220. Dveṣa the Klesha. Brace for impact! скачать в хорошем качестве

220. Dveṣa the Klesha. Brace for impact!

As we continue our journey through the Sādhana Pāda, we search for that daily insight—that snippet of wisdom. Yesterday, we explored Yoga Sūtra 2:7, where we examined rāga (राग)—attachment to pleasure. Today, we move forward, but before diving into our next sutra, let’s take a step back and revisit the foundation of all kleśas: avidyā (अविद्या). Avidyā is often translated as "ignorance" or "misperception," but its meaning runs deeper than a simple lack of knowledge. In Yoga Sūtra 2:5, Patañjali describes avidyā as: अनित्याशुचिदुःखानात्मसु नित्यशुचिसुखात्मख्यातिरविद्या॥ २.५॥ anityāśuci-duḥkhānātmasu nitya-śuci-sukhātma-khyātir avidyā Avidyā is the mistaken identification of the impermanent as permanent, the impure as pure, the painful as pleasurable, and the non-Self as the Self. Edwin Bryant expands on this, explaining: "One may think that one's body, mind, and possessions, are their real self. This is the epitome of confusion—ignorance and enmeshment with ego." This misidentification is deeply ingrained in how we navigate the world. We attach our identity to external markers—our job titles, relationships, and social media presence. We believe: "I am my achievements." "I am my possessions." "I am a parent." "I am a yogi." But what happens when these external identities shift or fall away? If we define ourselves by what we do or what we own, we are building on an unstable foundation. Yoga teaches us to look beyond these surface-level identifications and seek our true nature. Yesterday, in Yoga Sūtra 2:7, we explored rāga (राग), the tendency to cling to pleasure. Rāga arises when we experience something enjoyable and develop an attachment to it, craving its repetition. Today, we move to Yoga Sūtra 2:8, where Patañjali introduces dveṣa (द्वेष)—the counterpart to rāga. दुःखानुशयी द्वेषः॥ २.८॥ duḥkhānuśayī dveṣaḥ "Dveṣa, or aversion, follows from the experience of suffering." • duḥkha (दुःख) – suffering, pain • anuśayī (अनुशयी) – following, arising from • dveṣaḥ (द्वेषः) – aversion, avoidance Just as rāga makes us cling to pleasurable experiences, dveṣa makes us push away anything unpleasant. The moment we feel discomfort—physically, emotionally, or mentally—we resist it. We brace against it, avoid it, or try to escape. This reaction is deeply tied to our fight-or-flight instinct, an ancient survival mechanism to protect us from immediate danger. However, in modern life, dveṣa often extends beyond physical threats. We resist: Difficult emotions – suppressing grief, fear, or discomfort. Challenging situations – avoiding difficult conversations or growth opportunities. Intense experiences – hesitating to step outside our comfort zones. But here’s the paradox: growth often lies in discomfort. By avoiding what is difficult, we limit our potential for transformation. The practice of yoga invites us to notice when dveṣa arises. Instead of reacting automatically, can we pause and observe? Today, as you go about your life, pay attention: When do you feel resistance? What makes you tense up, shut down, or want to escape? Can you soften your reaction and meet discomfort with curiosity rather than avoidance? By becoming aware of dveṣa, we take the first step toward loosening its grip. True freedom lies not in avoiding discomfort, but in learning to remain steady in its presence.