Muni's PlayThe Klesha are the five-fold afflictions or “pain-bearing obstructions” that bind the soul to worldly suffering and obscure its true nature. According to Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.4, ignorance is the “productive field” (source) for the other four.
| # | Klesha | Sanskrit | Transliteration | Definition / Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ignorance | अविद्या | Avidya | Taking the non-eternal, impure, and painful for the eternal, pure, and happy (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.5). |
| 2 | Egoism | अस्मिता | Asmitā | The identification of the Seer (Self) with the instrument of seeing (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.6). (Ahamkara) |
| 3 | Attachment | राग | Raga | That which dwells on pleasure and follows it (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.7). Opposite of Vairagya. |
| 4 | Aversion | द्वेष | Dvesha | That which dwells on pain and seeks to avoid it (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.8). |
| 5 | Clinging to Life | अभिनिवेश | Abhiniveśha | The instinctive fear of death and desire for continuity (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.9). |
Reducing the Kleshas
The purpose of Kriya Yoga is to attenuate (tanū-karaṇa) these kleshas so they exist in a fine, dormant state that does not disturb the mind (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.2).
See also: