Sutra Insights
Abhinivesa
Definition: An instinctive clinging to life and a deep-seated fear of death; one of the five afflictions (klesas) that hinder spiritual progress.
Insights: Abhinivesa is a deeply ingrained instinctual clinging to life and a fear of death. It is one of the five klesas (afflictions) that obstruct the path of yoga. Overcoming abhinivesa requires a deep acceptance of the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death.
Related Sutras
2.2
samādhibhāvanārthaḥ kleśatanūkaraṇārthaśca
Kriyā Yoga is practiced for attenuating afflictions (kleśas) and bringing about samādhi.
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2.3
avidyāsmitārāgadveṣābhiniveśāḥ kleśāḥ
Ignorance (avidyā), egoism (asmitā), attachment (rāga), aversion (dveṣa), and clinging to life (abhiniveśa) are the five afflictions (kleśas).
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2.9
svarasavāhī viduṣo'pi tathārūḍho'bhiniveśaḥ
Clinging to life, flowing on by its own potency, exists even in the wise.
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2.10
te pratiprasavaheyāḥ sūkṣmāḥ
These subtle afflictions are to be overcome by resolving them back into their cause.
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2.11
dhyānaheyāstadvṛttayaḥ
Their active modifications are to be overcome by meditation.
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2.12
kleśamūlaḥ karmāśayo dṛṣṭādṛṣṭajanmavedanīyaḥ
The reservoir of karmas has its root in the afflictions and brings experiences in the seen (present) or unseen (future) lives.
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2.13
sati mūle tadvipāko jātyāyurbhogāḥ
As long as the root exists, its fruition will be birth, life span, and experiences.
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2.34
vitarkā hiṁsādayaḥ kṛtakāritānumoditā lobhakrodhamohapūrvakā mṛdumadhyādhimātrā duḥkhājñānānantaphalā iti pratipakṣabhāvanam
Negative thoughts like violence, etc.—whether done, caused to be done, or approved of; whether preceded by greed, anger, or delusion; whether mild, moderate, or intense—result in infinite pain and ignorance. Thus, one should cultivate their opposites.
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