Jump to content

Kleshas (Hinduism)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The printable version is no longer supported and may have rendering errors. Please update your browser bookmarks and please use the default browser print function instead.

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