Sutra Insights
Abhinivesa
Definition: An instinctive clinging to life and a deep-rooted fear of death; one of the five afflictions (kleshas) that hinder spiritual growth.
Insights: Abhinivesa is a deeply ingrained, instinctive attachment to life and fear of death. As one of the five kleshas in yoga philosophy, it blocks spiritual growth. Overcoming abhinivesa involves accepting the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death.
Related Sutras
2.2
samādhibhāvanārthaḥ kleśatanūkaraṇārthaśca
Kriyā Yoga is practiced to attenuate afflictions (kleśas) and to bring 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 by its own force, 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 karma 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, lifespan, and experiences.
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2.34
vitarkā hiṁsādayaḥ kṛtakāritānumoditā lobhakrodhamohapūrvakā mṛdumadhyādhimātrā duḥkhājñānānantaphalā iti pratipakṣabhāvanam
Negative thoughts such as violence—whether done, caused, or approved; whether preceded by greed, anger, or delusion; whether mild, moderate, or intense—result in infinite pain and ignorance. Therefore, cultivate their opposites.
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