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Klesha (Sanskrit: क्लेश, IAST: Kleśa) is a Sanskrit word meaning "impurity", "corruption" or "poison".[1] In Hinduism, a klesha is a mental state, such as fear or ignorance, that clouds the mind and leads to unhealthy actions. It is an obstacle to reaching a state of enlightenment and liberation (moksha) from saṃsāra.[1]
The third śloka of the second chapter of Patañjali's Yoga Sūtras explicitly identifies the five poisons (pañcakleśā'):
अविद्यास्मितारागद्वेषाभिनिवेशाः पञ्च क्लेशाः॥३॥
Avidyāsmitārāgadveṣābhiniveśāḥ pañca kleśāḥ[2]
Translated into English, these five kleshas are:[2]
- Ignorance (ávidyā), the first cause of suffering. It obscures the higher self by firmly establishing negative habits and resisting change[1][3]
- Ego (asmitā), attachment to the ego.[1][3]
- Attachment (rāga), desire for material objects, relationships, status, power, or other desires[1][3]
- Aversion (dveṣa) or anger towards unpleasant things, people, and experiences[1][3]
- Clinging to life (abhiniveśāḥ), fear of death and desire to live.[1][3]
According to the Yoga Sutras, there are four stages for overcoming the effects of the kleshas: the active stage (udaram), the detached stage (vicchinna), the decaying stage (tanu) and the dormant stage (parsupta).[1]
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali describe suffering as an impediment to spiritual growth.[1] Yogic practices such as meditation and pranayama breathing exercises provide methods to overcome afflictions.[1] According to Shiva Purana 2.3.5 and Hathatatvakaumudi, klesha refers to suffering (i.e. suffering caused by penance).[4][5]
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