Kleshas
Kleshas are mental and emotional patterns or obstacles that prevent one from reaching Samadhi, including ignorance, egoism, attachment, aversion, and fear of death.
Key Takeaways
- Origin: Kleshas are five afflictions first codified in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras as fundamental obstacles to spiritual liberation.
- Philosophy: These mental and emotional patterns, including ignorance and egoism, are considered the root causes of suffering.
- Purpose: Kleshas agitate the mind and obscure clarity, directly preventing the attainment of Samadhi or profound inner peace.
- Practice: Overcoming Kleshas involves developing discernment (Viveka), cultivating detachment, and engaging the eight limbs of yoga.
Discussed in Episodes
Samadhi and Self-Realization: The Ultimate Goal of Yoga
Join us as we explore the yogic state of Samadhi, where truth is unveiled and the journey to self-realization begins. With insights drawn from the Ishopanishad and other sacred texts, this episode guides listeners through the spiritual practices that lead to the highest form of wisdom. Learn how meditation and devotion are key to reaching this profound state of inner peace.
The Raja Yoga Path: An Exploration of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras
This episode dives into Swami Vivekananda’s interpretation of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, focusing on the practices and principles of Raja Yoga, the royal path to spiritual liberation. Discover how controlling the fluctuations of the mind through Yama, Niyama, Asana and Pranayama can lead to deep concentration and, ultimately, spiritual freedom. Learn about the five afflictions (Kleshas) that hinder progress and the nature of the Self as pure consciousness.
Yoga Sutras for Beginners
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are among the most influential texts in the history of yoga , but for many beginners, their meaning can feel mysterious or hard to decode. In this episode, we translate Patanjali’s ancient teachings into clear, accessible language, exploring what the Sutras reveal about the mind, inner freedom, discipline, and the path toward clarity. We walk through the core ideas: what yoga really means according to Patanjali, how the mind becomes distracted, and how practices like breathwork, meditation, and ethical living dissolve suffering at its root. Whether you're just starting your yoga journey or revisiting the philosophy behind your practice, this is a gentle introduction to one of yoga’s most timeless guides. A simple, grounding, beginner-friendly doorway into classical yoga philosophy. Exploring Yoga
Four Chapters of Freedom: Swami Satyananda Saraswati’s Guide to Liberation
This episode takes a deep dive into Four Chapters of Freedom by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, a powerful guide to the yogic journey of enlightenment and spiritual freedom