Panchaklesha (or Pañca Kleśa) refers to the five primary afflictions or mental/emotional obstacles in Yoga philosophy, particularly as described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. These are considered to be the root causes of human suffering and ignorance (avidyā), which bind the soul and obstruct spiritual liberation (moksha).
🌿 The Five Kleshas (Pañca Kleśa):
- Avidyā (अविद्या) – Ignorance
- Misunderstanding the nature of reality. It is the root of all other kleshas.
- Mistaking the impermanent for the permanent, the impure for the pure, and the non-self for the self.
- Asmitā (अस्मिता) – Egoism or False Identification
- Identifying the self with the mind, body, or ego rather than the true Self (purusha).
- “I-am-ness” that arises from mistaking the intellect for the true Self.
- Rāga (राग) – Attachment
- Desire or craving for pleasurable experiences.
- Based on the memory of past pleasure.
- Dveṣa (द्वेष) – Aversion
- Avoidance or hatred of pain and unpleasant experiences.
- Rooted in past experiences of suffering.
- Abhiniveśa (अभिनिवेश) – Clinging to Life / Fear of Death
- Deep-seated fear of death and attachment to bodily existence.
- Even the wise are said to be affected by this.
🧘 Significance in Yoga
In the Yoga Sutras (particularly in Book II, Sadhana Pada), Patanjali teaches that these kleshas obscure our perception, fuel karma, and perpetuate the cycle of rebirth (samsara). Through dedicated practice (abhyāsa), detachment (vairāgya), and deep meditation, one can weaken and eventually overcome these afflictions.
Would you like a breakdown of how to overcome each one in spiritual or psychological terms?
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