In chapter 1 of Hatha Yoga Pradipika, verse 15 and 16(i), Rishi Gorakshanath has explained about Badhaka Tatva and Sadhaka Tatva.

Badhaka Tatva:

In Sanskrit Tatva means “factor” & Badhaka means  obstructing. The factor that do not allow you to proceed in the path of YOGA.

अत्याहारः परयासश्छ परजल्पो नियमाग्रहः |
जन-सङ्गश्छ लौल्यं छ षहड्भिर्योगो विनश्यति || १५ ||

atyāhāraḥ prayāsaścha prajalpo niyamāghrahaḥ |
jana-sangghaścha laulyaṃ cha ṣhaḍbhiryogho vinaśyati || 15 ||

Yoga is destroyed by the following six causes:—

Over-eating, exertion, talkativeness, adhering to rules, i.e., cold bath in the morning, eating at night, or eating fruits only, company of men, and unsteadiness.

1. Atyahaar:

Excess eating always leads to disease. When one eats more than what he needs then all the energy of the body is consumed to just digest the food. So, no energy or very less energy will be left for any development or rejuvenation work by body.

2. Prayas & Prabhas:

Prayas means excessive physical activity / effort and Prabhas means over travelling. When our most of the energy is lost by these two means , one wont to be able to perform any kind of Sadhana. For a Yoga Sadhaka these two are like poisons. Apart from consuming the physical energy these also act as complete distraction. And Yogis need to conserve the energy and stay focused all the time, for advancing in the Yogic path.

3. Prajalpa:

Over-talkativeness: Too much talking has many negative impacts on your body most importantly on the progress of Yoga. It will anyway not be beneficial and over the top of it , this attracts negative energy. As per Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the social situation and irrelevant discussion definitely distract the mind from Yoga Sadhana.

4. Niyama -Agraha:

This means rigidity or over insisting on things or rules and regulations like i.e., cold bath in the morning, eating at night, or eating fruits only. It is mentioned that strict rules and regulations need not be followed. These are hindrance in the path of Yoga and in the spiritual growth. Yoga is meant to expand not to limit. A yogi should have a free and open mind. Any kind of rules is a set back in the practice of Yoga. Your only focus need to be on the practice of Yoga.

5. Janasangha :

Being in the company of people : when you are overly social and try to spend most of time with them then it creates an obstacle for you to grow in your Sadhana. You will be affected by their thoughts, action whether you realise it or not. When your goals are different and visions are different then it will affect you. As per Maharshi Patanjali Satsang is good because here the goal is same and you are being benefited by being with them.

6. Laulya:

Unsteadiness/ Wavering mind: This is the state when your mind can not focus on one point and one goal. So how can you be steady in the practice of Yoga. The perfection only can be achieved when you do Sadhana at the same time , same place, without any fail.

When one wants to progress in the path of Yoga , you need to avoid these things without any fail.

Sadhaka Tatva:

In Sanskrit Tatva means “factor” & Sadhaka means that helps.

The factors that helps you to proceed in the path of YOGA.

उत्साहात्साहसाद्धैर्यात्तत्त्व-जञानाश्छ निश्छयात |
जन-सङ्ग-परित्यागात्ष्हड्भिर्योगः परसिद्ध्यति || १६ ||

utsāhātsāhasāddhairyāttattva-jñānāścha niśchayāt |
jana-sanggha-parityāghātṣhaḍbhiryoghaḥ prasiddhyati || 16 ||

The following six bring speedy success: — Courage, daring, perseverance, discriminative knowledge, faith, aloofness from company.

1. Utchaha/Enthusiasm:

To succeed in Yoga enthusiasm is most essential. We constantly feel motivated, positive to carry out our Yoga Sadhana. You need to feel excited to do the Sadhana. Everyday need to be seem like first day of your Sadhana.

2. Perseverance / Sahas:

No matter what happens externally your Yoga Sadhana must be done regularly , whether you are at any material loss or you acquire any valuable possession. It happens sometimes you cant see the changes or any progress but still you have to keep doing your practices. Whether it takes months/ years / whole life time. Everyone is different so as progress. No matter what you need to be optimistic.

3. Dhairya/ discrimination:

Everything you do and every aspect of your life that need to be as per Yoga that is beneficial for it. Starting from food , place of sadhana, way of living, company etc everything need to be as conducive to your Sadhana. When this knowledge of discrimination comes automatically without you forcing it , then your progress is inevitable.

4. Tatvagyana/ Unshakable faith:

Faith is the most essential when it comes to practice of yoga or whatever you do in life. Faith on Guru, Higher reality, on Nature, on Divine is prime important. You may experience doubt on yourself but in that moment you have to have faith on God and Guru. Guru is the one who will lead you in the path of YOGA and complete faith is needed to succeed.

5. Dridha nischaya/ Courage:

When a Sadhaka has courage and set his vision clearly no one and nothing can stop him. This is a path that is less travelled so it becomes very common to prople not understand you. And here courage is needed on your own inner strength and vision.

6. Janasangha Parityaga/ Avoiding the company:

our most of the energy is dissipated while we spent time with others,  just hanging out, passing time. In this process what we loose is time that cant return and our creative energy.

A Sadhaka should not consider others inferior to him but until his physical , mental, emotional, and psychic resistance are developed ; it is better to stay away from social interactions and negative influences.

These factors need to be kept in mind of a Yoga Sadhaka who wishes to advance in the path of Yoga.

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