The vyadhi sty ana samsaya pramada alasya avirati bhrantidarsana alabdhabhumikatoa anavasthitatvani cittaviksepah te antarayah sutra states the exact points by which one can be free from the several obstacles, including lapsing, lethargy, lack of perseverance or doubtfulnesses. However, self-realisation is only possible when one is successful in conquering these obstacles.
Vyadhi disease
Styana lack of perseverance, lack of interest, sluggishness,
mental laziness
samsaya doubt, indecision
pramada intoxication, carelessness, negligence
inattentiveness, inadvertence
alasya idleness, physical laziness
avirati incontinence, lacking in moderation or control,
sensual gratification
bhrantidarsana living under illusion, mistaken notion
alabdhabhumikatva missing the point, inability to hold on to what is achieved, disappointment in one`s desired object
anavasthitatvani an unsettled state, inability to maintain the achieved progress
cittaviksepah a scattered or oscillating mind causing distraction in the consciousness
te these
antarayah obstacles, impediments
These obstacles are disease, inertia, doubt, heedlessness, laziness, indiscipline of the senses, flawed views, lack of tenacity, and backsliding.
This sutra delineates the nine obstacles or deterrents, which hinders progress and deflects the aspirer`s consciousness.
In 1.29, Patanjali had indicated that Self-Realisation is possible only when consciousness is free from impediments.