Sutra Insights
Klesa
Definition: Afflictions; the five root causes of suffering—ignorance, egoism, attachment, aversion, and fear of death.
Insights: Klesas are the five root afflictions—ignorance, egoism, attachment, aversion, and fear of death—that create suffering and obscure true self-awareness.
Related Sutras
2.2
samādhibhāvanārthaḥ kleśatanūkaraṇārthaśca
Kriyā Yoga is practiced for attenuating afflictions (kleśas) and bringing about samādhi.
Click to read insights...
2.3
avidyāsmitārāgadveṣābhiniveśāḥ kleśāḥ
Ignorance (avidyā), egoism (asmitā), attachment (rāga), aversion (dveṣa), and clinging to life (abhiniveśa) are the five afflictions (kleśas).
Click to read insights...
2.10
te pratiprasavaheyāḥ sūkṣmāḥ
These subtle afflictions are to be overcome by resolving them back into their cause.
Click to read insights...
2.11
dhyānaheyāstadvṛttayaḥ
Their active modifications are to be overcome by meditation.
Click to read insights...
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.
Click to read insights...
2.13
sati mūle tadvipāko jātyāyurbhogāḥ
As long as the root exists, its fruition will be birth, life span, and experiences.
Click to read insights...
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.
Click to read insights...