Yogic Reflections -- Pancha Klesha (The Five Afflictions)

This is a poem on The Pancha Kleshas (The Five Afflictions). These afflictions, as described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, act as internal obstacles that cloud perception, distort reality, and hinder spiritual growth.
By recognizing and addressing these deep-seated sources of distress, we can work toward greater clarity, peace, and ultimately, liberation (moksha).
Let the words of this poem guide you toward a mindset of serenity, balance, and freedom.

Transcript

Upon the path of light and air,

Where wisdom whispers soft and rare,

Lie shadows deep within the mind,

The chains that keep the soul confined.

Avidya,

Clouds that mask the sight,

Mistaking wrong for what is right,

Like rivers chasing endless shore,

We grasp at dreams and ask for more,

Yet truth,

Like dawn,

Will rise anew,

When self and world we clearly view.

Asmita stands,

A mighty wall,

A name,

A face,

A mask for all,

I am,

It cries,

I stand alone,

Yet roots beneath are not our own.

The self dissolves when love expands,

Like waves embracing golden sands.

Laga,

The fire of sweet embrace,

That clings to joy in time and space,

We chase delight,

Yet pain is near,

For all that shines will disappear,

But freedom lies in open hands,

To love,

Let go and understand.

Dvesha,

Hides in fear's domain,

Fleeting loss and shunning pain,

Yet storms must break for skies to clear,

Through trials rise the bold and dear,

In sorrow's touch,

In pain's embrace,

Lies wisdom shaped by time and grace.

Abhinivesha,

The grasp so tight,

The fear of death,

The fading light,

Yet life a river cannot stay,

It flows beyond both night and day,

To live is not to clutch or bind,

But trust the dance of fate divine.

So shed these veils,

Release the chain,

Walk fearless through both joy and pain,

For peace resides where ego dies,

Beyond illusion's fleeting ties,

The soul is washed,

The path is free,

In boundless love,

Eternity.

Thank you for listening.

Love,

Light,

Blessings.

Namaste.