Attachment (Raga) & Yoga
Kleśa (Sanskrit क्लेश, also klesha) refers to the afflictions that hinder us in life. According to Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra , five primary afflictions, or kleshas, are identified: Ignorance (ávidyā), Egoism (asmitā), Attachment (rāga), Aversion (dveṣa), and Fear of death (abhiniveśāḥ). Today, we will focus on Raga—attachment, a powerful force according to yoga that can lead to imbalances in our lives. While raga may mean "anger" in some contexts, in yoga, it refers to attachment—our deep desires and likes.
What is Raga in Yoga?
According to yoga, raga is a form of attachment that we develop towards things we love or desire deeply. It can bring us joy but also becomes a problem when it leads to obsession or over-dependence. When we attach too much importance to what we like, we risk losing balance. For instance, the things we like today may not be what we like tomorrow, yet our mind keeps pursuing them. This fluctuation of desires becomes a klesha, or affliction, in our lives. Raga in yoga suggests that clinging to transient things prevents us from reaching a state of peace and contentment.
Types of Raga
There are different types of raga that manifest in life—attachment to people, material objects, emotions, or even concepts like success and fame. For example, one might be deeply attached to family members, but that attachment could lead to pain when they are not around. Similarly, attachment to possessions or wealth can create anxiety when these things are lost. According to yoga, the more we identify with these attachments, the more we suffer.
Raga in Practice: A Lesson from Life
An example of raga in yoga is the story of a king who loved a particular type of expensive perfume. His obsession with this fragrance grew so strong that he spent all his resources acquiring it, ultimately losing his wealth. His attachment clouded his judgment and caused imbalance. As Dr. Jayadeva advocates, we must maintain balance and not let raga control us. In life, it's crucial to love things without becoming too attached, as attachment can easily lead to suffering.
Set Yourself Free from Attachment (Raga)
In life, we will always like certain things, but it's important to remain objective. According to yoga, raga is one of the afflictions that bind us to suffering. The key to liberation is detaching from these likes and dislikes, maintaining a balanced perspective. When we avoid clinging to things, we free ourselves from the constant cycle of desire and disappointment.
To sum up, raga in yoga is not just about attachment; it is about understanding how we relate to the things we love. By recognizing the various types of raga and how they impact our lives, we can develop a balanced approach to life, avoiding the pitfalls of attachment. According to yoga Freedom comes when we release these attachments and embrace a life of inner peace and change.