Faith, or śraddhā, is one of the most essential qualities in the practice of yoga. It is the quiet yet powerful force that keeps us moving forward, even in the face of obstacles. Without faith, the journey of yoga can feel insurmountable. But with it, we find the resilience to overcome challenges, the clarity to see our path, and the strength to persevere.
Śraddhā and the Āntarāyas: Recognizing the Obstacles
In the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Sūtra 1.30 outlines nine obstacles, or āntarāyas, that can hinder our progress on the path of yoga:
Vyādhi: Illness or physical ailments.
Styāna: Mental laziness or apathy.
Saṃśaya: Doubt or indecision.
Pramāda: Carelessness or negligence.
Ālasya: Physical laziness.
Avirati: Overindulgence or attachment to sensory pleasures.
Bhrānti-darśana: False perception or misunderstanding.
Alabdha-bhūmikatva: Inability to progress or attain a new stage.
Anavasthitatva: Instability in maintaining progress.
These obstacles are universal and can arise at any stage of practice. They create moments when our passion dims, doubt creeps in, or we feel disconnected from our path. However, Patañjali doesn’t leave us without a remedy. In Sūtra 1.20, he offers a way forward, and śraddhā is the first and most crucial step.
Sūtra 1.20: Śraddhā as the First Step
Śraddhā-vīrya-smṛti-samādhi-prajñā-pūrvakaḥ itareṣām
"For those who persevere, progress is preceded by faith, vigor, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom."
This sūtra teaches us that śraddhā is the foundation upon which all other qualities are built. Without faith, we cannot summon the vigor (vīrya), mindfulness (smṛti), concentration (samādhi), or wisdom (prajñā) needed to overcome obstacles and deepen our practice.
Why Śraddhā Matters in Practice
Faith is not blind belief. In yoga, śraddhā is the trust we place in the process, our teachers, and our own inner potential. It is what allows us to continue practicing even when results are not immediate or obstacles seem insurmountable.
As Swami Sivananda writes, "Faith is to the human what a rudder is to a ship; it guides us through the tempests of life."
When doubt (saṃśaya) arises, śraddhā provides the reassurance we need to keep going. When laziness (styāna, ālasya) takes hold, faith reminds us why we started the journey in the first place. And when progress feels elusive (alabdha-bhūmikatva), śraddhā helps us trust that growth is happening, even if we can’t yet see it.
Śraddhā in the Face of Āntarāyas
When I reflect on my own practice, I remember times when I struggled with many of the āntarāyas. I questioned my purpose, allowed laziness to creep in, and felt frustrated by the lack of progress. It was śraddhā that ultimately carried me forward. By leaning into faith, I rediscovered my commitment, reawakened my enthusiasm, and found clarity in my teaching.
The Bhagavad Gītā beautifully articulates this idea: "A person who has faith, who is absorbed in the practice, and who has mastered the senses gains supreme knowledge." (Bhagavad Gītā, 4.39)
In the song "Flowers of My Faith," Krishna Das beautifully captures the essence of śraddhā. Through his devotional music, he conveys how faith blossoms within the heart, even amidst life’s trials and uncertainties. The lyrics remind us that faith is not something static but an ever-growing aspect of our being, much like flowers that bloom through the care of devotion and practice. Śraddhā, in this sense, is both the seed and the blossoming flower, guiding us toward deeper trust in ourselves and the divine
Nurturing Śraddhā in Your Practice
Cultivating śraddhā is an ongoing process. Here are some ways to nurture faith in your practice:
Revisit Your Why: Reflect on what drew you to yoga in the first place. Allow that initial spark to reignite your faith.
Trust the Process: Even when progress seems slow, trust that every step you take is part of your growth.
Seek Inspiration: Read sacred texts, listen to teachers, or spend time with fellow practitioners to strengthen your connection to the path.
Practice Gratitude: Recognize and appreciate the small victories and moments of clarity along the way.
As the Taittirīya Upaniṣad reminds us, "Faith is the root of all achievement."
Śraddhā: A Living Practice
Faith is not a static quality; it is a living, breathing part of our practice. It grows stronger as we persevere, and it guides us through challenges. When we cultivate śraddhā, we find the resilience to face obstacles, the clarity to navigate uncertainty, and the strength to keep moving forward.
In the words of Sri Aurobindo, "Faith is the soul’s witness to something not yet manifested but felt as true."
Take Your Practice Deeper
If you’re ready to explore the power of śraddhā and how it can transform your practice, consider joining us for an immersive journey into the energy body and the subtle layers of yoga. Together, we’ll dive into ancient teachings and modern applications, helping you cultivate faith and overcome obstacles on your path.
PRACTICE IMMERSION Batemans Bay Nourishing the inner winds immersion at Soul tribe January CLICK
BALI RETREAT Awakening the energy body - study retreat in North Bali with Rachel & Flo Fenton North Bali 21st June - 1st July 2025 CLICK
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