Grasping the Bādhaka Tattva: Hindrances on the Yogic Journey
According to the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā (1.15), there are six “Bādhaka Tattva,” or hindrances, that obstruct a practitioner's advancement on the yogic journey:
1. Atyāhara / Overindulgence
Atyāhāra signifies the act of overindulgence in food, recognized as the primary hindering factor on the yogic journey. Overindulgence disrupts the digestive system and can result in problems like indigestion, obesity, and various digestive disorders. Moreover, it engenders laziness and mental dullness, fostering cravings for food that obstruct progress in yogic sādhana.
2. Prayāsa / Overexertion
Prayāsa denotes excessive physical effort, which creates barriers in yoga practice. Engaging in extreme physical activity or mental strain depletes one's energy reserves, complicating the practice of yoga with full enthusiasm. Yogis should aim to conserve and nurture their energy for spiritual endeavors while averting overexertion in both body and mind.
3. Prajalpa / Excessive Chatter
Prajalpa pertains to unnecessary chatter, which can hinder mental clarity. Engaging in superfluous or irrelevant conversations dissipates energy, and with too much talk, the value of words diminishes. A yogic practitioner should aim to avoid gossip and trivial discussions.
4. Niyamāgraha / Rigid Adherence to Rules
While rules (niyama) are crucial for realizing specific objectives, some practitioners can become overly stringent, believing solely in the importance of their chosen rules. This strictness might breed ego, which can be counterproductive to one's practice. Yogis should strive for flexibility in observing rules, as yoga seeks to broaden consciousness rather than confine it.
5. Jansanga / Excessive Social Interaction
Jansanga signifies excessive engagement with numerous individuals, which may obstruct yoga practice. Being surrounded by many people can challenge a yogi, as the energies and vibrations of others can impact their own. It is advisable to limit interactions with rajasic and tamasic individuals, as they can disrupt personal energy.
6. Laulvam / Mental Instability - Extreme Variability of the Mind
The restless nature of the mind poses a major obstacle in yoga. A turbulent mind struggles to concentrate, which is vital for success in any endeavor. Consequently, overcoming mental instability is critical for progress in yoga.
In addition to these six hindrances, the Tantraraia Tantra also identifies six additional ones: kāma (desire), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), moha (delusion), abhimana (ego), and mada (vanity). These obstacles in Hatha Yoga and Tantra are deeply interconnected, with the latter underscoring that the mental disposition is the real hindrance.
It’s essential to note that the Hatha Yoga Pradīpikā describes these six tendencies as subtle influences that can quietly disturb one's sādhana. They do not qualify as sins or errors but are rather patterns that can affect the mind, the flow of prāṇa, and the quality of one's sādhana, often without being consciously recognized. For those seeking discipline and self-realization, these tendencies should be observed with mindfulness, as Hatha Yoga encourages practitioners to ponder: "Does this enhance my practice or divert me from it?
Blessings
Marco Maruti
