Dvesha (Aversion)

Dvesha is a Sanskrit term meaning "aversion" or "resistance."

In yoga philosophy, dvesha is one of the five kleshas (obstacles) outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, referring to the tendency to push away or avoid unpleasant experiences, emotions, or people.

Just as raga (attachment) creates suffering through craving, dvesha creates suffering through avoidance and resistance.

Recognizing and overcoming dvesha is essential for cultivating equanimity, resilience, and inner freedom.

Etymology and Meaning

Sanskrit Spelling: द्वेष

Root Word: "Dviṣ" (to dislike, to be hostile toward)

Translation Variations: Aversion, avoidance, resistance, hatred

Pronunciation: Dveṣa [DWAY-shah]

Dvesha is the mental and emotional reaction of pushing away what is perceived as unpleasant or painful.

It creates suffering by reinforcing fear, resistance, and emotional instability, preventing individuals from fully engaging with life.

Dvesha in the Yoga Sutras

Patanjali defines dvesha in:

"Duḥkha-anushayī dveshaḥ" (Yoga Sutra 2.8)

Translation: "Aversion is the result of suffering."

This means that dvesha arises from past painful experiences and the desire to avoid discomfort.

The mind conditions itself to resist anything that reminds it of suffering, often leading to avoidance patterns, emotional reactivity, and an inability to embrace life fully.

Symbolism in Yoga Philosophy

Dvesha is often compared to a wall that blocks growth and understanding.

Just as attachment (raga) binds individuals to pleasure, aversion binds them to fear and discomfort.

Overcoming dvesha does not mean seeking out suffering but rather developing the ability to face discomfort with awareness, curiosity, and acceptance.

Practical Application

In Yoga Practice

• Notice resistance to certain poses, sensations, or challenges in practice, and explore them with curiosity rather than avoidance.
• Use breathwork (pranayama) to remain present with discomfort rather than reacting impulsively.
• Recognize when mental resistance arises and observe it without judgment.

In Daily Life

• Reflect on avoidance patterns in relationships, work, or emotions, and consider where dvesha may be limiting growth.
• Practice meeting discomfort with awareness, whether in difficult conversations or unfamiliar situations.
• Use mindfulness techniques to observe aversions as they arise, reducing their power over decision-making.

Quotes and Wisdom

"What we resist, persists. What we accept, transforms."

"Dvesha blinds us to reality, but acceptance opens the door to wisdom."

Modern Relevance

Dvesha is highly relevant in modern life, where stress and discomfort are often avoided rather than processed.

Many people resist change, challenging emotions, or discomfort, leading to greater suffering in the long term.

Yoga and mindfulness provide tools to break free from aversion, allowing individuals to meet difficulties with resilience and clarity rather than avoidance and fear.

Related Concepts

Raga: Attachment, the opposite of dvesha, where the mind clings to pleasure rather than avoiding discomfort.

Vairagya: Non-attachment, the practice of remaining neutral to both pleasure (raga) and discomfort (dvesha).

Read: Understanding the Kleshas

How to Overcome Dvesha

Mindset: Recognize discomfort as an opportunity for growth rather than something to avoid.

Actions: Practice sitting with discomfort through meditation, breathwork, and conscious exposure to fears.

Reflection: Journal about situations where aversion arises and explore the deeper fears or beliefs underlying them.

Suggested Reading

• The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
• The Bhagavad Gita
• Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach.

Conclusion

Dvesha is the tendency to resist and avoid discomfort, creating suffering and limitation.

By cultivating awareness, acceptance, and resilience, individuals can dissolve dvesha and navigate life with greater freedom and inner peace.