Yogic Psychology & The Klesas

Question 1

What is Yoga?

Answer 1

Union with the Self.

Question 2

What are the two main aspects which are believed to transcend Self-realization?

Answer 2

Abhyasa - practice

Vairagya - detachment

Question 3

What is Yogic Psychology?

Answer 3

The process of developing self-awareness which reaches higher levels of human experience.

Question 4

What is human composition?

Answer 4

The Divine Self - Atman
Mind - Matter
Body - Matter
Intellect - Matter

Question 5

Name the Klesas in their order and in both English and Sanskrit.

Answer 5

1. Avidya - Ignorance
2. Asmita - Ego/I-am-ness
3. Raga - Attachment
4. Dvesa - Aversion
5. Abhinivesa - Fear (of loss/death)

Question 6

Tell me a little of Avidya.

Answer 6

Mother of afflictions. It is an intellectual suffering which is from lack of wisdom. This causes us to confuse the real with the un-real, true life with the material world.

Question 7

What are the Klesas?

Answer 7

Afflictions/causes of human suffering, identified by Patanjali.

Question 8

Explain Asmita.

Answer 8

This is an intellectual affliction. It is related to excessive price and ego. This causes us to think only we are right, and things are only about I.

Question 9

What is Raga?

Answer 9

This is an emotional suffering which is attachment for material objects or pleasures.

Question 10

Explain Dvesa.

Answer 10

This is an emotional affliction which is basically avoidance of what one does not like or fears.

Question 11

What is Abhinivesa?

Answer 11

This is an instinctual affliction which is when we fear losing things we deem important, like death, a job, wealth, etc,