Klesha or Pain explained by Bhagvad Gita: Understanding Kleśa in the Context of Human Unhappiness
A significant portion of humanity experiences persistent dissatisfaction, restlessness, or suffering. In the spiritual framework of Vedic science, this condition is described as Kleśam (Sanskrit: क्लेशम्) — a state of affliction or distress that clouds the mind and obstructs inner peace. The term Kleśa encompasses both the mental and existential challenges that bind individuals to cycles of discomfort, preventing them from realizing their higher potential.
The Bhagavad Gita and allied Vedic teachings identify three primary categories of Kleśa, often referred to as the tāpa-traya — the “threefold miseries” that afflict embodied beings:
- Ādhyātmika Kleśa (Internal Afflictions)
These are sufferings originating within oneself, caused by the body or the mind. They include physical ailments, mental stress, anxiety, depression, and the turmoil of unfulfilled desires. In essence, they are self-generated pains arising from the imbalance of body, mind, and spirit. - Ādhibhautika Kleśa (External Afflictions from Other Beings)
These miseries are inflicted by other living entities — humans, animals, insects, or even microorganisms. Examples include interpersonal conflicts, exploitation, violence, or harm caused by other creatures. They highlight the interconnectedness of life and the inevitable frictions that arise in a shared world. - Ādhidaivika Kleśa (Afflictions from Higher or Natural Forces)
These are sufferings beyond human control, attributed to cosmic or environmental forces. They include natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, droughts, extreme weather, and other phenomena traditionally linked to the influence of celestial or divine agencies.
From a Vedic perspective, these three Kleśas are not merely philosophical abstractions but practical diagnostic tools for understanding the roots of human unhappiness. The Gita’s wisdom suggests that liberation (mokṣa) requires conscious effort to transcend these afflictions through self-knowledge, disciplined living, and alignment with dharma.
In modern terms, this framework invites a holistic approach to well-being — one that addresses personal health and mindset (ādhyātmika), social harmony (ādhibhautika), and environmental resilience (ādhidaivika). By recognizing the layered nature of suffering, individuals and societies can work toward solutions that are both spiritually grounded and pragmatically effective.
Here are some relevant shlokas with Sanskrit, transliteration, and meaning, which you can cite in your work:
1. Chapter 6.23 — Defining Yoga as Freedom from Affliction
Sanskrit:
तं विद्याद् दुःखसंयोगवियोगं योगसंज्ञितम्।
स निश्चयेन योक्तव्यो योगोऽनिर्विण्णचेतसा॥
Transliteration:
taṁ vidyād duḥkha-saṁyoga-viyogaṁ yoga-saṁjñitam
sa niścayena yoktavyo yogo’nirviṇṇa-cetasā
Meaning:
“Know that which severs the connection with sorrow as Yoga. This Yoga must be practised with determination and with an undespairing mind.”
— This verse directly addresses the goal of overcoming kleśa by breaking the bond with suffering.
2. Chapter 18. 8 — Kleśa in the Context of Renunciation
Sanskrit:
दुःखमित्येव यत्कर्म कायक्लेशभयात्त्यजेत्।
स कृत्वा राजसं त्यागं नैव त्यागफलं लभेत्॥
Transliteration:
duḥkham ity eva yat karma kāya-kleśa-bhayāt tyajet
sa kṛtvā rājasaṁ tyāgaṁ naiva tyāga-phalaṁ labhet
Meaning:
“He who abandons prescribed duty considering it troublesome, or out of fear of bodily discomfort (kāya-kleśa), performs renunciation in the mode of passion and does not obtain the fruit of true renunciation.”
— Here, kleśa is explicitly mentioned as bodily affliction, showing its role in human decision-making.
3. Chapter 2.14 — Enduring the Threefold Miseries
Sanskrit:
मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदुःखदाः।
आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत॥
Transliteration:
mātrā-sparśās tu kaunteya śītoṣṇa-sukha-duḥkha-dāḥ
āgamāpāyino’nityās tāṁs titikṣasva bhārata
Meaning:
“O son of Kunti, the contact between the senses and their objects gives rise to cold and heat, pleasure and pain. They come and go and are impermanent. Endure them bravely, O Bharata.”
— This verse underlines the transient nature of ādhyātmika, ādhibhautika, and ādhidaivika afflictions.
4. Chapter 13. 9 — Seeing the Misery of Birth and Death
Sanskrit:
जन्ममृत्युजराव्याधिदुःखदोषानुदर्शनम्॥
Transliteration:
janma-mṛtyu-jarā-vyādhi-duḥkha-doṣānudarśanam
Meaning:
“Perceiving the evil of birth, death, old age, and disease.”
— This is a direct acknowledgment of ādhyātmika kleśa (internal suffering) as part of spiritual wisdom.
To know more about it read the books published on this topic by going to the site www.dibyenduchoudhury.com