Last updated on September 26th, 2023.
In Hindu and Buddhist philosophy, a Klesha is a type of mental affliction or hindrance that obscures the true nature of reality and causes suffering. The term is used in the context of yoga, meditation, and other spiritual practices, where the goal is to identify and overcome these hindrances in order to achieve a state of liberation or enlightenment.
The Kleshas are considered to be the root cause of all suffering, and they are said to arise from ignorance and a distorted perception of reality.
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Where do the Kleshas come from?
The Kleshas are said to originate from ignorance (avidya), which is a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of reality. This ignorance leads to a distorted perception of reality and the development of emotional and mental afflictions, such as attachment, aversion, and egoism. These afflictions in turn give rise to the Kleshas, which are considered to be the primary obstacles to spiritual growth and liberation.
What are the 5 kleshas?
The five Kleshas are:
- Avidya: ignorance or misunderstanding of the nature of reality.
- Asmita: egoism, a sense of “I” and “mine”
- Raga: attachment or craving
- Dvesha: aversion or hatred
- Abhinivesha: fear of death or clinging to life.
A more thorough elaboration of each of the 5 Kleshas.
1. Avidya:
Avidya is often translated as “ignorance” or “misunderstanding”. In the context of the Kleshas, it refers to a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of reality. Avidya is considered to be the root cause of all suffering, as it leads to a distorted perception of reality and a sense of separation from the world around us. Avidya can manifest as a belief in the duality of self and other, a belief in the permanence of objects and experiences, and a belief in the reality of our own ego-driven desires and fears. Overcoming Avidya is considered to be a necessary step towards spiritual progress and liberation.
2. Asmita
Asmita is often translated as “egoism” or “sense of “I” and “mine”. It refers to the sense of self-identification with the body and mind, which gives rise to the belief in a separate and distinct self. Asmita leads to a sense of self-centeredness and an attachment to material objects and experiences. This attachment can result in feelings of pride, anger, and jealousy, which can further obscure the true nature of reality and cause suffering. Overcoming Asmita requires a deep understanding of the nature of the self and an ability to see beyond the illusion of the ego.
3. Raga
Raga is often translated as “attachment” or “craving”. It refers to a strong emotional attachment to experiences, objects, and people. Raga can manifest as desire, craving, and addiction, and it can lead to feelings of disappointment and frustration when we do not get what we want. Raga is considered to be one of the main obstacles to spiritual progress and liberation, as it results in a constant cycle of desire and attachment. Overcoming Raga requires a deep understanding of the impermanence of all things and an ability to let go of attachment.
4. Dvesha
Dvesha is often translated as “aversion” or “hatred”. It refers to a strong emotional aversion to experiences, objects, and people. Dvesha can manifest as anger, hatred, and fear, and it can lead to feelings of distress and suffering. Dvesha is considered to be one of the main obstacles to spiritual progress and liberation, as it results in a constant cycle of aversion and hatred. Overcoming Dvesha requires an understanding of the nature of suffering and the ability to let go of hatred and anger.
5. Abhinivesha
Abhinivesha is often translated as “fear of death” or “clinging to life”. It refers to the instinctual fear of death and the desire to cling to life. Abhinivesha can manifest as a fear of change, a desire for stability, and a fear of the unknown. This fear can lead to feelings of insecurity and anxiety, and it can obscure the true nature of reality. Overcoming Abhinivesha requires an understanding of the nature of death and an ability to embrace change and uncertainty as a part of life.
These five Kleshas are said to be the root cause of all suffering and the obstacles to realizing one’s true nature. By recognizing and overcoming these hindrances, practitioners of yoga and other spiritual practices can achieve a state of liberation and enlightenment.
Where are the kleshas in the Yoga Sutras?
The Kleshas are discussed in detail in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, one of the foundational texts of yoga philosophy. In the Yoga Sutras, the Kleshas are described as the obstacles to spiritual progress and the root cause of suffering. The text provides a framework for recognizing and overcoming these hindrances through the practice of yoga and meditation.
The Yoga Sutras also emphasize the importance of cultivating virtues such as non-harming, truthfulness, and non-stealing as a means of reducing the power of the Kleshas and cultivating a peaceful and harmonious state of mind.
The Kleshas are discussed in the second chapter (Sadhana Pada) of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. In this chapter, Patanjali provides an overview of the obstacles to spiritual progress and the root causes of suffering, including the five Kleshas. The discussion of the Kleshas is found in verses 2.3 to 2.11, where Patanjali describes the five Kleshas and their effects on the mind and emotions.
In these verses, Patanjali states that the Kleshas are the source of all mental and emotional afflictions and that they can only be overcome through the practice of yoga and meditation. The text provides guidance on recognizing and overcoming these hindrances as a means of achieving liberation and enlightenment.
