The Kleshas Exploring the Elusiveness of Happiness

The Yoga Sutras are a collection of ancient directions about the mental and physical benefits of yoga. In their original form they are brief concepts, perfect for remembering in an oral tradition, but which require a teacher's explanation to fully understand. Deborah Adele uses a lifetime of learning and study to bring understanding to these essential yoga concepts. The Sutras explain that the Kleshas create versions of the truth for our minds that are the most appealing. These appealing truths are often false and they create entanglements that prevent us from being truly happy. As we grasp for more appealing truths we only create a cycle of needs and wants that confusingly never satisfy. The physical and mental practices of yoga are designed to break this cycle of dissatisfaction. This book provides the insight needed to understand the Kleshas and guides the reader to simple attainable practices that they can easily add to their yoga routine.

Deborah Adele holds master’s degrees in both Liberal Studies and Theology & Religious Studies. She carries yoga certifications in Kundalini yoga, Hatha yoga, Yoga Therapy, and Meditation. She is also trained in Gestalt Theory and Somatic Education. From 1999-2012, Deborah brought her combined knowledge of business and her in-depth knowledge of yoga philosophy to build Yoga North, a center that continues to flourish. In 2009 she published The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice, which has become an international best-seller and a modern classic.

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