The Kleshas: How trying to remove the seeds of suffering can cause more suffering

I am sure that you are not alone in thinking that you suffer from all 5 of Patanjali's mental afflictions, or kleshas, which are often presented as; avidya - ignorance, asmita - egoism, raga - attachment, dvesa - aversion, abhinivesa - fear.

It does us no favours to think of these as afflictions. Obstacles to enlightenment is perhaps a little kinder, however, it is equally unhelpful, since it too suggests that these are things that we need to get rid of. Thinking of the kleshas in this way actually creates kleshas! It creates an aversion to the kleshas, we start to fear the kleshas, become attached to getting rid of them, and start to identify as someone who needs changing. This is avidya.

You do not need to change anything. You do not need to make an enemy of yourself, nor be attached to achieving an idealised version of yourself. This is introducing yet more mental whirlpools, or vrittis to our chit, and increases the seeds of suffering, rather than negates them.

One way out of this circular thinking is to think of the kleshas as a description of the human condition. I find that way helps us understand ourselves better, stops us apportioning blame to ourself or beating ourself up. And that self acceptance is exactly what is needed to let go of the seeds of suffering that are presented to us as the kleshas.

Interestingly, the rut 'kles' means to speak articulately, as oppose to 'klis' to speak inarticulately. Klis is the root of torment, pain and affliction. Kles is the opposite.

Perhaps if we could better articulate the nature of being human, rather than attempt to quash or deny it, we might better understand ourselves and each other and much suffering might be avoided. And perhaps if we can better articulate our bodies, that can help ease our suffering also?

by Debbie Farrar