24 Light on Yoga
(attachment or passion); (4) dve8a (aversion or revulsion) and (5)
abhinivesa (love of or thirst for life, the instinctive clinging to worldly
life and bodily enjoyment and the fear that one may be cut off from all
this by death). These causes of pain remain submerged in the mind of
the sadhaka (the aspirant or seeker). They are like icebergs barely show
ing their heads in the polar seas. So long as they are not studiously
controlled and eradicated, there can be no peace. The yogi learns to
forget the past and takes no thought for the morrow. He lives in the
eternal present.
As a breeze ruffles the surface of a lake and distorts the images
reflected therein, so also the chitta v�tti disturb the peace of the mind.
The still waters of a lake reflect the beauty around it. When the mind
is still, the beauty of the Self is seen reflected in it. The yogi stills his
mind by constant study and by freeing himself from desires. The eight
stages of Yoga teach him the way.
Chitta Vik�epa (Distractions and Obstacles)
The distractions and obstacles which hinder the aspirant's practice of
Yoga are:
I. Vyadhi-sickness which disturbs the physical equilibrium- Styana -languor or lack of mental disposition for work
3· Sarilsaya-doubt or indecision
4· Pramada-indifference or insensibility
5. Alasya -laziness
6. A virati-sensuality, the rousing of desire when sensory objects
possess the mind
1· Bhranti Darsana-false or invalid knowledge, or illusion
8. Alabdha Bhumikatva-failure to attain continuity of thought or con
centration so that reality cannot be seen
9· Anavasthitattva-instability in holding on to concentration which has
been attained after long practice.
There are, however, four more distractions: (I) dul:tkha-pain or
misery, (2) daurmansya-despair, (3) ailgamejayatva-unsteadiness of
the body and (4) svasa-prasvasa-unsteady respiration.
To win a battle, a general surveys the terrain and the enemy and plans
counter-measures. In a similar way the Yogi plans the conquest of the
Self.
Vy adhi: It will be noticed that the very first obstacle is ill-health or
sickness. To the yogi his body is the prime instrument of attainment.
If his vehicle breaks down, the traveller cannot go far. If the body is
broken by ill-health, the aspirant can achieve little. Physical health is