What is Abhinivesha?
Abhinivesha is a Sanskrit word that means “will to live” refers to the fear of death. It is one of the five obstacles to attaining spiritual liberation or moksha in the Hindu tradition. The five obstacles are known as the kleshas, and they are ignorance, egoism, attachment, aversion, and fear of death or abhinivesha. These obstacles create suffering and prevent a person from achieving spiritual enlightenment.
How does Abhinivesha manifest in the context of yoga?
In the context of yoga, abhinivesha is often described as a deep-seated fear of death that prevents a person from fully embracing the present moment and living their life to the fullest. It is believed that this fear can be overcome through spiritual practice, such as meditation and yoga, which help a person to let go of their ego and attachments and to realize their true nature as pure consciousness.
Can Abhinivesha be overcome?
It is believed that the obstacles of the kleshas, including abhinivesha, can be overcome through spiritual practice and self-inquiry. Through meditation, yoga, and other spiritual practices, a person can develop greater self-awareness and understanding of their true nature, allowing them to let go of their ego, attachments, and fears, including the fear of death. This can ultimately lead to the attainment of spiritual liberation or moksha.
How does Abhinivesha manifest in everyday life?
Abhinivesha, or the fear of death, can manifest in many different ways in everyday life. Some common ways in which this fear might manifest include:
- A reluctance to try new things or take risks, due to a fear of failure or harm.
- An excessive focus on physical appearance, health, and material possessions, as a way to feel more secure and in control.
- A tendency to hold onto grudges or to avoid conflict, due to a fear of losing relationships or being rejected.
- A difficulty in letting go of the past or moving on from difficult experiences, due to a fear of change or the unknown.
These behaviors can be a manifestation of abhinivesha, as they often stem from a deep-seated fear of death or a desire to hold onto things that provide a sense of security or familiarity.
How can we overcome Abhinivesha?
There are several ways in which we can work to overcome abhinivesha and the other kleshas:
- Practice mindfulness and present-moment awareness- By bringing our attention to the present moment and letting go of our thoughts about the past and future, we can learn to let go of our fears and attachments and to live in the present.
- Engage in self-inquiry- Through practices like meditation and journaling, we can explore our own thoughts and beliefs about death and come to a greater understanding of our own mortality.
- Seek guidance from a spiritual teacher or mentor- Having someone to support and guide us on our spiritual journey can be incredibly helpful in overcoming our fears and obstacles.
- Practice compassion and kindness- By focusing on kindness and compassion towards ourselves and others, we can begin to let go of our ego and attachments and to see the interconnectedness of all beings.
What is the relationship between Abhinivesha and the other kleshas?
The kleshas, including abhinivesha, are interrelated and often overlap in their manifestation. For example, egoism (asmita) can manifest as a desire to hold onto material possessions or to maintain a certain image or status, which can be driven by a fear of death or a desire to feel more secure. Similarly, attachment (raga) can arise from a fear of losing something or someone that provides us with security or meaning in life.
It is also worth noting that the kleshas are not fixed states, but rather tendencies that can arise in response to different circumstances. For example, a person may experience abhinivesha in one situation (such as skydiving) but not in another (such as playing a sport they enjoy). By becoming more self-aware and practicing mindfulness, we can learn to recognize and overcome these tendencies as they arise.
What is the ultimate goal of overcoming the kleshas, including Abhinivesha?
The ultimate goal of overcoming the kleshas is to attain spiritual liberation or moksha. In the Hindu tradition, moksha is the ultimate goal of life and is attained through the realization of one’s true nature as pure consciousness. By overcoming the obstacles of the kleshas, a person can let go of their ego, attachments, and fears and realize their true nature as pure, limitless consciousness. This realization is said to bring about a state of eternal peace and freedom.
Conclusion
Abhinivesha is a Sanskrit word that means “will to live” and is one of the five obstacles to attaining spiritual liberation or moksha in the Hindu tradition. It is often described as a deep-seated fear of death that can prevent a person from living in the present and fully embracing life.
This fear, along with the other kleshas of ignorance, egoism, attachment, and aversion, can be overcome through spiritual practice, self-inquiry, and guidance from a spiritual teacher or mentor. The ultimate goal of overcoming these obstacles is to attain moksha, or spiritual liberation, through the realization of one’s true nature as pure consciousness.
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Author
Rajat Maheshwari
