Every seeker hitting the yoga mat sooner or later bumps into the five classic kleshas, or “knots,” that tangle the mind:

• Avidyā (ignorance): mistaking the transient for the eternal—like scrolling through endless social feeds, believing that next notification brings lasting satisfaction.
• Asmitā (egoism): identifying so strongly with roles or achievements that any criticism feels like a personal attack.
• Rāga (attachment): clinging to comfort—whether it’s that favorite Netflix series or a cherished relationship—only to feel loss when it inevitably changes.
• Dveṣa (aversion): recoiling from discomfort—be it a tough yoga posture or difficult emotions—fueling stress and anxiety.
• Abhiniveśa (fear of death): a deep-rooted anxiety about loss and impermanence, recently magnified by global events like the pandemic.

Overcoming these inner roadblocks calls for a blend of ancient tools and modern-day savvy:

1. Abhyāsa and Vairāgya (steady practice and healthy detachment)
   • Treat meditation like morning coffee: non-negotiable. Apps such as Insight Timer or Calm can anchor consistency.
   • Notice cravings or aversions arise, then let them drift—like leaves floating down a river.

2. The Eight Limbs of Yoga
   • Yamas and niyamas (ethical guidelines): practicing honesty and contentment in a world obsessed with “more.”
   • Āsana and prāṇāyāma: tuning into the breath to soothe a restless nervous system—especially handy during climate anxiety spikes or looming deadlines.
   • Pratyāhāra through samādhi: withdrawing senses from digital overload, cultivating one-pointed concentration, and eventually resting in joyful union.

3. Cultivating Viveka (discernment)
   • Journal prompts: “What felt most alive today?” helps spot patterns of attachment.
   • Community classes or virtual satsangs offer fresh perspectives—sometimes wisdom hits like a lightning bolt when least expected.

4. Applying Kriyā Yoga (inner cleansing)
   • Bhakti (devotion) or mantra recitation: channeling emotions into something greater can soften the grip of ego.
   • Karma Yoga (selfless service): volunteering—whether supporting local food banks or global initiatives like World Cleanup Day—shifts focus outward, loosening the chains of self-centered fear.

When yoga ceases to be just a workout and transforms into a living philosophy, those five kleshas lose their power. Steady effort, paired with that spark of detachment, lights the way through any storm.