The Kleshas: Exploring the Elusiveness of Happiness

by Deborah Adele

The Yoga Sutras are a collection of ancient directions about the mental and physical benefits of yoga. In their original form they are brief concepts, perfect for remembering in an oral tradition, but which require a teacher's explanation to fully understand. Deborah Adele uses a lifetime of learning and study to bring understanding to these essential yoga concepts. The Sutras explain that the Kleshas create versions of the truth for our minds that are the most appealing. These appealing truths are often false and they create entanglements that prevent us from being truly happy. As we grasp for more appealing truths we only create a cycle of needs and wants that confusingly never satisfy. The physical and mental practices of yoga are designed to break this cycle of dissatisfaction. This book provides the insight needed to understand the Kleshas and guides the reader to simple attainable practices that they can easily add to their yoga routine.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Self Help

208 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2023

About the author

Deborah Adele holds master’s degrees in both Liberal Studies and Theology & Religious Studies. She carries yoga certifications in Kundalini yoga, Hatha yoga, Yoga Therapy, and Meditation. She is also trained in Gestalt Theory and Somatic Education. From 1999 to 2012,
Deborah brought her combined knowledge of business and her in-depth knowledge of yoga philosophy to build Yoga North, a center that continues to flourish.

In 2009 she published The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice, which has become an international best-seller and a modern classic. It is a go-to book for any serious yogi and for anyone seeking deeper understanding of self.

Deborah’s writing and teaching leave participants with a dynamic combination of hope, inspiration, and practical knowledge.

Reviews

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! “How will we answer this hunger for more inside of us? With success? Ease? Achievement? Fame? Or will we answer it with the discipline of self-study and quiet reflection and a practice that leads us to the treasures of a quiet mind and the experience of our full selves? The choice is ours.”

[Amanda Imes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book by Adele. Just as I have read the Yamas and Niyamas more than a dozen times, I'm sure I'll be reading this book for years to come. This is a book for savoring a few pages at a time.

[Jeremiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great reference from Deborah adele. The kleshas are a little more esoteric yogic philosophy and get into the mental health aspects of yoga. Probably not the best book for a newcomer to yoga.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book interpreting Patanjali's Yoga Sutras with a focus on application, just like her "Yamas and Niyamas" book. Highly recommended for yoga teachers, yoga therapists, and serious yoga students who want to understand more about cultivating and living a more balanced life.

[Debora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d highly recommend this book to any teacher or student of yoga - as well as to anyone interested in mindfulness.

[James Dant · Rating 5 out of 5]

The conversational clarity and insight I've come to expect from Deborah Adele. Excellent book!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very clear explanation of the kleshas, with helpful questions for reflection.