Kleshas

Yogis have identified five root causes of suffering collectively known as the kleshas, or obstacles.

Avidya = Ignorance

Asmita = Egoism

Attachment = Raga

Abhinivesa = Fear of Death

Dvesha = Aversion

From Avidya the other kleshas become interwoven into our psyche, and have been likened to a tree of suffering that grows inside of us. 

Here's a more detailed explanation of each klesha:

• Avidya (Ignorance):

  
  

• This refers to a fundamental misunderstanding of reality, mistaking the impermanent for permanent, and the unreal for real. 

  
  

• Asmita (Ego):

  
  

• This is the sense of "I-ness" or the identification with the ego, leading to a sense of separation and attachment to the self. 

  
  

• Raga (Attachment):

  
  

  This is the clinging to pleasant experiences, people, or things, and the desire for continued pleasure and satisfaction. 

  
  

• Dvesha (Aversion):

  
  

  This is the repulsion or hatred towards unpleasant experiences, people, or things, leading to suffering and resistance. 

  
  

• Abhinivesha (Fear of Death/Clinging to Life):

  
  

  This is the fear of death and the strong desire to continue living, stemming from the attachment to the physical body and the ego.