The Hindering Elements of Yoga

Print

One of the most essential prerequisites for a yoga practitioner to efficiently practice yoga is discipline. When we refer to discipline in yoga, it is much more than the basic meaning of the word. Waking up each morning and dutifully engaging in yoga is not enough to reap optimal benefits of yoga as medicine and a wellness practise. Instead, yoga requires one to exercise discipline in each aspect of his life, right from what he eats to the words he chooses to speak, thus leading to an overall dynamism in one’s lifestyle, which is instrumental in enhancing the experience of yoga.

The Hathyog Pradapika describes certain elements as ‘hindering elements’, which act as impediments in one’s goal towards the efficient practice of yoga. By identifying and eliminating these factors, you shall experience a drastic enhancement in your practice of yoga. The first of these is ‘atyahaar’ or gluttony. As is commonly said, ‘you are what you eat’. This adage stands perfectly true for yoga. By indulging in eating more than is required, the willingness as well as efficiency in yoga is hindered dramatically. One can seek guidance from experts about the best diet to compliment a yoga regime, by enrolling for an online yoga class.

The next hindering element has been termed as ‘Prayas’, or over-working. This is particularly valid in our present day lives, where the amount of work that one does is believed to be proportional to his happiness and success. It is important to slow down and take out enough time to relax, so that you can conserve your energy for the practice of yoga. What is commonly referred to as the work-life balance, when struck, leads to a manifold increase in the willingness to perform yoga. So be sure to cut down on excessive work, and realize the importance of taking out time and sparing energy for the practice of yoga.

The next factor mentioned in the ancient treasures of knowledge is ‘Prajalpa’ or distraction. This refers to a tendency of talking incessantly and meaninglessly. While this may be seen as a social skill and a sign of being extroverted by some, it is not favorable for the practice of yoga, since it does not allow the mind to focus on yoga, and leads to unwanted thoughts. One must control the urge to speak when it is not required. Not only will this work wonders towards the experience of yoga, but it will also help you in staying peaceful. If you find it difficult to control your mind, you can get help online, from experienced yoga gurus in a meditation class.

Another factor that is described as a hindering element in yoga is ‘niyamgraha’ or the violation of rules. While this may be misunderstood as a violation of the rules to be followed in the actual practice of yoga, what it actually implies is a deviation from the basic rules of existence. An example of this would be someone choosing to take bath with cold water during winters, or walking on hot coal in a bid to increase his endurance. All such practices harm the body, hence impeding the efficient practice of yoga. Yoga has been used as a medicine to heal the body for centuries, which makes anything that harms the body a complete antidote to it.

The last two hindering elements as described in the vedic texts are ‘Jansang’ and ‘Chanchalta’. The literal meaning of ‘Jansang’ is interaction with people. In this context, it implies getting entangled in worldly matters, which lead to the development of negative feelings of jealousy, possessiveness, greed and the like, which interfere with the tranquility required for yoga. ‘Chanchalta’ refers to ‘fickle-mindedness’, which must be overpowered, since a strong will is pivotal to the diligent practice of yoga. By curbing each of these factors, you shall easily be able to achieve your goal as a yoga practitioner.