Momentum Yoga: The Blog

In the quest of quieting the mind and finding equanimity, the idea of the coloring of thoughts (kleshas) is presented in the yoga sutras.  Thoughts that are turbulent, cluttered, and unquiet are likely colored by one or more of the kleshas, and just being aware of it is a good start in reducing their influence over our thoughts.

2.3 avidya asmita raga dvesha abhinivesha pancha klesha
There are five kinds of coloring (kleshas):
1) igorance or avoidance of the true nature of things (avidya),
2) egoism of the mind over the consciousness (asmita),
3) attachment to thought patterns or objects (raga),
4) aversion to thought patterns or objects (dvesha),
5) attachment to these states or fear of the loss of them as death (abhinivesha).

This is my own take on the translation of this sutra, for brevity.

Over the next few days, I’ll go through each one, in my day.  Try doing the same yourself.  See what you learn about yourself.