Ever felt like life is an uphill battle? This August, let's explore how the ancient wisdom of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras can help us navigate and overcome life's obstacles.
Patanjali identifies five key obstacles (Kleshas) that hinder our path to enlightenment. In chapter 2, Sutras 3-11, Patanajali says:
अविद्यास्मितारागद्वेषाभिनिवेशाः क्लेशाः
avidyā-asmitā-rāga-dveṣa-abhiniveśā kleśa
Ignorance, egoism, attachment, aversion, and clinging to life are the five obstacles.
These Kleshas are deep-rooted afflictions that shape our thoughts, actions, and perceptions, often leading to suffering. By understanding and addressing these obstacles, we can cultivate greater awareness and harmony in our lives.
Avidya (Ignorance) - A fundamental misunderstanding of the true nature of reality
Impact: It clouds our perception, causing us to misidentify the transient as permanent and the impure as pure.
Asmita (Egoism) - Sense of individuality or ego, where we mistakenly identify with our thoughts, emotions & physical body.
Impact: It creates a false sense of separation and self-importance, leading to feelings of superiority or inferiority.
Raga (Attachment) - Attachment or excessive desire for pleasurable experiences and material possessions
Impact: This attachment binds us to fleeting joys and cravings, causing dissatisfaction when we cannot attain or maintain them.
Dvesha (Aversion) - Dvesha is the opposite of Raga, representing aversion or intense dislike for unpleasant experiences and discomfort.
Impact: Aversion fuels avoidance and resistance, leading to fear, anger, and resentment when faced with adversity.
Abhinivesha (Clinging to Life) - is the instinctive clinging to life and the fear of death or the unknown.
Impact: This deep-seated fear limits our ability to embrace change and accept the natural cycles of life and death.
By recognizing these Kleshas and their influences on our behavior, we can begin to untangle their hold on us through consistent practice, self-reflection, and mindfulness. Patanjali’s teachings guide us towards overcoming these obstacles, leading to a more balanced, peaceful, and fulfilling life.
Yoga gives us the tools to help navigate and work through the Kleshas. I am listing just a few here, but there are so many other ways.
Cultivate mindfulness to counter Avidya (ignorance)
Practice self-reflection to reduce Asmita (egoism)
Challenge yourself with an Asana practice that helps combat both Raga (attachment) Abhinivesha (fear). Practice without attachment to results, but continue that dedicated effort and challenge yourself to go beyond the fear of certain postures.
How do you use yoga to help combat some of life's Kleshas? Share with us!
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