Klesa (The 5 Afflictions, Causes of Suffering)

Question 1

False knowledge, not knowledge or ignorance of real knowledge.

Answer 1

Avidya

Note: Vidya is the Sanskrit word for knowledge. In sanskrit when you add an “a” in front of the word it means “not” or the opposite.

Question 2

Everything becomes either “I” or the “me”. When a child is small _____ is strong as there is no sense yet of others or concept beyond immediate reaction to emotions.

Answer 2

Asmita

Note: In the more literal sense Smita in sanskrit means smiling. It does not mean a frown per say but rather everything becomes about the “I” or the “me”.

Question 3

This translates to attachment. It is representative to our addictive behaviors. Any attatchment that takes us away from the truth and content of the moment is ____.

Answer 3

Raga

Question 4

Opposite of raga. Aversion to that which we do not want or like. This does not mean that you are not allowed to have preferences or dislikes, but how do those dislikes rule your behavior. It may manifest as ill advised behaviors to do anything to get away from the news, task, or scenario that we have knowingly or subconciously continued to avoid rather than confront. This is a deep part of our fight or flight mechanism.

Answer 4

Dvesa

Question 5

The ultimate fear and greatest affliction, or the fear of death or loss. This is not only death or loss of our physical time on earth, but will manifest in the choices we make in jobs and relationships and for what we will do to avoid transition. This fear often keeps us in very unhappy or toxic situations.

Answer 5

Abinivesa

Question 6

The sanskrit term for afflictions or obstacles and causes of suffering.

Answer 6

Klesa or also found spelled Kleshas