S Sridharan was until recently the Managing Trustee, Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai.  During his long association with KYM, he had the privilege of learning the nuances of Yoga Sastra directly under  Yogi TKV Desikachar.  Sridharan is now an expert Yogi and a Yogic teacher.  In this series on Yogasutra, Yogi S Sridharan elucidates every aspect of YOGA.
 
 
 
The branches of the tree of Klesas form the Raaga, Dvesha and Abhinivesa. 
 
First, let us look at Raaga.  The feeling of “attraction” towards an object, subject and person based on pleasurable experiences is Raaga.  This attraction becomes an addiction and thus causes suffering and pain.  Yoga Sutra says sukha anusayee raagah (2.7)
 
Dvesha which means “aversion” is the opposite of Raaga.  The feeling of “aversion” is based on painful experiences.  Unreasonable aversion causes suffering, particularly later.  Aversion towards something which is in fact good for us will result in suffering at a later date, because we tend to move away from that thing which is needed for our welfare. Yoga Sutra says duhkha anusayee dveshah (2.8)
 
Generally we have either Raaga or Dvesha towards one object, subject or person at a particular time. 
 
Abhinivesa is “fear” of losing anything, particularly life.  The feeling of “insecurity” is born out of anxiety.  Of all the fears, the fear of death is the ultimate.  It is natural for any species including the human being to cling to life.  This “will-to-live” is flowing in us continously by its own forces.  It dominates even the learned people.  Yoga sutra says svarasavahi vidusho api sama rudhaha abhinivesaha (2.9) Fear is nature’s gift to avert accidents, but when it becomes an obsession it leads to suffering. 
 
What follows are some examples of the Klesas to get a clear idea about their functions:
 
 
(More to come)