by Kalyani Cohen Barr

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, our roadmap to managing and mastering the mind, teach that: Yogas citta vritti nirodha, or, Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind stuff. In order to better understand this and arrive in this state, I have found that I need to work with what obstructs Nirodha (stilling the activities of the mind).  Enter the obstacles and afflictions. The yoga sutras contain several passages that discuss what gets in the way, or prevents us from experiencing a still mind and a peaceful, joyful life in every moment.

In the first pada (section) we learn about the types of thought and the obstacles. Two of the most obvious obstacles are disease and dullness. Disease, as in dis-ease, because it takes us out of ease and away from yoga practices, and dullness because it clouds the natural clarity of mind. These two obstacles distract us and cover up or block the view to our true nature.  To me they are more in the gross form or manifestation –  we are drawn out by the senses and the effect is more of a physical cascading of symptoms, so to speak.  Taken by these obstacles, we are often left in a lethargic, heavy, unmotivated state.

The second pada teaches us more about the inner world and takes it deeper into the mind and practices of attention.  Patanjali teaches us about the five afflictions which begin with ignorance and egoism.  The truth about ignorance, in this context, is that it indicates a disconnection.  It is the lack of awareness of the Self and our true nature of peace, and leads us to believe we are simply this one body and mind.  The last three afflictions seem to be more of our mind’s attempt at manipulating what is in front of us in order to conjure happiness. They are:  Attachment  – to what [the ego mind believes] brings happiness, aversion or avoidance to what we feel brings discomfort or pain, and attachment to the life of the body (which typically elicits fear). We learn to understand very specific ways that one (the mind) concocts a world, spins a tale if you will. This tale may feel like a safety net for happiness but really it is just smoke and mirrors (attempting to get the things we want, avoid the things we don’t want, and cling to the life of the body/mind).
What we can learn here is that there is no way to “make” happiness and that is OK – more than ok. This understanding gives us freedom to just be – to be available and present to what is meant for us to experience, available to feel the connection between all things, the web of life.

The obstacles just seem to arise, like tests, as we attempt to live a life based on a spiritual foundation. So, how do we connect  to our spiritual source and remedy the illusion that we are only this body, this mind? I found it became easier to employ the tools once I had some awareness of what was going on inside my mind. Taking time to reflect and look inward we can use the knowledge of the obstacles and afflictions as diagnostic tools.  We can implement practices that keep us connected to the Self and remembering our true nature.

Some of these practices will be on the mat, and some off. One example we can use, all day everyday, both for ourselves and others, are the Four Locks and Keys. “By cultivating attitudes of friendliness towards the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and equanimity toward the non-virtuous, the mind retains its undisturbed calmness.”

In addition to the obstacles and afflictions, the Four Locks and Keys is one of the sutras we will also dive into during my upcoming 3-part series – Scripture Study: Unveiling Your Inner Wisdom – Overcoming Mental Obstacles, Mondays July 15, 22 & 29 from 6-7 pm.

Kalyani Carlee Cohen Barr first found herself at the Integral Yoga Institute (IYI) in 2001 and began teaching Hatha Yoga, Pranayama and meditation in 2005 after receiving her certification with Swami Ramananda at IYI Bacalar, Mexico. The name Kalyani is a spiritual name given to Carlee by Swami Ramananda which signifies a state of auspiciousness, recognizing blessings, and bliss. Kalyani has attended numerous workshops and trainings over the years, including Pranayama, meditation, Mantra, Mudras, Dharma, nutrition, Yoga Therapy for Cancer and Chronic Illness (YCAT), Yoga for the Special Child (IYINY), and Anusara Yoga. She is now certified in Raja Yoga (IYISF), weaving the yoga sutras into her teachings. Kalyani has led classes and small group sessions for musicians of all ages at Interplay Jazz Camp in Vermont, has co-lead a retreat in Northern India, has led “Yoga Day” classes for 150 students, and has appeared on Canadian public television. She co-founded Simply Yoga in South Florida. “Yoga has many facets that contribute to a peaceful, happy, healthy life. Yoga has transformed my life on many levels, and my favorite thing is sharing this gift with others.” Join Kalyani to find your breath and balance, and enjoy the benefits of increased energy, health, and overall well-being.