Man lives under so many temptations. These temptations become his enemies in the end. They work against his life. Man loses his social identity. What then is Arishadvarga?

Ari means enemy.  Arishadvarga consists of two words. They are Shad means six and Varga means a band or a group. Arishadvarga means a band of six enemies capable of wreaking havoc in the life of a human being. It is mentioned in the Maitreya Upanishad (3.18) and the Varaha Upanishad (1.10).

The six powerful passions constantly influence the mind are Kama (Desire, Lust), Krodha (Anger), Lobha (Miserliness, Greed), Moha (Attachment), Mada (Pride, Vanity and Arrogance) and Matsarya (Envy, Jealousy). These are seen as obstacles to spiritual growth and inner peace. 

Arishadvargas can have a significant impact on an individual’s life. These six enemies cause emotional turmoil, negative karma, and damage of self-realization. They cause deviation from righteous living, trust, love and harmony in social and familial bonds.

Further, they can cause inner conflict. Thus, uncontrolled emotions can lead man to impulsive decisions. Harming oneself or others. They can hinder judgement making it difficult to make sound decisions. Mental turmoil, destruction behaviour and strained relationships impact man in his journey of spiritual and moral life. These enemies can cause mental distress, anxiety and suffering.

Even in The Bible, it is mentioned that seven deadly or cardinal sins are similar to Arishadvargas. They are Pride, Avarice, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Wrath, and Sloth. These commandments will enlighten the people who are caught up in Arishadvargas.

We do not accept what we have it then it results in Kama, the desires. When we do accept what we have then it results in Contentment.

We do not accept because we do not like it then it results in Krodha, anger. Even if we do not like it but if we accept it then it results in Forgiveness.

We do not accept the expenditure even if it is for good cause it results in Lobha, miserliness. When we do accept it then it results in Charity.

We do not accept the possibility of not being able to possess something, it results in Moha, obsession. When we do accept that we may not be able to get what we aspired, it results in Peace of Mind.

We do not accept that others might get hurt by our behaviour it results in Mada, pride. When we are conscious about not hurting others it results in Humbleness.

We do not accept that we do not have what other person has, it results in Matsarya, jealousy. We accept that we do not have then it results in Inspiration and the possibility of obtaining that thing one day becomes bright.

Patanjali, in the Yoga Sutras, explains beautifully that the reason for our suffering is avidya (ignorance). When we are ignorant of our true nature, ego takes over and begins to dominate our decision making.

The root cause of Matsarya lies in the ego. When our self-worth is based on external factors — possessions, achievements, or recognition — witnessing someone else’s success can feel like a personal defeat. This fuels jealousy, a burning resentment that consumes our inner peace.

The concept of Arishadvargas is not meant to create fear or negativity. It provides valuable awareness about the internal forces that can hold us back. By acknowledging these tendencies, we can start to manage them with the help of a Guru and a Satsang.

The Arishadvargas can act as stumbling blocks on our journey towards success and well-being. However, by understanding them and actively cultivating practices that promote self-awareness and emotional regulation, we can overcome these inner demons.