paths_of_knowing Obstacles

Aversion, Dislike

📜 Sūtra 2.8 (Definition of Dveṣa): “Duḥkha-anusmṛti-raga-anubandhī dveṣaḥ”“Aversion is that which follows the experience of pain.” This means dveṣa arises from memory of suffering—when the mind recalls pain, it forms a mental pattern of rejection or resistance. That reaction becomes…

Attachment to Pleasure

🔥 Rāga (Attachment or Desire) Rāga is defined in Sūtra II.7: “Sukha-anuśayī rāgaḥ”Rāga is that which follows after pleasure. This sūtra explains that rāga is the attachment that arises from previous experiences of pleasure (sukha). It is one of the…

ego

Ego-centered approach: This approach is characterized by a desire to control and manipulate the external world to achieve personal desires and outcomes. This approach is often driven by fear, anxiety, and a sense of separation from the world. Spirit-centered approach:…

Ignorance

Avidyā – Ignorance (misapprehension of reality) In yoga philosophy, Avidya is the fundamental ignorance of the true Self—mistaking the temporary for the eternal, the ego for the Atman. It’s not just lack of knowledge; it’s misidentification. Sūtras 2.3 – 2.5Avidyā…

Obstacles

🔹 What is a Klesha? The term kleśa comes from the root klis, meaning to torment, trouble, or afflict. Kleśa are the mental afflictions that disturb the clarity of consciousness (chitta), bind us to suffering (duḥkha), and obscure the true…