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Breaking Barriers: Conquering Life’s Obstacles with Yoga

Ever felt like life is an uphill battle? This August, let's explore how the ancient wisdom of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras can help us navigate and overcome life's obstacles.

Patanjali identifies five key obstacles (Kleshas) that hinder our path to enlightenment. In chapter 2, Sutras 3-11, Patanajali says:

अविद्यास्मितारागद्वेषाभिनिवेशाः क्लेशाः

avidyā-asmitā-rāga-dveṣa-abhiniveśā kleśa

Ignorance, egoism, attachment, aversion, and clinging to life are the five obstacles.

These Kleshas are deep-rooted afflictions that shape our thoughts, actions, and perceptions, often leading to suffering. By understanding and addressing these obstacles, we can cultivate greater awareness and harmony in our lives.

1. Avidya (Ignorance) - A fundamental misunderstanding of the true nature of reality

   1. Impact: It clouds our perception, causing us to misidentify the transient as permanent and the impure as pure.

2. Asmita (Egoism) - Sense of individuality or ego, where we mistakenly identify with our thoughts, emotions & physical body.

   1. Impact: It creates a false sense of separation and self-importance, leading to feelings of superiority or inferiority.

3. Raga (Attachment) - Attachment or excessive desire for pleasurable experiences and material possessions

   1. Impact: This attachment binds us to fleeting joys and cravings, causing dissatisfaction when we cannot attain or maintain them.

4. Dvesha (Aversion) - Dvesha is the opposite of Raga, representing aversion or intense dislike for unpleasant experiences and discomfort.

   1. Impact: Aversion fuels avoidance and resistance, leading to fear, anger, and resentment when faced with adversity.

5. Abhinivesha (Clinging to Life) - is the instinctive clinging to life and the fear of death or the unknown.

   1. Impact: This deep-seated fear limits our ability to embrace change and accept the natural cycles of life and death.

By recognizing these Kleshas and their influences on our behavior, we can begin to untangle their hold on us through consistent practice, self-reflection, and mindfulness. Patanjali’s teachings guide us towards overcoming these obstacles, leading to a more balanced, peaceful, and fulfilling life.

Mental Practices to Help Work through Kleshas

Asanas to Help Work through Kleshas

Join our Backbending Workshop starting Aug 5th!

We will be working on the foundations of Sirsasana all through August in our Sunday Hatha class

Inspirational Student Spotlight

Meet Jim T, who inspires us with his dedication & commitment to yoga and a more fulfilling lifestyle.

Dear community,

As always - your support of our small space means everything to us. Thank you for spreading the word about who we are and what we stand for. We very much appreciate it. See you soon on the mat!

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