Kleshas & Kriya Yoga
Lesson Overview
In this lesson, we introduce kleshas, known as obstacles or veils.
Objective
Become grounded in the teachings of kleshas, a foundation of yoga philosophy.
Description
- Translate the word, “klesha.”
- Provide a more specific definition for avidyathan “ignorance.”
- Define asmita, raga, dvesha and abhinivesha.
- Provide the “initial and pertinent question” that is answered by the philosophy of kleshas.
- Explain which of the kleshas are intellectual obstacles and which are emotional.
- Explain why the veils may thicken over innate wisdom.
Vocabulary
abhinivesha, asmita, avidya, dvesha, klesha, raga
Vocabulary
- Abhinivesha — Fear of death
- Asmita —Egoism
- Avidya — Misapprehension
- Dvesha —Aversion
- Klesha — Obstacle or veil
- Raga — Attachment
Translations
Different authors translate these Sanskrit words using different English spellings. We’ve settled on the following spellings while noting other ways you may come across these words.
Kleshas
- Obstacles
- Veils
- Afflictions
- Troubles
Avidya
- Ignorance
- Spiritual Ignorance
- Misapprehension
- Lack of Insight
Asmita
- Separateness
- Feeling of Individuality
- Egoism
- I-Feeling
- Identification with the Mutable
Raga
- Attachment
- Passion
Dvesha (Dvesa, Dwesha)
- Aversion
- Disgust
- Hatred
Abhinivesha (Abhinivesah, Abhinivesa)
- Fear of Death
- Will to Live
- Clinging to Bodily Life
- Insecurity
- Deep-Seated Anxiety