Definition - What does Angamejayatva mean?
Angamejayatva is a Sanskrit term that refers to tremors, weakness, and lack of control of the body. It is one of the four symptoms or effects of the obstacles to a spiritual life that Patanjali wrote about in the Yoga Sutras. Anga is the root word that means “limb” or “body.” This symptom is sometimes also called angamejayatwa.
The obstacles and their effects are the results of focusing on the external world rather than turning inward. This leads to a distracted mind, stress and anxiety, which can trigger tremors.
Yogapedia explains Angamejayatva
To overcome angamejayatva and other symptoms of the obstacles, as well as the obstacles themselves, the mind must be cleared. Yoga techniques such as meditation and pranayama are especially helpful.
In addition to angamedzhavatva, the effects of the obstacles – sometimes called the minor obstacles – include:
- Shvasa prashvasa, which is uneven breathing or unsteadiness
- Duhkha, which is pain, suffering, stress and sadness
- Daurmanasya, which is despair and depression
The nine main obstacles to a spiritual life and enlightenment that trigger the symptoms are:
- Illness (viyadhi)
- Lack of discipline (siana)
- Suspicion and doubt (sanshaya)
- Carelessness and indifference (pramada)
- Apathy and laziness (alassane)
- Attachment and lack of restraint (avirati)
- Delusion (brantidarshan)
- Lack of progress (alabdha-bhumikatya)
- Mental instability and unsteadiness (anavastitatva)