obstacle we must face with patience, humor, and persistence.
In the next few episodes, we will continue exploring the remaining obstacles on the path as outlined by Patanjali. But for now, consider how vyadhi, or any form of illness, affects your practice. While it may feel like a setback, it's also an opportunity to practice patience and compassion toward yourself. Just as Jeff and his students giggle through their tongue-twisting attempts at chanting, we too can approach our obstacles with a sense of lightness and perseverance.