Five Root Causes of Suffering

(Pancha Kleshas)

In the second chapter, third sutra of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Pancha Kleshas are identified as the root causes of all suffering. These “poisons of the mind” create pain and mental afflictions (痛苦).

The Five Kleshas

  1. Avidya: Ignorance
    • The inability to see the truth or the reality of life.
  2. Asmita: Ego (I-ness)
    • The identification with oneself as separate from others.
  3. Raga: Craving or attachment
    • The desire to hold onto pleasure or objects.
  4. Dvesha: Aversion or hatred
    • The tendency to push away or avoid discomfort and unpleasant experiences.
  5. Abhinivesha: Fear of loss or death
    • The deep-seated fear of losing name, fame, identity, or physical life.
      Suffering arises when the mind clings to opposites such as attachment and aversion. However, suffering is optional—it can be overcome with awareness and practice.

Signs of a Disturbed Mind (Vikshepa Sahabhuva)

When the mind is disturbed, it shows symptoms that lead to distraction and agitation:

  1. Dukha: Sorrow, sadness, pain, or suffering
  2. Daurmanasya: Bitterness within oneself and with others
  3. Angamejayatva: Restlessness or unsteadiness in the body
  4. Shavas-Prashvas: Irregular breathing

The Root Cause: A divided mind, caught in duality, is the source of mental and physical agitation. Duality creates unnecessary choices, leading to confusion and disturbance.

The Solution: Eka Tattva Abhyasa

Patanjali prescribes the practice of Eka Tattva Abhyasa as a remedy for suffering and mental disturbances:

  • Eka: One
  • Tattva: Principle
  • Abhyasa: Practice
  1. Focus the mind on one principle to achieve clarity and stability.
  2. Let go of duality, which breeds agitation and division.

True peace arises when the mind transcends duality and rests in unity. This focused practice leads to freedom from the causes of suffering.

Reflection

Yoga teaches us that:
- The root causes of suffering (kleshas) can be overcome through awareness and effort.
- The signs of a disturbed mind indicate when we are dwelling in duality.
- By practicing Eka Tattva Abhyasa, we can cultivate stillness, clarity, and inner peace.

Suffering is not inevitable—it is a choice we can transcend.

Back to top