Yoga Sutra 2.3

Avidya asmita raga dvesha abhiniveshah pancha klesha

Summary
Yoga Sutra 2.3 states: “Avidya asmita raga dvesha abhiniveshah pancha klesha.” This sutra identifies the five kleshas (afflictions) that are the root causes of human suffering and obstacles in the path of spiritual growth.

Analysis

Avidya

Translation: Ignorance.

Meaning: Avidya is the fundamental ignorance or lack of true knowledge that causes a distorted perception of reality. It’s the misconception that the impermanent, impure, and painfulare permanent, pure, and pleasurable.

Asmita

Translation: Egoism.

Meaning: Asmita refers to the false identification of the self with the ego. It’s the perception that one’s identity and worth are tied to the individual ego, leading to a separation from the true self.

Raga

Translation: Attachment.

Meaning: Raga is the attachment or desire for pleasurable experiences. It creates a dependency on external objects or experiences for happiness, leading to longing and dissatisfaction.
Dvesha

Translation: Aversion.

Meaning: Dvesha is the aversion or repulsion towards unpleasant experiences. It causes avoidance and resistance, leading to emotional distress and conflict.

Abhiniveshah

Translation: Fear of death or clinging to life.

Meaning: Abhiniveshah is the deep-seated fear of death and the instinctual clinging to life. This fear creates anxiety and a sense of insecurity, hindering the ability to live fully in the present.

Pancha

Translation: Five.

Meaning: Pancha simply means “five,” referring to the total number of kleshas listed in this sutra. These five afflictions are the fundamental obstacles to spiritual growth and inner peace.

Klesha

Translation: Afflictions or obstacles.

Meaning: Kleshas are the mental and emotional afflictions that cause suffering and hinder spiritual progress. The five kleshas identified in this sutra are ignorance, egoism, attachment, aversion, and fear of death.

Significance of the Sutra

Yoga Sutra 2.3 is significant as it provides a clear identification of the primary obstacles (kleshas) that impede spiritual progress and contribute to human suffering. By understanding and addressing these kleshas, practitioners can work towards a state of clarity, inner peace, and true self-realization.

Common Interpretations

Traditional Interpretation

In traditional yoga teachings, this sutra is seen as a foundational concept that explains the root causes of suffering and delusion. The kleshas are considered to be the mental and emotional impurities that must be purified through yoga practice. Addressing these kleshas is essential for attaining higher states of consciousness and spiritual liberation.

Modern Interpretation

In modern contexts, practitioners often interpret this sutra as a framework for understanding the psychological and emotional challenges that hinder personal growth. Avidya might be seen as cognitive biases, asmita as ego-driven behavior, raga and dvesha as attachment and aversion patterns, and abhiniveshah as existential anxiety. Addressing these issues is viewed as essential for achieving mental health, emotional resilience, and overall well-being.

Yoga Sutra 2.3 provides a profound insight into the nature of human suffering and the obstacles on the path to self-realization. Whether approached through traditional or modern lenses, its teachings offer valuable guidance for overcoming afflictions and achieving a state of inner freedom and harmony.