Kleshas (Hinduism)

This article is about the kleshas in Hinduism. For the kleshas in Buddhism, see Kleshas (Buddhism).

Klesha (Sanskrit: क्लेश, IAST: Kleśa) is a Sanskrit word meaning "impurity", "corruption" or "poison".[1] In Hinduism, a klesha is a mental state, such as fear or ignorance, that clouds the mind and leads to unhealthy actions. It is an obstacle to reaching a state of enlightenment and liberation (moksha) from saṃsāra.[1]

Five kleshas

The third śloka of the second chapter of Patañjali's Yoga Sūtras explicitly identifies the five poisons (pañcakleśā'):

अविद्यास्मितारागद्वेषाभिनिवेशाः पञ्च क्लेशाः॥३॥
Avidyāsmitārāgadveṣābhiniveśāḥ pañca kleśāḥ[2]

Translated into English, these five kleshas are:[2]

  • Ignorance (ávidyā), the first cause of suffering. It obscures the higher self by firmly establishing negative habits and resisting change[1][3]
  • Ego (asmitā), attachment to the ego.[1][3]
  • Attachment (rāga), desire for material objects, relationships, status, power, or other desires[1][3]
  • Aversion (dveṣa) or anger towards unpleasant things, people, and experiences[1][3]
  • Clinging to life (abhiniveśāḥ), fear of death and desire to live.[1][3]

According to the Yoga Sutras, there are four stages for overcoming the effects of the kleshas: the active stage (udaram), the detached stage (vicchinna), the decaying stage (tanu) and the dormant stage (parsupta).[1]

Literature

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali describe suffering as an impediment to spiritual growth.[1] Yogic practices such as meditation and pranayama breathing exercises provide methods to overcome afflictions.[1] According to Shiva Purana 2.3.5 and Hathatatvakaumudi, klesha refers to suffering (i.e. suffering caused by penance).[4][5]

See also

  • Lobha – Hindu and Buddhist concept of character affliction
  • Maya – Concept in Indian religions

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Klesha, Definition - What does Klesha mean?, www.yogapedia.com
  2. ^ a b Patañjali; et al. (2007). "Aphorisms (Section II of Pātañjalayogasūtra-s)". Archived from the original on 2007-12-22. Retrieved November 23, 2007.
  3. ^ a b c d e The Cause of Suffering: The 5 Kleshas, What are the 5 kleshas?, www.yogabasics.com
  4. ^ The Shiva Purana by J. L. Shastri, Chapter 5 - Menā obtains the boon, www.wisdomlib.org
  5. ^ Klesha, Kleśa, Klesa: 21 definitions, In Hinduism, Purana and Itihasa (epic history), www.wisdomlib.org

Further reading