अविद्या-अस्मिता-राग-द्वेष-अभिनिवेशाः क्लेशाः॥
अविद्या क्षेत्रं उत्तरेषां प्रसुप्त-तनु-विच्छिन्न-उदाराणाम्॥
Yoga Sutra 2.3-2.4
The above stanza is from the Yoga Sutras by the sage Patanjali. It says
The Panch (Five) Klesh (afflictions or sufferings) are Avidya (ignorance or spiritual blindness), Asmita (egoism or false sense of self), Raag (attachment or desire), Dvesh (aversion or hatred) and Abhinivesha (fear of death or clinging to life).
Ignorance is the root from which all other afflictions and sufferings (Klesha) arise, whether they are dormant, weak, intermittent or fully active.
The Panch Klesha: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Struggles
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras may be thousands of years old, but the Panch Klesha – mental afflictions that cause human suffering – are valid even today. From ignorance to fear of change, these patterns are prevalent in modern life.
1. Avidya (Ignorance) – Not Knowing or Understanding
This is the root of all suffering, thinking the temporary to be permanent. We do not know why we are on earth, and yet we continue to chase what society and others tell us to.
2. Asmita (Egoism) – I, Me, Myself
This is identifying ourselves as the centre of the world or the Universe. We think the world will stop without us.
3. Raag (Attachment) – Craving Pleasure
We always like to tie ourselves to what gives us temporary pleasure and keep craving more of it, even though we have more than necessary.
4. Dvesh (Aversion) – Dislike
Dvesh makes us reject everything we do not like. The dislike is generally unfounded, but it keeps growing in the individual. It’s the opposite of Raag.
5. Abhinivesha (Fear) – Fear of Death
This is the subtle but powerful fear of death. Despite knowing that we will die one day, we continue living our lives as if it will not happen to us.
Why This Matters Today
The Panch Klesha affect us everywhere – in personal life, at work, in relationships, our habits and even our inner critic. By being aware of them, we can empower ourself. Awareness is the first step. Meditation expands your consciousness and makes you more aware.
Imagine how life would feel if you are not hostage to ignorance, likes, dislikes, fears or arguments. That’s the freedom meditation brings us – not an escape from life, but the ability to move through life with clarity and balance. Start your meditation journey today.