Self-inquiry, also known as "Who am I?" is a powerful method of liberation taught by the renowned spiritual teacher Ramana Maharshi. It involves questioning the nature of one's true self and ultimately realizing one's true nature as pure consciousness. However, like any spiritual practice, self-inquiry can be hindered by various obstacles. In this answer, we will explore some common obstacles in practicing self-inquiry.

The first obstacle is the tendency of the mind to constantly seek external validation and distractions. Our minds are conditioned to constantly seek pleasure and avoid discomfort, leading us to constantly seek external validation and distractions. This can make it difficult to turn inward and question the nature of our true self. We may find ourselves constantly checking our phones, seeking entertainment, or engaging in other activities to avoid facing our true selves.

Another obstacle is the identification with the ego. Our ego is the sense of self that we have created based on our thoughts, beliefs, and experiences. It is the false sense of self that we have come to believe is our true identity. When practicing self-inquiry, we may come face to face with the realization that this ego is not our true self, which can be unsettling and uncomfortable. This can lead to resistance and a fear of letting go of our ego, making it difficult to continue with the practice.

Fear is another common obstacle in self-inquiry. When we start questioning the nature of our true self, we may fear losing our sense of identity and control. We may also fear the unknown, as self-inquiry can lead us to a state of pure consciousness that is beyond our understanding. This fear can hold us back from fully engaging in the practice and experiencing its benefits.

Lack of consistency and discipline is another obstacle in self-inquiry. Like any spiritual practice, self-inquiry requires consistency and discipline to be effective. It is not a one-time exercise, but a continuous process of questioning and self-discovery. Without consistency and discipline, it can be easy to fall back into old patterns and habits, hindering our progress in self-inquiry.

Lastly, a lack of guidance and understanding can also be an obstacle in self-inquiry. While self-inquiry may seem simple on the surface, it requires a deep understanding and guidance to fully grasp its significance and experience its benefits. Without proper guidance, we may struggle to understand the practice and its purpose, leading to frustration and a lack of progress.

In conclusion, self-inquiry is a powerful method of liberation, but like any spiritual practice, it can be hindered by various obstacles. By being aware of these obstacles and actively working to overcome them, we can fully engage in self-inquiry and experience its transformative effects on our lives.