16/07/2026
When Digestion Becomes a Leadership Issue: The First Antaraya – Vyadhi (Illness)
A senior executive once approached me after a meditation session and said:
> "Guruji, I have some issues with my digestive system. It affects me professionally."
I smiled and asked him, "Have you heard of the Antarayas?"
In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Antarayas are the nine obstacles that disturb our progress—not only in yoga but also in our work, relationships, and life.
The first Antaraya is Vyadhi (Illness).
Vyadhi is more than a medical diagnosis. It is any physical imbalance that drains energy, reduces mental clarity, and weakens our ability to perform our karma—our responsibilities and purposeful actions.
Think about it.
Poor digestion can lead to fatigue, brain fog, irritability, disturbed sleep, and low concentration. A leader may still attend every meeting, but their decision-making, creativity, and emotional stability gradually decline.
In yoga, an unhealthy body struggles to sit comfortably, breathe deeply, and maintain focus in meditation. If the body becomes a distraction, the mind cannot settle.
The same principle applies in the boardroom.
A disturbed body creates a disturbed mind. A disturbed mind creates disturbed decisions.
Yogic practices to overcome Vyadhi
• Eat mindfully and avoid overeating.
• Maintain regular meal and sleep timings.
• Practice gentle asanas to improve digestion.
• Include Vajrasana after meals (when appropriate).
• Practice Nadi Shodhana Pranayama daily to calm the nervous system.
• Spend 15–20 minutes in Yoga Nidra to support deep rest and recovery.
• Observe your body with awareness instead of ignoring its signals.
Great leadership begins with self-leadership.
Before we try to manage teams, targets, and organisations, we must first manage the body and mind that carry us through our work.
As Patanjali reminds us, the journey to excellence begins by removing the obstacles within.
Which aspect of your health has had the greatest impact on your professional performance? I'd love to hear your thoughts.