Kleshas & Kriya Yoga

Kleshas Introduction

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 asmitaragadvesha 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

Yoga Foundational Philosophies-Yoga Foundational Philosophies-Vocabulary
  1. Abhinivesha — Fear of death
  2. Asmita —Egoism
  3. Avidya — Misapprehension
  4. Dvesha —Aversion
  5. Klesha — Obstacle or veil
  6. 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