9 Impediments in the path of Yoga - Antarāyas (PYS 1)

The nine antarāyas (obstacles) are described by Yoga Sutras of Patanjali as the primary impediments that disturb the mind and hinder progress in yoga.

The sutra reads:

Translation:"Disease, mental stagnation, doubt, carelessness, laziness, overindulgence, false perception, failure to attain a stage of practice, and instability in maintaining that stage—these are the distractions of the mind and obstacles to yoga."

The Nine Antarāyas

1. Vyādhi (Disease)

Physical illness or poor health that interferes with practice.

Meaning: A body in distress makes sustained attention difficult.

2. Styāna (Mental Stagnation)

Mental dullness, apathy, or lack of enthusiasm.

Meaning: The mind loses its vitality and willingness to engage.

3. Saṁśaya (Doubt)

Uncertainty about oneself, the teacher, the method, or the goal.

Meaning: Doubt weakens commitment and interrupts steady practice.

4. Pramāda (Carelessness)

Negligence, inattentiveness, or lack of awareness.

Meaning: Knowing what to do but failing to apply it with mindfulness.

5. Ālasya (Laziness)

Physical or mental inertia.

Meaning: Resistance to effort despite having the capacity to practise.

6. Avirati (Overindulgence)

Attachment to sensory pleasures and worldly distractions.

Meaning: The mind continually seeks external gratification rather than turning inward.

7. Bhrāntidarśana (False Perception)

Mistaken understanding or incorrect knowledge.

Meaning: Misinterpreting experiences or following erroneous ideas about yoga.

8. Alabdhabhūmikatva (Failure to Attain the Next Stage)

Inability to make progress despite sincere effort.

Meaning: Feeling "stuck" and unable to move deeper into practice.

9. Anavasthitatva (Instability)

Failure to maintain progress once it has been achieved.

Meaning: One reaches a level of understanding or steadiness but cannot sustain it.

The Symptoms of These Obstacles

Immediately after listing the antarāyas, Patanjali describes the signs that accompany them in Yoga Sutras of Patanjali:

• Duḥkha — suffering or distress

• Daurmanasya — depression, frustration, or despondency

• Aṅgamejayatva — physical restlessness or trembling

• Śvāsa-praśvāsa — disturbed or irregular breathing

These are indicators that the mind has lost its steadiness.

A Contemporary Perspective

These nine obstacles are remarkably relevant today:

The Iyengar Tradition Every meaningful journey comes with obstacles. Yoga is no exception.

In the Iyengar tradition, great importance is placed on understanding yoga through its original philosophy, not merely on performing āsanas. The practice is an education in observation, enquiry, and self-awareness.

For this reason, the obstacles described by Sage Patanjali are not seen as failures, but as opportunities for deeper learning. Through careful sequencing, precise alignment, the intelligent use of props, disciplined observation, and regular self-study (svādhyāya), practitioners learn to recognise these antarāyas and gradually overcome them.

The goal is not simply to master postures, but to cultivate steadiness, clarity, and discernment—allowing the practice of yoga to become a means of transforming the mind.