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Hurdles in Yoga

CHENNAI: A spiritual seeker who strives sincerely to realise the objective of Self-realisation by adopting the path appropriate to his level of evolution has to be always vigilant about the obstacles that beset him at every stage. Some of the common impediments while doing meditation are falling asleep, the mind wandering away without focusing on the object of meditation, and the mind going blank and a penchant to revel in the bliss of attainment of powers (Siddhis).

In his discourse, Swami Omkarananda said the Bhagavad Gita discussed the difficulty of controlling the mind while expounding the Yoga of meditation. Arjuna after listening to Lord Krishna raised the doubt, “The mind, O Krishna, verily is restless, turbulent, strong and obstinate. Therefore, I deem it quite difficult to restraint it as that of the wind.” The Lord conceded that it was without doubt difficult to control the mind but it could be done by repeated practice.

It is necessary then for a practitioner of Yoga to remind himself that the key to success lies in practising repeatedly without succumbing to the mind’s weakness to drift away during meditation. Just as it is man’s nature to err and also to correct himself when he realises his mistake, so also in spiritual life one should not desist from pursuing the goal thinking that it is impossible to achieve. Patanjali in his Yogasutra also emphasises repetetion.

The other important point that Lord Krishna underscores in this context is developing detachment towards the world. That this is emphasised for success in meditation must be seen in the light of the mind getting swayed by desires. The more one engages with the world, the more is the possibility of being influenced by it. All the actions of an individual are done with the intention of achieving happiness and peace of mind.

A spiritual aspirant must pause to consider whether the outside factors upon which his happiness depends are under his control. Since they are certainly not, how then can he compromise his mental peace and joy to factors beyond his control? So, it is only by mental discrimination that one must understand that lasting joy can be found only within.

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