The Kleshas: Exploring the Elusiveness of Happiness

by Deborah Adele

The first two limbs of the eight-fold path of yoga sutras—the basic text for classical yoga—are examined in this spiritual guide to the practice of yoga. Foundational to all yogic thought, they are considered to be the guidelines to the yoga way of living that free individuals to take ownership of their lives, direct them toward the fulfillment they seek, and gain the skills to choose attitude, thought, and action. The first five guidelines are referred to as the yamas—a Sanskrit word that translates to "restraints"—and encompass nonviolence, truthfulness, not stealing, nonexcess, and nonpossessiveness. The last five are referred to as the niyamas, or observances—purity, contentment, self-discipline, self-study, and surrender. A self-study section at the end of each chapter may also be used by instructors for group discussion.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Self Help

209 pages, Kindle Edition

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.

[Angelica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this as part of my yoga studio's book club. I was only able to borrow this as an audio book, so I was listening to it while doing other things and am not sure I retained very much detail because of it.

I do remember thinking parts of it were interesting. There were parts about reframing one's mindset when approaching things that are upsetting, and also the parts where she explained how things that on the surface seem positive and beneficial can end up causing more harm in the end.

The narrator had a nice, relaxing voice, which seemed very appropriate for a yoga book. 😊

[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!

[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.

[G Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved. No notes.

[Summer Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great information. I think sometimes there’s are too many anecdotes that aren’t needed

[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.

I’ve read it 2x now and got even more out of it the second time through.