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The term "kashaya" refers to passions, which can be broken down into two components: "kasha," meaning worldly life, and "aya," meaning gain. Thus, the literal meaning of kashaya is to regain worldly life. As long as we are driven by these passions, the cycle of birth and death will continue. There are four types of kashayas: krodha (anger), mana (ego), maya (deceit), and lobha (greed). These can be grouped into two categories: rag (attachment) and dwesh (hatred). When we develop attachment or hatred towards worldly objects, we hinder our spiritual progress and become bound by irrationality and viciousness. Therefore, it is important to free ourselves from the influence of these passions, as they are the soul's greatest enemies. Attachment, affection, hostility, dislike, and disgust are the roots of passion, which arise from distorted attitudes, ignorance, and false perceptions. Attachment is the underlying cause of all our passions, including anger and ego. Those who have conquered attachment have conquered everything, which is why the Lord Jina is called Vitaragi, one who is free from attachment.
Passions are caused by the maturation of previously accumulated Mohniya Karma. Rather than reacting with more passion to situations, it is important to remain calm and tranquil in order to break the cycle that generates new karmas. Our goal should be to prevent new karmas from arising and calmly overcome the effects of old karmas. By doing so, the path to liberation will open.
The four passions: krodha, mana, maya, and lobha, are further divided into four types based on their intensity:
Anantanubadh (extremely severe): This obstructs the right belief and conduct, preventing the attainment of true belief and conduct until it is destroyed. Its effects persist for a long time and always operate with Darshan Mohniya Karma.
Apratyakhanavarana (severe): This obstructs partial renunciation but does not affect true belief. While it is active, even limited vows cannot be taken.
Pratyakhanavarana (moderate): This obstructs total renunciation but does not affect right belief and partial renunciation. While it is active, partial renunciation is possible, but complete renunciation (becoming a monk or nun) is not.
Sanjvalana (slight): This obstructs the attainment of total right conduct but does not affect right belief and total renunciation. While it is active, initiation into monkhood or nunhood and spiritual progress are possible, but becoming Vitragi is not.
Krodha (Anger):
When anger arises, our judgment is clouded, and virtues such as love and forgiveness are destroyed. Anger is triggered when someone acts against our wishes, creates obstacles in fulfilling our desires, or breaches our trust. Anger pushes away friends, and no one wants to help or be around an angry person. Anger nourishes revenge, so it is essential to cultivate a forgiving and peaceful nature instead. Anger not only harms us in this life but can also bring bitter consequences in future lives. If virtuous people experience anger, they should quickly calm down and seek forgiveness from those involved. This is the right course of action, as it removes the sin caused by anger. Cultivating virtues such as forgiveness, penance, and repentance is important.
Lobha (Greed):
A greedy person is never satisfied with what they have and may use any means to acquire more, disregarding others. It is important to remember that our gain is someone else's loss. Greed prevents us from giving and sharing. We should be content with what we have and accumulate only to meet our needs. Developing the habit of helping others and offering what we have is crucial. Greed destroys peace and happiness, while caring and sharing bring them back.
Mana (Ego):
Ego clouds our judgment and politeness. A proud person invites their own destruction. True knowledge can only be attained through humility. Humility nurtures good thoughts, leaving no room for pride or ego. Humility is at the core of religion, and it is challenging to develop religious feelings as long as ego exists.
Maya (Deceit):
Deceit leads to a dishonest life and causes the loss of friendships. Honesty helps us realize the truth. A deceitful person has little understanding of religion.
There are also nine no-kashayas (pseudo-passions) that trigger our passions:
As we progress spiritually, the manifestation of no-kashayas decreases. Therefore, we should be mindful of both kashayas and no-kashayas in order to advance on the spiritual path.
