Patanjali's map of the five afflictions (ignorance, ego, attachment, aversion, fear) underlying all suffering; a diagnostic framework for understanding DBT dysregulation triggers.
Klesa—often translated as 'affliction' or 'poison'—names five root patterns that Patanjali identifies as the source of psychological suffering. These are avidya (ignorance of reality), asmita (ego or false self-identity), raga (craving and attachment), dvesha (aversion and rejection), and abhinivesha (fear of death or annihilation). Rather than treating dysregulation as a random disorder, Patanjali offers a diagnostic framework: all emotional suffering traces to one or more of these five roots. Someone with rejection-sensitive dysphoria might operate from intense asmita (identity threatened by perceived criticism) and dvesha (intense aversion to rejection). Another might be driven by raga—desperate attachment to a specific relationship outcome. DBT's cognitive work addresses these roots implicitly: challenging distorted thoughts (avidya), building distress tolerance (dvesha), developing acceptance (raga and abhinivesha). By explicitly naming klesa patterns, individuals move beyond symptom management to root cause work. Patanjali teaches that liberation comes not from suppressing klesa but from seeing through them—understanding how they distort perception and drive reactivity. This transforms DBT from a skills toolbox into a wisdom tradition addressing the deepest sources of dysregulation.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
Explore related journeys or tell Peri what you're working through.