Saṃśaya

Doubt, deep indecision that paralyzes the will and obstructs spiritual practice. In the Yoga Sūtra 1.30, saṃśaya figures as one of the nine antarāya-s — obstacles that scatter the mind of the yogin. The Bhagavad Gītā condemns it with severity: in 4.40, Kṛṣṇa declares that one who harbors saṃśaya “perishes” (vinaśyati), for doubt destroys both action and knowledge. Its antidote on the path of yoga is sustained adherence to practice ([[abhyāsa]]) and surrender ([[īśvarapraṇidhāna]]).