154. Breathing, Despair, suffering and trembling limbs...

In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Sutra 1:31 enhances our understanding of the nine Antarayas (obstacles) by describing the symptoms that often accompany them: duḥkha (दुःख), daurmanasya (दौरमनस्य), aṅgamejayatva (अङ्गमेजयत्व), and svāsa-praśvāsa (स्वास-प्रश्वास). These manifestations are significant, as they reveal the physical and mental impact of encountering these obstacles on our yogic path.

Duḥkha is a Sanskrit term that translates to distress or suffering. It represents the discomfort or unease that often arises when we struggle with obstacles in our practice. Daurmanasya refers to despair—a mental heaviness or frustration that can appear when we face repeated challenges or setbacks. Aṅgamejayatva translates to trembling of the limbs or physical restlessness, showing how inner struggles frequently manifest physically, creating tension or shakiness. Lastly, svāsa-praśvāsa refers to disturbed inhalation and exhalation. This disruption of the breath underscores the link between our mental state and our breath; when we’re troubled, our breathing often becomes erratic or shallow.

These responses are common signs of how obstacles affect us, impacting nearly every layer of our physical and mental experience. Perhaps most importantly, svāsa-praśvāsa (disturbed breath) draws us back to the breath itself and reminds us of the need for breath control. Through pranayama and other breath practices, we can begin to calm and stabilize the mind, returning our focus to the present moment. This control of the breath is foundational because it is a direct, powerful tool that helps us “show up” in our lives with clarity and purpose.

Ultimately, Sutra 1:31 offers more than a list of physical and mental symptoms—it reveals how we can consciously choose how we live, move, and engage with the world around us. By observing and working with these symptoms, we strengthen our resilience, improving our ability to face obstacles without being overwhelmed. Through awareness and breath, we can meet whatever arises with steadiness, guiding ourselves back to balance and growth.