Obstacles to Moksha

Q.  Even those, who proceed along the path of spiritual progress toward the goal of moksha have, it seems, big obstacles, Swami.

A.  Yes, the past, the present, and the future obstacles.

Q.  What are they? What is the obstacle from the past?

A.  Recollecting and remembering the past and getting affected by it.

Q.  And the obstacle from the present?

A.  That itself operates in four ways! Vishaya-ashakthi (attending more to the peculiarities of textual criticism than to the sense of the teaching), Prajnaa-maandyam (dullness of the intellect that prevents one from grasping the words of the elders and of the wise), Kutarka (crookedness), and Viparyayaduraagraha(justifying one’s own statement as correct through an exaggerated conceit).

Q.  What is the nature of the obstacle from the future?

A.  The future creates obstacles since you anticipate troubles and worry about them even before they come.

Q.  I have heard people speak of four types of beings; but I am not quite clear what they are.

A.  Andaja, Swedaja, Udbijja, and Jarayuja.

Q.  What do these words mean?

A.  Andaja means egg-born; Swedaja is sweat-born; Udbijja is earth-born, and Jarayuja means mammals. Birds are good examples of the first group; lice etc. of the second; ants, plants, and trees of the third; and men, cattle, etc., of the fourth.

Q.  Well, Swami! Among those who are theists and adore God are there special types?

A.  Of course! There are four types among them too.

Q.  Their names?

A.  Dwijas, Munis, Alpabudhdhis, and Vidithatmas: the Twice-born, the Ascetics, the Dull-witted, and the Knowers of the atma.

Q.  Why are they called so? What is the special feature of each type?

A.  The Twice-born recognize God in the fire they revere; and with that conviction they worship Him.

Q.  The Munis?

A.  They recognize God in their hearts.

Q.  What about the Dull-witted?

A.  They require images, pictures, or some other visible representation of His beauty and glory. They worship such.

Q.  And the knowers of the atma?

A.  They recognize God as immanent in the universe and see only Him wherever they turn.

Q.  May I ask who among these are the greatest?

A.  Each is great in the stage he may have reached, but naturally those who can experience the Lord everywhere at all times are the greatest.

Q.  Swami! What are the traits of character that we have to avoid, that is to say, which are the obstacles in the path of one who seeks liberation from the cycle of birth and death?

A.  The six, the Arishadvargas: kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada, and matsarya; these are to be avoided. 

Q.  What exactly is kama?

A.  Desire for riches, property, honor, status, fame, children; why list the lot? Attachment to all things of this sensory world, this false, temporary, impure world.

Q.  Krodha?

A.  Yearning to harm others and cause ruin to them.

Q.  And lobha?

A.  Determination that no one else should partake of even a small fraction of what one has earned or what one has; also that even in times of distress one’s possessions should not be diminished by use.

Q.  What is the meaning of moha?

A.  The delusion that some people are nearer to one than others and the desire to please them more than others, leading to exertions for earning and accumulating for their sake.

Q.  Mada?

A.  Mada means the swagger that develops when one feels that he has either scholarship or strength or riches or fame, more than others. Even when one has not got these, mada makes men move about without reverence for elders and consideration for other’s feelings and craving only for one’s own comfort and security. Mada is extreme egoism.

Q.  The last that you mentioned is matsarya. What does that mean, Swami?

A.  When others are as happy as yourself, matsarya makes one miserable; one cannot tolerate it.

Q.  There are certain other traits, too, called dambha and darpa. What do they indicate?

A.  Dambha prompts people to do Yaga and Yajna, to give away vast sums in charity, in order to win the applause of the world. Darpa is the pride that haunts man when he is rich and happy.

Q.  What is the meaning of eershya?

A.  The desire that others should get the grief, the misery and the worry that one is suffering from.

Q.  So, it is different from asuya?

A.  Yes. Asuya means thinking always of doing evil to others; the preparedness to put up with any trouble in order to satisfy this desire to harm others. All these are called Inner Foes. So long as man is caught in this net of delusion spread by these foes, the yearning for liberation will not dawn in his mind.

Source: Prasnottara Vahini

Obstacles to Moksha

The spiritual journey toward liberation is filled with many challenges that test the strength, patience, and wisdom of every seeker. In the path described by saints and scriptures, Obstacles to Moksha often arise from the mind, senses, ego, and worldly attachments. Human life is considered precious because it offers the opportunity to realize the eternal truth, yet many distractions prevent one from moving closer to inner freedom. Understanding these barriers is the first step toward overcoming them and experiencing lasting peace.

One of the greatest Obstacles to Moksha is attachment to material pleasures. People become deeply involved in wealth, status, comfort, and temporary happiness, forgetting the deeper purpose of life. Desires continue to multiply, creating restlessness and dissatisfaction. Spiritual masters explain that true joy cannot be found in external possessions because everything in the physical world changes with time. A seeker who wishes to progress must slowly reduce excessive attachment and cultivate contentment.

Another major among the Obstacles to Moksha is ego. Pride makes individuals believe they are separate from others and superior in some way. Ego creates anger, jealousy, and competition, which disturb mental peace. When a person constantly seeks recognition and praise, spiritual growth becomes difficult. Humility opens the door to wisdom, while arrogance keeps the mind trapped in ignorance. Great saints taught that surrender and selfless service purify the heart and remove inner darkness.

Ignorance is also counted among the serious Obstacles to Moksha. Many people remain unaware of their true spiritual nature and identify only with the body and mind. This misunderstanding leads to fear, sorrow, and attachment. Through prayer, meditation, and study of sacred teachings, one gradually develops spiritual awareness. The guidance of enlightened teachers helps seekers move beyond confusion and understand the eternal reality within.

Uncontrolled senses create further Obstacles to Moksha by pulling the mind toward endless distractions. Constant attraction toward pleasure weakens concentration and discipline. Spiritual traditions emphasize the importance of self-control, moderation, and purity in daily life. A calm mind becomes capable of meditation and divine contemplation. Without inner discipline, the path toward liberation becomes difficult and uncertain.

Negative emotions such as anger, greed, hatred, and jealousy are also powerful Obstacles to Moksha. These emotions disturb harmony and prevent spiritual clarity. Forgiveness, compassion, and kindness help purify the heart and create positive energy. When individuals learn to love others without selfish expectations, they move closer to spiritual awakening. The practice of devotion and remembrance of the Divine transforms negative tendencies into noble qualities.

Lack of faith and impatience are hidden Obstacles to Moksha that often discourage seekers. Many people expect immediate spiritual experiences and lose motivation when progress appears slow. Spiritual growth is gradual and requires sincere effort over time. Patience, faith, and regular practice strengthen the mind and help one continue the journey with determination. True seekers understand that every step taken with devotion brings them closer to liberation.

The company one keeps can either support or weaken spiritual progress. Wrong influences, unhealthy habits, and negative surroundings become subtle Obstacles to Moksha. Good company inspires noble thoughts and righteous living. Association with spiritually minded people encourages discipline, devotion, and wisdom. Holy discussions and sacred environments uplift the mind and guide seekers toward inner transformation.

In the teachings shared through Devotional India, spiritual wisdom reminds humanity that liberation is possible when the mind becomes pure and free from selfish desires. The path may appear challenging, but sincere devotion, meditation, prayer, and selfless action help overcome every barrier. Devotional India encourages seekers to remain steadfast in spiritual practice and maintain faith during difficult times. By recognizing and conquering these inner challenges, one gradually rises above worldly suffering and experiences divine peace.

The journey beyond the Obstacles to Moksha is ultimately a journey toward self-realization and eternal bliss. Through spiritual discipline, wisdom, and devotion, the soul moves closer to its true nature. Devotional India continues to inspire countless seekers to walk the sacred path with courage and dedication. When ignorance fades and the heart becomes pure, liberation shines naturally within. In this way, overcoming the Obstacles to Moksha becomes the gateway to everlasting peace and spiritual fulfillment through the timeless guidance of Devotional India.

-Moksha and Karma (Liberation and Action)