Abhiniveśa
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
Abhiniveśa literally means ‘excessive attachment [to life]’.
All living beings, whether it be a worm or a man, have a natural fear of death and a strong desire to live. According to Patañjali Yoga, though this is understandable, it is not desirable! It is not desirable because it is born out of avidyā or ignorance of the true nature of the soul which is immortal. This ignorance is a great stumbling block on the path to perfection. Hence abhiniveśa which is technically referred to as kleśa, an affliction or a vicious tendency, prevent the rise of true knowledge, must be cast off by the seeker of perfection. Spiritual practices like kriyāyoga will help the seeker in this task.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore