The Kleshas: Dvesha

The Kleshas (or “Five Hindrances”) are discussed within the Yoga Sutras as the fundamental causes of human suffering.

The Yogis of ancient times examined the root causes of all suffering within the human experience, deeply exploring the nature of the mind and its fluctuating vibrations in order to find the absolute truth of what it means to be human… and what it means to become your true, unhindered Self.

As briefly discussed already, there is a universal and timeless quality to the Kleshas that transcend time, location or social status - we all suffer; of this there is no doubt.

And whilst the circumstance or situations that bring “suffering” to our lives vary dramatically in their detail, we all suffer for the same fundamental reasons. It is these fundamental reasons (or “causes”) of suffering that the Kleshas identify and, upon deeper reflection, show us the way to liberation from that suffering.

Dvesha:

Dvesha is a Sanskrit term referring to the third of the Kelshas and can be translated as "aversion" or "hatred”.

Dvesha refers to a strong feeling of dislike or repulsion towards something or someone.

Dvesha is recognised as arising from a lack of acceptance and a strong aversion to unpleasant or undesirable experiences, objects or people.

The fundamental teachings of Yoga emphasise that all temporal manifestations of life are impermanent and subject to change, including the mind consciousness.

By reacting with aversion and seeking to avoid or push away experiences that are perceived as unpleasant or undesirable, individuals become trapped in a cycle of suffering. The clinging to preferences and the rejection of what is present in the moment is seen as a source of unhappiness, despite a conceptual understanding that the ‘present moment’ is all that exists and is, within itself, eternal and unchanging.

Overcoming Dvesha is considered essential for cultivating equanimity, compassion, and freedom from suffering.

Dvesha is also acknowledged as one of the powerful forces that binds individuals to the cycle of birth and death, poetically known within the yogic tradition as ‘Samsara’.

It is associated with the concept of ‘Maya’, the illusionary aspect of the phenomenal world.

Dvesha reinforces the ego's identification with likes and dislikes, perpetuating the illusion of separateness and preventing individuals from realising their underlying oneness with the ultimate reality.

The path of yoga emphasises practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and self-inquiry to transcend Dvesha. By cultivating awareness and insight into the nature of one’s aversions and the underlying causes, individuals can develop a greater level of self-control and a compassionate response to unpleasant experiences.

This process of self-inquiry/self-awareness allows individuals to break free from the grip of Dvesha and move towards a state of inner peace and harmony.

It is important to note that Dvesha does not imply a disregard for personal well-being or condoning harmful actions. Rather, it involves recognising and transforming the aversive tendencies that contribute to suffering and hinder spiritual growth.

Developing a balanced and compassionate response to challenging situations is seen as a way to cultivate wisdom and liberation from the cycle of suffering.