Nature of Mind: Surmounting the Obstacles of Suffering

The Yoga Sutra tells us of the obstacles that appear in the mind (1.30) when we are working toward progression. The obstacles are all of the reasons the mind gives us to NOT do what we deeply know to be good for us. Why? Because the mind likes us to stay in suffering, in suffering, the mind gets to be boss. Remarkably there are only nine obstacles that prevent us from moving out of suffering! With good understanding of these obstacles we can begin to identify the activity of them in the mind, as well as how they manifest in the body, then we can act to surmount them. How? That we will explore in this time together, remembering that everything in yoga is so simple...but for the mind :).

In this dynamic and interactive live online session, we'll be taking a look at the fives states of mind (panca bhumi) and the corresponding qualities of mind that permeate all of our actions (gunas), the obstacles (antarayah), along with the colourings of the mind (panca klesa) that so deeply convince us that these interruptions on our journey are true. We will also, very importantly, be exploring the practical tools to overcome the obstacles and continue on with our progressioin. This is a study, as well as practice based workshop.

Yoga is so pragmatic. In the yoga sutra lies the knowledge that helps bring clarity from our confusion - it enables us to identify the things within ourselves that propagate our own suffering and is very clear on the path out.

A student who is very committed to coming out of her suffering, recently said to me, 'I am worried I will go backwards' - she recognized her tendency toward Anavasthitatvani - the ninth obstacle, regression - my answer to her was, 'how can you go backward, if you simply keep going forward?' This is as simple as it can be...but for the mind :).

Together we will discuss the nature of mind, it's components, it's colourings and the obstacles, and together we will experience the tools to bring us out, acknowledging that the power to progress out of suffering, lies within us.