Yoga God Realization Obstacles In Meditation

[from Chapter I: "Samadhi Pada- On Contemplations"]I.30. VYAADHI-STYAANA-SAMSHAYA-PRAMAADAALASYAA-VIRATI-BHRAANTI-DARSHANAALABDHABHOOMI-KATVAANAVASTHITATVAANI CITTA-VIKSHEPAASTE 'NTARAAYAAH.'The obstacles to Realization are disease, mental torpor, doubt, indifference, laziness, craving for pleasure, delusion, inability to practice and maintain concentration, and restlessness of mind due todistraction'.Commentary:If the body is not healthy, cosmic consciousness cannot be reached. The practice of 'asanas' and 'pranayama' wards off disease and helps to maintain alertness. Doubt and the various mental obstacles can be dispelled by the spiritual experiences that come through meditation. Especially when progress seems to be at a standstill, it is essentialto plod on doggedly with the practice. Yoga, like any other kind of learning, is never a straight ascent; there are ups and downs and plateaus. Bear this in mind, do not become discouraged, and be aware that all seekers encounter these same obstacles. They should be regarded as challengeswhich introduce growth opportunities to develop strength. With regularity in practice, the mind eventually rights itself.MORE ON...................KAALCHAKRA