Sutra Insights
Raga
Definition: Attachment; the strong desire or longing for pleasurable experiences, one of the five kleshas (afflictions) that lead to suffering.
Insights: Raga is the tendency to cling to or pursue pleasurable experiences, creating cycles of craving and dissatisfaction. As a klesha, it binds the mind and perpetuates suffering. Yoga teaches the cultivation of non-attachment (vairagya) and equanimity as the means to overcome raga and find lasting peace.
Related Sutras
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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2.7
sukhānuśayī rāgaḥ
Attachment is that which dwells on pleasure.
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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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