The Kleshas: Exploring the Elusiveness of Happiness

by Deborah Adele

Overview

The first two limbs of the eight-fold path of yoga sutras—the basic text for classical yoga—are examined in this spiritual guide to the practice of yoga. Foundational to all yogic thought, they are considered to be the guidelines to the yoga way of living that free individuals to take ownership of their lives, direct them toward the fulfillment they seek, and gain the skills to choose attitude, thought, and action. The first five guidelines are referred to as the yamas—a Sanskrit word that translates to "restraints"—and encompass nonviolence, truthfulness, not stealing, nonexcess, and nonpossessiveness. The last five are referred to as the niyamas, or observances—purity, contentment, self-discipline, self-study, and surrender. A self-study section at the end of each chapter may also be used by instructors for group discussion.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798986789118
Publisher:	On-Word Bound Books LLC.
Publication date:	09/01/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	269,197
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Deborah Adele is a certified yoga instructor (ERYT500), who has trained in Gestalt and strategic intelligence skills. She is a coowner of Yoga North—a center that teaches Eastern philosophy, yogic life skills, and yoga postures for balance of body and mind—and Adele & Associates, a consulting company dedicated to increasing the clarity and productivity of client systems through health and wellness. She is a former wellness columnist for the Duluth News Tribune and has created two CDs on relaxation and meditation. She lives in Duluth, Minnesota.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents Introduction 13-18 Section 1 Kleshas: The Problem 19-72 What are the Kleshas? 20 Avidya 23 Asmita 34 Raga 44 Dvesha 50 Abhinivesha 58 Considerations 68 Section 2 Mind: The Platform 73-101 The Role of the Mind 76 The Brain/Mind Distinction 80 Yogic Understanding of the Mind 84 The Functions of the Mind 88 Ahamkara 89 Manas 92 Buddhi 96 The Thinking Process 98 Mind Practices 101 Section 3 Practice & Nonattachment: The Power 102-185 Nirodha ~ A New Plan for the Mind 105 Abhyasa ~ Practice 108 How to Practice 118 What to Practice ~ The 8-Limbed Path 123 Yamas 125 Niyamas 128 Asana 130 Pranayama 133 Pratyahara 135 Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi 137 Vairagya ~ Nonattachment (Partner of Practice) 143 Between Stimulus and Response 155 Your Mind on Practice & Nonattachment 160 Obstacles 164 Daily Life ~ Even a Little Effort 169 Questioning the Narrative 176 Those Who Seem Different 182 Section 4 Finding Freedom: The Peace 186-205 Freedom 191 A Different Mind 194 A Different Identity 196 Grace 199 Closing Thoughts 202 Resources 206-208