Kleshas

The Sanskrit word klesha can be translated as poison or affliction. The kleshas are causes of suffering and there are five forms:

1. Ignorance (Avidya)

2. Egoism (Asmita)

3. Attachment (Raga)

4. Repulsion or aversion (Dvesha)

5. Fear of death (Abhinivesha).

The yoga sutra (yoga texts) explains how yoga is the ability to direct the mind. If we are more in control of the mind, we can be more focused and productive.

Our understanding of a situation however may not always be correct, and we may not realise it. Avidya means incorrect comprehension and can prevent us seeing and understanding things as they really are. This can be because of reasons explained below and these can consume our unconscious mind and cloud our judgement. We often have incorrect perceptions of ourselves or the world around us.

Asmita: Ego

Ego pushes us to have an elevated sense of worth, and feelings that we have to be better than other people.

Raja: Desire

We might desire something because it served us previously, but it might not be right for us now.

Dvesa: Rejection

We might reject something (e.g. places or people) because of past experience that we are afraid of repeating.

Abhinivesa: Fear

Doubts and uncertainty can creep into many aspects of everyday life.

Yoga can quieten the subconscious mind and help us see things more clearly, in the present moment. We accept change and see change gradually through a yoga practice.