Not many of the above are related to the physical body. We were given asanas as a gift to work out the physical obstacles. We were given vinyasa to make this process a sacred prayer.

It is the Breathing techniques that allow us to begin balancing the physiological body and calming the psychological body breaking some of the walls that prevent us from fully expanding the light and essence of our being.

The Upanishads mention more the emotions that will imprison the soul from flowering into the divine. These are lust, passion, greed, anger, hatred, fear and jealousy. Clarity and direction become present when these emotions have been expelled from the body and mind.

The Pradipika refers to eating to much or spending to much energy, restless inconstancy, undisciplined behavior and conduct, bad company and having an untamed tongue.

The Bhagavad Gita mentions the need for balance in eating and sleeping among many other things. Breath control is also encouraged.

These obstacles are outlined by the saints and sages of time past. It is necessary to know of them if you truly want illumination in Yoga. Those who have worked hard and obtained the goals mention the fruits throughout history. If you have ever been blessed with the presence of those who have reached these states then you will have somewhat of an idea of why you would journey in the same direction..

Life does not dull and get boring when disciplines are practiced. On the contrary life is fully experienced. The mind wakes from its sleeping state. You become self realized in a blissful euphoria..

But we must always continue to follow the disciplines or so easily we will slip down from where we have worked so hard to be..