152. Alabdhabhūmikatva. A tobogganing nightmare!

Continuing our exploration of Antarayas (obstacles) from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, particularly Sutra 1:30, we’ve reviewed the first seven obstacles and their unique challenges. Today, we consider Alabdhabhūmikatva (अलब्धभूमिकत्व), the eighth obstacle, which, along with the ninth, is particularly dangerous because if left unaddressed, it can lead us to abandon our practice entirely.

The Sanskrit term Alabdhabhūmikatva combines two words: alabdha (अलभ्ध), meaning “not obtaining,” and bhūmikatva (भूमिकत्व), meaning “place” or “firm ground.” Together, Alabdhabhūmikatva signifies a failure to obtain a base or foundation for concentration—a feeling of being unable to ground ourselves in practice. This often manifests as a perceived inability to reach Samādhi (समाधि), the state of deep, unwavering concentration. When we encounter Alabdhabhūmikatva, it may feel as though our efforts are futile, that we’ve lost our footing, and we’re no longer able to make meaningful progress.

Swami Satchidananda describes this experience as common among beginners who initially approach practice with great enthusiasm and curiosity. But eventually, progress can plateau, and we may feel as though we’ve hit a wall. At this point, without renewed dedication, frustration can creep in, tempting us to give up on our journey.

Jeff offers a vivid analogy for Alabdhabhūmikatva by comparing it to tobogganing: after the exhilaration of the slide down, there’s the daunting task of climbing back up the hill. When you reach the steepest, iciest part of the climb, it’s challenging to get a foothold, and you may slip backward. This part of the climb mirrors the struggle we sometimes face in practice when progress feels out of reach, and the way forward seems treacherous.

No matter what obstacle or struggle you face today, remember that perseverance is key. We’ve all encountered those “icy slopes” that make us question our path, but if we keep climbing, we ultimately regain our footing. So, don’t give up. These challenging moments, while uncomfortable, also deepen our resilience and resolve. By embracing the struggle rather than retreating, we find ourselves able to move forward and grow, even when progress feels slow or difficult.