Yoga explains the roots of suffering

The Five Kleshas of Yoga

In Sanskrit, Klesha means poison. It is a ‘negative’ mental state, leading to affliction. The five Kleshas are (Chapter 2, Sutra 2.3) 

avidha (ignorance), 

asmita (ego sense), 

raga (attachment), 

Dvesha (aversion) and 

Abhinivesah (clinging to life, fear of death)

Patanjali in Ch 2, sutra 4 writes:

Ignorance of our true nature is the source of the other four, whether they be dominant, weak, suspended or fully active.

What this means is that all causes of suffering are contained within the first cause of not knowing the true nature of reality. In other words mistaking the impermanent for permanent: herein lies the ignorance. Once you forget that you are beyond the mind and body. When one forgets the true nature of oneself. When this is forgotten we tend to:

1.     Believe in the Ego Self 

2.     Get attracted to things – get identified and attached to it.

3.     Have fears and aversions

4.     Crave to continue living, while fearing death

The first Klesha ignorance leads to the other four. In it absence, there is suffering and pain. Pain is what happens to you. Suffering it is a choice you make. In other words, pain is inevitable, it cannot be avoided. Yet, your response to pain is optional. Suffering is not a consequence. It is a choice. In the absence of being aware of your true self, there will be pain and suffering. The presence of these Kleshas is what determines the course of our life. It prevents us from our own potential to live life fully.

The first stage is to recognize and acknowledge the presence of the Kleshas. 

More fully to realise that the absolute truth (sat) is Chit (consciousness) and which evokes bliss (ananda).  Brahman is not in existence, it is existence itself. It is not a Consciousness entity: it is consciousness. and finally Brahman is not blissful. It is the source of all happiness.  

An Eternal Prayer 

From untruth lead me to Truth. 
From darkness (of ignorance) lead me to light (of knowledge). 
From death lead me to immortality. —Brihadaranyaka Upanishad