Abhinivesha (Clinging to the Body)

Teachings

• While abhinivesha refers to attachment to life, it is not the same as the instinct for self-preservation.
• The fear of death that abhinivesha describes is the clinging to the body.
• According to Swami Satyananda Saraswati, if attachment to the body can be reduced, then fear of death can be reduced to a minimum.
• As with other kleshas, abhinivesha is said to be so deeply embedded that theoretical knowledge is inadequate in conquering it. The path of yoga is said to be the only way to gain freedom.
• B.K.S. Iyengar points out that yoga practices such as meditation allow the yogi to experience unity and perceive that there is no difference between life and death. Through this understanding, the yogi conquers the fear of death.