Definition

Pronunciation: KLAY-shah

Also spelled: Klesa

Affliction; cause of suffering; obstacle

About Klesha

The kleshas are the five afflictions or root causes of suffering identified in the Yoga Sutras. They are: *avidya* (ignorance of our true nature), *asmita* (ego or false identification), *raga* (attachment to pleasure), *dvesha* (aversion to pain), and *abhinivesha* (fear of death/clinging to life).

Avidya is the root klesha from which the others grow. When we don't know our true nature as pure consciousness, we identify with the body-mind (asmita), which leads to chasing what we like (raga), avoiding what we dislike (dvesha), and fearing dissolution (abhinivesha).

The kleshas operate at different levels: dormant (*prasupta*), attenuated (*tanu*), interrupted (*vichchhinna*), and fully active (*udara*). Yoga practice progressively weakens the kleshas until they are reduced to seeds (*dagdha bija*) that cannot sprout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Klesha mean?

Affliction; cause of suffering; obstacle

Which tradition does Klesha come from?

Klesha is a key term in yoga.

How is Klesha used in practice?

The kleshas are the five afflictions or root causes of suffering identified in the Yoga Sutras. They are: *avidya* (ignorance of our true nature), *asmita* (ego or false identification), *raga* (attachment to pleasure), *dvesha* (aversion to pain), and *abhinivesha* (fear of death/clinging to life).