on avidya

“avidya – literally “knowledge other then right knowledge” – is a false state of understanding.  […] we can see avidya expressed in four different ways:

1. first, there are false values arising from the constant references to “I” and “me” […]
2. secondly, is expressed as excessive attachment or desire. […]
3. unreasonable dislikes […]. usually they result from painful experiences in the past that are connected with particular objects and situations.
4. fear of what is to come […] Pantajali tells us that fear is perhaps the most difficult of all obstacles to overcome.”

[1] Health, Healing & Beyond YOGA and the Living Tradition of KRISHNAMACHARYA, chapter  “The Ancient Teachings” – T.K.V. Desikachar and R.H. Cravens