Love Of Life - A Klesha

Ahara (food), Nidra (sleep), Bhaya (fear), are accepted in Indian literature as characteristics of all living creatures.

- Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra in Parisamvada

We are constantly troubled by these thoughts. We are unable to accept life fully and uncertainties influence us throughout the day. But one can transcend these things. At least in yoga experiments are done on these. One can control the food habits, reduce sleep if it is too long, and ultimately aim at fearlessness. It is a difficult proposition because deep down in our system, is the instinct of self-preservation. The word is Abhinivesha i.e. love of life - may I live on forever and ever. This is the worst kind of fear that animals also have. When a newborn child is playfully thrown up in the air it starts trembling, shaking and crying. The child has never fallen down or had any bad experience, but the fear is there. In yoga, we are learning to become fearless. If we can really create a strong belief that there is some larger order that is sensible and takes care of us then fear can go.