Significance of Klesha
Klesha, in Buddhism, refers to afflictive emotions and mental states that lead individuals away from virtue and contribute to suffering. These include ignorance, attachment, and aversion, which obscure judgment and hinder spiritual progress. Kleshas are seen as the root causes of negative behaviors and emotional disturbances, creating obstacles to enlightenment. Understanding and overcoming these mental afflictions is essential for spiritual development, as they bind beings to the cycle of samsara and obstruct the realization of one's true nature.
Synonyms: Affliction, Suffering, Misfortune, Distress, Hardship, Woe, Pain, Torment, Anguish
In Dutch: Klesha; In German: Klesha; In Finnish: Klesha; In Spanish: Klesha; In Portugese: Klesha; In Italian: Klesha; In Polish: Klesha
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Buddhist concept of 'Klesha'
Klesha, in Buddhism, refers to mental afflictions or emotional disturbances such as ignorance, attachment, and aversion that hinder understanding and obstruct the path to enlightenment, ultimately causing suffering and binding individuals to samsara.
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Afflictions or defilements that descend in abundance, contributing to the obscuration of positive qualities and the cultivation of negative realms.[1] (2) Kleshas are afflictions that blaze like a fire in some, keeping them far from happiness, or fall like rain while beings are distracted, as mentioned in the text.[2] (3) "Kleshas", or mental afflictions, are reduced through positive relationships, specifically with those who are good and true, contributing to the reduction of negative influences and the eventual attainment of higher states.[3] (4) The text mentions liberation from the kleshas, refuting the idea that attaining liberation altogether is achieved solely by attaining this, implying that cause and effect are still involved.[4] (5) These are the root of passion and aggression, and they are pacified by examining the prajna of naturelessness.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Klesha refers to passions, which the gods said had destroyed right knowledge in men, leading them to fall into bad destinies.[6] (2) These are afflictions that, along with fetters, drag man along in the wheel of transmigration. The wheel turns freely and powerfully.[7] (3) The text mentions that generosity of the Dharma can drive away the sicknesses of the 'klesha', which refers to the ninety-eight defilements, whereas material generosity only addresses physical ailments.[8] (4) It refers to afflictions, the destruction of which is considered coarse wisdom, while penetrating into the true nature of dharmas is subtle wisdom.[9] (5) This term refers to reduced afflictions, one of the qualities of those amongst whom the Bhagavat resides.[10]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) Afflictions or defilements that cause suffering and hinder spiritual progress, which must be overcome on the path to salvation.[11] (2) Refers to mental defilements or afflictive emotions that hinder one's spiritual progress, which the Bodhisattva aids others in overcoming.[12] (3) Afflictive emotions or mental states that cause suffering.[13] (4) Obstacles or afflictions that hinder spiritual development, typically associated with negative mental states and attachments.[14]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) Defilements or mental afflictions that obstruct the path to enlightenment, which must be transcended.[15] (2) Defilements or impurities of the mind that hinder spiritual development.[16] (3) Defilements or negative mental states that obstruct enlightenment, often addressed in Buddhist teachings.[17]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) The afflictive emotions or negative mental states that obstruct an individual's spiritual growth and insight.[18]
Hindu concept of 'Klesha'
Klesha in Hinduism embodies the afflictions of the mind—ignorance, egoism, attachment, and aversion—that impede spiritual progress. These five distresses, identified by Patanjali, are viewed as fundamental causes of human suffering and obstacles to enlightenment.
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) Klesha, or stress, is described as a factor that, along with Shoka, leads to the vitiation of Shareerika and Manasika Doshas.[19] (2) This is a distress that the body can withstand, and those who have Satmya to Sneha should be administered Achha Peya Sneha, according to the text.[20]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) The five factors, Avidya, Asmita, Raga, Dvesha, and Abhinivesha can create problems in our day-to-day lives.[21]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Defined by Patanjali as that which causes misery to the Jivas, including various forms like Avidya, Asmita, Raga, Dvesha, and Abhinivesa.[22]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) Refers to the passions and afflictive emotions that hinder one's spiritual progress.[23]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Obstacles or afflictions (Ignorance, Egoism, Affection, Aversion, Attachment) that hinder spiritual progress.[24]
The concept of Klesha in scientific sources
Klesha signifies psychological disorders impacting Manas, as delineated by Patanjali. These include ignorance, egoism, attachment, aversion, and desire for life, highlighting key afflictions that hinder mental clarity and spiritual growth.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Also known as karma and disturbances, having seen the benefit for the sentient beings, he can take rebirth without this.[25]