Klesha meaning

Klesha refers to mental afflictions or disturbances that cloud the mind and hinder spiritual growth.


Klesha definitions

Word backwards ahselk
Part of speech The word "klesha" is a noun.
Syllabic division The syllable separation of the word "klesha" is kles-ha.
Plural The plural form of the word "klesha" is "kleshas."
Total letters 6
Vogais (2) e,a
Consonants (4) k,l,s,h

Klesha, a concept in yoga and Buddhist philosophy, refers to the mental afflictions or obstacles that cause suffering and prevent individuals from reaching a state of peace and clarity. These obstacles are seen as disturbances in the mind that cloud one's perception and lead to negative emotions and actions.

Kleshas are believed to be the root cause of discontent, anxiety, and other mental disturbances that prevent individuals from experiencing true happiness and fulfillment. According to ancient teachings, there are five main kleshas that impact human consciousness and behavior.

Types of Kleshas:

The first klesha is ignorance, or avidya, which represents a lack of awareness or understanding of the true nature of reality. This ignorance leads to a distorted view of the world and oneself, causing suffering and confusion.

The second klesha is egoism, or asmita, which refers to the mistaken belief in a separate self or identity. This sense of ego creates a barrier between individuals and others, leading to a sense of isolation and superiority.

The third klesha is attachment, or raga, which manifests as an excessive desire for pleasure, possessions, or relationships. Attachment leads to dependency and suffering when these desires are unfulfilled.

The fourth klesha is aversion, or dvesha, which represents a strong dislike or avoidance of unpleasant experiences. Aversion causes individuals to resist reality and create further conflict within themselves.

The fifth and final klesha is fear of death, or abhinivesha, which is the primal instinct to preserve one's life and identity. This fear can manifest as a clinging to the familiar and a resistance to change.

Overcoming Kleshas:

By recognizing and understanding the kleshas that influence their thoughts and actions, individuals can begin to overcome these obstacles and achieve a state of mental clarity and peace. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and self-reflection can help individuals cultivate awareness and break free from the cycle of suffering caused by kleshas.

Through introspection and self-awareness, individuals can begin to transcend the kleshas and experience a sense of liberation from their mental afflictions. By cultivating virtues such as compassion, patience, and generosity, individuals can counteract the negative effects of kleshas and cultivate a sense of inner peace and well-being.


Klesha Examples

  1. Learning to identify and overcome the kleshas can lead to a more peaceful mind.
  2. Yoga philosophy teaches about the five kleshas that are obstacles to spiritual growth.
  3. Meditating regularly can help reduce the influence of kleshas on our thoughts and actions.
  4. Letting go of attachment is a key practice in overcoming the kleshas.
  5. Understanding the root causes of our suffering can help us work through our kleshas.
  6. Practicing mindfulness can help us recognize when the kleshas are arising in our minds.
  7. By cultivating positive emotions, we can counteract the effects of the kleshas.
  8. Journaling can help us reflect on how the kleshas may be influencing our behavior.
  9. Therapy can be a useful tool for addressing deep-rooted kleshas that affect our mental health.
  10. Incorporating self-care practices can help us build resilience against the kleshas.


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  • Updated 06/04/2024 - 19:41:33