Sutra Insights
Klesa
Definition: Afflictions; the five fundamental causes of suffering: ignorance, egoism, attachment, aversion, and fear of death.
Insights: Klesas are the five principal afflictions—ignorance, egoism, attachment, aversion, and fear of death—that generate suffering and obscure true self-awareness.
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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2.10
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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