In the Yoga Sutras, one of the fundamental yogic texts, the sage Patanjali explains that there are five main causes of suffering, known as kleshas in Sanskrit, which we must try to minimize in order to achieve samadhi or the ultimate realization of Union with our true divine and wise nature.
Patanjali explains that "lack of understanding (avidya), a mistaken self-image (asmita), attachment to pleasures (raga), aversion to that which is not pleasurable (dvesha), and engaging in actions dictated by fear (abhinivesha), are the main causes of our misery."
From the beginning, it can be said that the main obstacle to achieving fulfillment, and the root of the other four impediments or aggregates of the clouded mind, is Avidya or Ignorance. It refers to the false conception we have of reality, believing that the temporary is eternal, the impure is pure, and that pleasure is painful.
As Federico Gaxiola, Kundalini Yoga instructor points out, "it means not knowing who we are, where we come from, where we are going, it fills our minds and hearts with doubt and fear. Our inability to withstand the pain caused by doubt and fear forces us to firmly cling to anything we imagine ourselves to be. This is how our identity and self-image are born."
This process is recognized as the birth of individual identity (asmita). "Once asmita —egoity, self-image, Ego— matures, we do everything in our power to protect it. This is where the attachment to life begins. After this moment, we start pursuing anything that seems to sustain and nurture our self-identity. At the same time, we flee from anything that may threaten it. This is how attachment to pleasure (raga) and aversion to pain (dvesha) are born. With the birth of attachment and aversion, we are completely besieged by an inescapable condition called fear of death or clinging to life (abhinivesha)."
The antidote of Yoga
Although there are many yoga methods to address the kleshas, the practice of asanas can be one of the most powerful tools to help overcome these afflictions. Aadil Palkhivala, a contributor to the specialized magazine Yoga Journal, asserts that among all postures, backbends are especially useful in this process: "They require great concentration and open the chest and the heart center." In fact, Urdhva Mukha Shvanasana or Upward-Facing Dog pose is one of the most effective asanas for this purpose. Avidya in our physical body, Palkhivala continues, also manifests in the mind, which becomes unable to pay attention or retain and remember information. "If we are going to dispel our ignorance, we have to cultivate the ability to focus our attention, as well as the ability to calm our minds. In fact, an unfocused brain cannot be calm. Because they require that concentration, backbends are very powerful tools."