If you’ve ever wondered why it can be hard to stay consistent with your yoga practice—even when you love it—you’re not alone. Classical yoga philosophy has a framework for this challenge. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika, a key text in the haṭha yoga tradition, outlines six obstacles to yoga (ṣaḍ-vighna) that interrupt growth on the path (Muktibodhananda 1998, 45–48).

These obstacles include overconsumption, overexertion, idle talk, misapplied discipline, unhelpful company, and restlessness. While they were named centuries ago, they remain deeply relevant for anyone working to make yoga a consistent part of daily life.

Fortunately, the yogic tradition doesn’t just name the obstacles—it gives us potent tools to overcome them. Two of the most important are sankalpa (a heartfelt intention) and tapas (disciplined, consistent effort).

When these teachings work together, they help you create something profoundly valuable: a sustainable yoga lifestyle rooted in clarity, purpose, and steady practice.

Below, we explore each of the six obstacles to yoga, how they show up today, and how sankalpa and tapas can transform your practice from a mat-based routine into a meaningful way of living.

What Are the Six Obstacles to Yoga?

According to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the “six obstacles” (ṣaḍ-vighna) that disrupt yoga practice include:

• Atyāhāra — Overeating or overconsumption
• Prayāsa — Overexertion
• Prajalpa — Idle or distracted talk
• Niyamāgraha — Misguided discipline (rigidity or lack of structure)
• Jana-saṅga — Unhelpful company
• Laulya — Restlessness or inconsistency

Understanding these obstacles is the first step in overcoming them. Applying sankalpa and tapas is the second.

1. Overeating or Overconsumption (atyāhāra)

Why this obstacle matters

Atyāhāra refers not only to eating in excess but to taking in more than we need—food, information, noise, stimulation (Muktibodhananda 1998, 45). Overconsumption clouds awareness and makes it harder to access subtle states during yoga, meditation, and pranayama.

How it shows up in modern yoga

• Mindless snacking
• Constant scrolling
• Taking on too many responsibilities
• Sensory overload

These habits create heaviness and dullness—two conditions that slow progress on the path.

How sankalpa and tapas help

A sankalpa oriented toward clarity or vitality can help reframe choices. Tapas supports moderation—small but steady habits like mindful eating, tech-free time, or intentional rest. These gradual shifts help you reclaim the inner space needed for a sustainable yoga lifestyle.

2. Overexertion in Yoga (prayāsa)

Why this obstacle matters

Prayāsa warns against pushing too hard or striving aggressively in practice (Muktibodhananda 1998, 46). Patañjali similarly reminds us that yoga postures should balance effort and ease (sthira-sukha asanam) (Bryant 2009, 223).

How it shows up today

• Forcing asana beyond healthy limits
• Overcommitting to multiple classes or styles
• Burnout masked as dedication

Many practitioners unknowingly drain their prāṇa by trying to “achieve” yoga rather than embody it.

How sankalpa and tapas help

A sankalpa centered on balance helps reduce all-or-nothing thinking. Tapas provides appropriate effort—consistent practice that nourishes instead of depleting you. This is one of the most important habits for long-term, injury-free yoga.

3. Idle Talk and Mental Noise (prajalpa)

Why this obstacle matters

Prajalpa refers to speech that scatters or wastes energy—gossip, complaining, overexplaining, or consuming endless commentary (Muktibodhananda 1998, 46).

In modern life

• Social media overuse
• Comparison spirals
• Constant internal chatter
• Emotional reactivity

These habits distract the mind and weaken concentration.

How sankalpa and tapas help

A sankalpa aligned with presence or truth encourages more intentional communication. Tapas might include short periods of silence, mindful listening, or limited screen time. Over time, practitioners notice more clarity and steadiness—key ingredients for meditation and deeper practice.

4. Misguided Discipline: Rigidity or Lack of Structure (niyamāgraha)

Why this obstacle matters

Niyamāgraha arises when discipline becomes rigid or when structure collapses completely (Muktibodhananda 1998, 47). Both patterns interfere with growth.

Modern manifestations

• Following rules without understanding why
• Feeling guilty for missing practice
• Swinging between strict regimens and apathy
• Treating yoga like a checklist rather than a relationship

How sankalpa and tapas help

A clear sankalpa reconnects discipline to meaning. Tapas establishes steady, compassionate commitment, which Patañjali highlights as essential for progress (Bryant 2009, II.14 commentary). This combination turns discipline into a supportive rhythm rather than a source of pressure.

5. Unhelpful Company (jana-saṅga)

Why this obstacle matters

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika explains that the company we keep influences our state of mind (Muktibodhananda 1998, 47). The Bhagavad Gītā reinforces that the mind becomes either a friend or an enemy depending on the influences around it (Sivananda 1972, 149; Gītā 6.6).

In modern contexts

• Environments filled with negativity
• Social groups centered on gossip
• Workplaces that amplify stress
• Online spaces that drain energy

How sankalpa and tapas help

A sankalpa oriented toward peace or authenticity inspires more conscious choices in relationships. Tapas may mean creating boundaries, seeking uplifting community (satsang), or curating digital environments mindfully. These shifts create fertile ground for consistent practice.

6. Restlessness and Inconsistency (laulya)

Why this obstacle matters

Laulya refers to a lack of steadiness—jumping from one practice to another without depth. This is a major barrier to sustainable yoga.

How it manifests today

• Constantly switching yoga styles
• Starting and stopping meditation apps
• Feeling bored and seeking novelty
• Never staying with a practice long enough to feel results

The Bhagavad Gītā advises training the mind through consistent practice and gentle detachment (Sivananda 1972, 207; Gītā 6.35).

How sankalpa and tapas help

Sankalpa clarifies direction. Tapas provides the follow-through—small daily rituals, breath practices, study, or meditation that anchor consistency. With this combination, yoga becomes a lived habit, not an occasional activity.

How Sankalpa and Tapas Create a Sustainable Yoga Lifestyle

The six obstacles of yoga provide an honest look at the inner and outer habits that shape our practice. But yoga philosophy never leaves us without tools.

Sankalpa offers purpose. Tapas provides structure. Together, they turn yoga into a lifestyle.

Sankalpa aligns each choice with your deeper values. Tapas transforms those choices into sustainable habits.

When applied consistently, they help you:

• Build momentum in your practice
• Stay committed even when motivation fluctuates
• Cultivate self-trust and personal discipline
• Experience yoga not just on the mat, but everywhere in your life

This is how the teachings move from theory to embodiment—how yoga becomes something you live.

Bibliography (Chicago Author–Date Style)

Bryant, Edwin F. 2009. The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali: A New Edition, Translation, and Commentary. New York: North Point Press.

Muktibodhananda, Swami. 1998. Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Munger, Bihar, India: Bihar School of Yoga.

Sivananda, Swami. 1972. The Bhagavad Gita. Rishikesh, India: Divine Life Society.