Patanjali on Obstacles to Success
by Sheela Rani Chunkath
Patanjali writes in the Yoga Sutras that disease, idleness, doubt, carelessness, sloth, lack of detachment, confusion, inability to concentrate, and instability will prevent you from reaching your goal. While the aim of yoga is to attain 'chitta vritti' or loosely translated a 'clear mind', Patajali’s sutra 30 of chapter one is applicable to all life situations. Anybody who has a goal to reach would do well to look at the nine disturbances given above that could prevent you from reaching your goal.
Patanjali, as was the practice in his times, lists the causes in order of importance. The very first 'obstacle' to achieving your 'goal' is vyadhi or disease. Patanjali’s commentators have defined disease in ayurvedic terms to mean an imbalance of the three doshas, vata, pitta and kapha. Very few people can achieve their goals when disturbed by sickness, ill health and disease. Health, of course, is both physical and mental health. Being healthy can help you reach your goals and enjoy it too.
I would add to Patajanli's sutra and say that the health of you near and dear ones is also important in achieving your goals. How easy can it be to concentrate on a deadline when you have sick child at home. This is where ayurveda with its focus on proactive health case scores over allopathic systems of medicine.
Dr. Frank John Ninivaggi, from the Yale University, School of Medicine who has spent the better part of his life studying Ayurveda writes "Ayurveda, in general, is geared towards health maintenance rather that disease treatment. Its primary emphasis is health promotion, namely, reducing and attempting to eliminate health related risks, especially by advancing life style wellness values. It is a system of diet and lifestyle choices whose aim is to enhance the quality of life by dealing with the subtle trends that might lead to actual disease. It is, therefore, a method for living life in a more fulfilled manner. Quality of life is a high priority". He also says that systems such as Ayurveda "often require intentional and sustained self discipline, perseverance and taking an active, personal role in matters of health and over all life style choices. This self help approach has not been a part of traditional Western Medical Model". We commonly hear people saying "Don’t drug yourself, consult the doctor"; The presumption is that you have no idea about your health and therefore you will be using western medicines many of which are toxic.
A proactive approach to health, which systems like Ayurveda promote, will keep you free from disease. Dealing with the subtle signs of an impending health problem or recognizing the 'poorva roopam' is important. Before the onset of a cold you may have an itching sensation in your throat; stop the cold by having a kashayam of chukku, milagu, tippali or some Kadhiradhi gutikas. The migraine that drains you will first make itself known through a dull headache. Treat the first signs with a nasyam of Anu tailam and take rest. The body ache that you are experiencing is a sign that you could be the next victim of the viral fever that many in your neighbourhood are having. Sudharshana chooranam is a 'miracle' herbal tablet that can save you from days of pain and fever.
Be extremely proactive when it comes to your health. You know more about your body and mind than any doctor knows or cares to know. More often than not you are your own best physician.
--- The writer is retired Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu. She can be reached at Sheelarani.arogyamantra@gmail. com. Earlier articles can be accessed at http://arogyamantra.blogspot.com/