THE 5 KLESHAS OF MIND – CAUSE OF SUFFERING
The Sanskrit word ‘Klesha’ translates to ‘poison’ or ‘affliction’. The term is used to denote specific negative mental patterns to obscure our true nature. The Kleshas are considered the cause of suffering in yogic and buddhist philosophy which is to be actively overcome.
Suffering is an inherent aspect of human life. Yet, within great skills and awareness, we can choose how much and how deeply we suffer.
Thus afflictions distorts over minds and our perceptions affecting how we think, act and feel. The Keshas not only create suffering, but they also bind us to the endless cycle of birth and rebirth, and thus preventing us from the enlightenment.
1. Avidya (Ignorance)
It is the misconception of our true reality, believing that the temporary is eternal. Impure is the pure and pleasure to be painful. The false and distorted representation of reality is the primary klesha. From avidya, the other four kleshas emerge.
2. Asmita (I-am-ness)
It is the identification of ourselves with our ego. We create self-image of ourselves that we believe in us, but it is not us. The self-image can contain both external (I am poor) and internal (I am a bad person) false projection. We became trapped with the projections we have created.
3. Raga (Attachment)
It is the attraction for things that bring satisfaction to oneself. Our desire for pleasurable experiences creates mindless actions and blind-sighted vision. When we cannot obtain what we desire, we suffer. When we obtain what we desire, our feeling of pleasure soon fade and we begin our search for pleasure again, becoming trapped in this endless cycle.
4. Dvesha (Repulsion)
It is the opposite of raga, aversions towards things that produce unpleasant experiences. If we cannot avoid the things we dislike, we suffer. Even thinking about unpleasant experiences produces suffering.
5. Abhinivesha (Will to Live)
It is the deepest and most universal klesha, remaining with us until our death. We know that one day we will indeed die, yet fear of death is deeply buried.
CHITTA VIKSHEPAS – INNER OBSTACLES
Maharishi Patanjali identifies the obstacles that we can experience in the creative process, emotional life or spiritual development.
1. Vyadhi (Disease / Illness / Sickness)
Any physical discomfort, or disorder that distracts.
2. Styama (Mental Inertia / Lethargy)
Difficulty focusing, the mind remains stuck in circumstances or lacks capacity for action.
3. Samshaya (Indecision / Doubt)
Loss of confidence in the path that you’ve been following, the means you used to get there or the destination itself.
4. Pramada (Carelessness / Negligence)
Lack of enthusiasm and focused attention, practices become mechanical and lack conviction and intensity. “Going through the motions” carelessly.
5. Alasya (Apathy / Laziness)
Total incapacity for thought or action, stagnation, no desire to continue moving forward.
6. Avirati (Compulsive / Overindulgence)
Inability to resist temptations, overindulgence of the senses. Looking for distractions though sensory, sensual and sexual cravings, as a result – dissipation of energy.
7. Bhranti Darshana (False views / Perceptions)
Developing a false vision of reality, an erroneous view of oneself, inferiority or superiority complex.
8. Alabdha- Bhumikatva (Stunted Growth)
Inability to make progress, lack of firm foundation.
9. Anavasthitatvani (Instability / Slipping down)
Inability to maintain the same level, falling back into the harmful habits, loosing some of the spiritual progress that was made.
These obstacles are usually accompanied by:
THE FOUR VIGHNAS
Duhkha – Mental or Physical Pain.
Daurmanasya – Depression.
Angamejayatva – Agitation or Anxiety.
Shvasaprashvasah-Vikshepasahabhuvah – Disturbed Breathing.
