110. Scared to die?
As we delve deeper into the realm of Ishvara in Yoga Sutra 1:23, it's easy to feel like we've gone "down the rabbit hole," exploring the complex and often nuanced concept of divinity as presented by Patanjali. This sutra marks the introduction of Ishvara, or the Lord, into the philosophy of yoga. True to his style, Patanjali gives us a term—in this case, Ishvara—and then proceeds to define it through the following attributes and principles.
As we move forward to Sutra 1:24, we encounter a verse that, according to Dr. Edwin Bryant, has attracted the most extensive commentary from ancient scholars. The significance of this sutra is reflected in the sheer volume of interpretation and analysis it has inspired over the centuries. To offer insight into this, Jeff reads an excerpt from Swami Satchidananda's commentary, where the Swami elaborates on Ishvara's state as devoid of desire, action, and the influences that bind ordinary beings.
Today, we also define and explore the Sanskrit word klesha, which translates to "afflictions" or "obstacles" that hinder our progress on the spiritual path. These kleshas are fundamental to understanding the human condition and are elaborated upon in later sutras.
The five primary kleshas are avidya (ignorance), asmita (egoism), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of death or clinging to life). This episode will explain each of these afflictions in detail, exploring how they contribute to the mental and emotional disturbances that cloud our perception and understanding.
Understanding these kleshas is crucial for anyone serious about yoga, as they are the root causes of suffering and distraction in our lives.
As we conclude our exploration of these profound concepts, Jeff leaves us with a question to ponder over the weekend: Are you scared to die? This question, directly tied to the klesha of abhinivesha, challenges us to confront one of the deepest fears that influence our lives and decisions. Reflecting on this can offer valuable insights into how much this fear shapes our thoughts, actions, and spiritual journey.
