What are some of the issues and obstacles that can arise in the direction of spiritual realization?

The biggest problem or obstacle on the path to spiritual realization is ignorance. When ignorance is removed, spiritual realization happens naturally!

The root cause of all bondage is ignorance

What is one bound by?

One is bound by ignorance — Agnan and one becomes liberated through knowledge — Gnan.

What actions continue to perpetuate the worldly life (adhikaran kriya)?

It is the ignorance (agnan) of one’s real identity (the Self). Ignorance of one’s Self is the force and power behind these actions. When one says, ‘I am John (please insert your name here)’ and believes that to be really the case, and this belief is in all his actions as well — that ‘illusion’ is what perpetuates the worldly life.

The illusion of, ‘I am this’ arises, which is the foundation of the worldly life

Not a single property of the prakruti (characteristics of John) lies in the Self; not a single property of the Soul (the Self) is present in the prakruti (John). Properties-wise, the two are totally separate. But due to the close proximity of the two (John and Self), the illusion is created. Due to illusion, the two seem to be one. And that verily is the…