Internal Obstacles to Bhakti: How Ego Blocks Surrender and How to Remove It
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Discover the major Internal Obstacles to Bhakti—pride, envy, and self-importance—and learn how japa and Bhagavad-gita teachings remove them.
Introduction
Many devotees appear peaceful on the outside, yet inside they face powerful Internal Obstacles to Bhakti such as pride, envy, and self-importance. These enemies are silent, subtle, and often ignored. But if not treated, they slowly choke spiritual progress. This practical guide explains how these obstacles arise, how they spread, and how japa, humility, and the Bhagavad-gita dissolve them. Every devotee must understand these hidden battles to walk the path of steady and fearless surrender.
Table of Contents
What Are the Main Internal Obstacles to Bhakti?
How These Obstacles Grow in the Heart
Why Japa Is the Medicine for Inner Impurities
Bhagavad-gita Teachings on Surrender
How Devotees Should Respond to Difficulties
Mistakes Devotees Commonly Make
FAQs
Conclusion & Call to Action
1. What Are the Main Internal Obstacles to Bhakti?
The Internal Obstacles to Bhakti usually hide inside the heart, even when a devotee appears humble. These obstacles include:
H3: Pride
Feeling superior
Thinking “I am doing better than others”
H3: Envy
Feeling disturbed when another devotee is praised
Discomfort at others’ success
H3: Self-Importance
Wanting recognition
Expecting praise
Feeling hurt when ignored
These relate to the classic enemies: labha (gain), puja (worship), and pratiṣṭhā (position).
LSI Keywords used: false ego, impurities of the heart, obstacles to surrender.
Internal Obstacle to Bhakti Mention #2
2. How These Obstacles Grow in the Heart
Internal Obstacles to Bhakti start with a simple mental habit: comparison.
Example
Two devotees serve together.
One leads kirtan beautifully.
Everyone praises him.
The other thinks:
“Why didn’t anyone appreciate me?”
From here begins a predictable chain:
Comparison
Feeling inferior
Desire for importance
Envy
Pride
These reactions burn the heart from within and block devotion.
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3. Why Japa Is the Medicine for Inner Impurities
Japa is powerful because Krishna is present in His Holy Name.
When chanting deeply:
Pride melts
Envy weakens
Self-importance fades
The heart becomes soft
And a simple truth becomes clear:
“I am not important. I am Krishna’s servant.”
This realization cuts the Internal Obstacles to Bhakti at the root.
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4. Bhagavad-gita Teachings on Surrender
BG 18.66 — The Heart of Surrender
“Mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja”—Surrender to Me; I will protect you.
This verse destroys fear and self-importance.
BG 2.14 — The Call for Patience
“Titikṣasva Bhārata”—Tolerate happiness and distress.
Patience means trusting Krishna’s plan even when results differ from our expectations.
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5. Why Devotees Should Never Panic
Krishna knows:
Our past
Our present
Our future
What helps us grow
What protects us
What harms us
A devotee thinks:
“I did my duty. Whatever result came is Krishna’s choice.”
The moment this enters the heart:
The mind becomes calm
The heart becomes strong
Life gains clarity
This attitude ends the Internal Obstacles to Bhakti caused by fear and desire for control.
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6. Mistakes Devotees Commonly Make
H3: Mistake 1 — Expecting Praise
This fuels ego and keeps Internal Obstacles to Bhakti alive.
H3: Mistake 2 — Comparing Service
Service is personal to Krishna; comparison leads to envy.
H3: Mistake 3 — Misreading Difficulties
Difficulties are Krishna’s training, not punishment.
H3: Mistake 4 — Resisting Krishna’s Will
Insisting that things happen “my way” increases suffering.
H3: Mistake 5 — Neglecting Japa Quality
Mechanical chanting cannot clean the subtle heart.
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Conclusion: Overcoming Internal Obstacles to Bhakti
The Internal Obstacles to Bhakti—pride, envy, and self-importance—are subtle but dangerous. With sincere japa, patience, and trust in Krishna’s plan, these obstacles weaken and disappear. Start today: observe your thoughts, chant attentively, and practice acceptance. This simple daily discipline will bring clarity, peace, and deeper surrender.
Internal Links (Placeholders)
Learn about cultivating humility: [Insert Internal Link]
Read the guide on improving japa meditation: [Insert Internal Link]
External Links (Placeholders)
Read Bhagavad-gita online: [Insert External Link]
Reference: Teachings of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda: [Insert External Link]
7. FAQs on Internal Obstacles to Bhakti
Q1. What are the main Internal Obstacles to Bhakti?
They include pride, envy, false ego, and the desire for recognition. These impurities quietly block spiritual growth and disturb surrender. Understanding them is the first step to removing them.
Q2. How does comparison harm a devotee?
Comparison leads to inferiority, envy, and self-importance. This creates internal agitation and keeps the devotee from serving with a pure heart.
Q3. Can japa remove Internal Obstacles to Bhakti?
Yes. When chanting attentively, the heart becomes soft, ego dissolves, and one feels genuine humility. The Holy Name cleanses subtle impurities that nothing else can reach.
Q4. Why does praise disturb the heart?
Praise awakens hidden desires for recognition. When others get appreciation, it triggers envy and pride, which are major Internal Obstacles to Bhakti.
Q5. How does Bhagavad-gita help remove inner obstacles?
Teachings like BG 2.14 and 18.66 explain surrender, patience, and acceptance. These principles weaken ego-driven reactions and guide the heart toward steadiness.
Q6. What is the biggest sign of spiritual progress?
A peaceful mind. When a devotee remains calm despite success or failure, it shows that inner obstacles are fading.
Q7. Why is resisting Krishna’s will harmful?
Resistance creates stress and confusion. Acceptance aligns the mind with Krishna’s plan and brings clarity.
Q8. How do I practice humility daily?
Serve without expectation, avoid comparison, chant with attention, and remember that every result is Krishna’s arrangement.
