Klesas as Cognitive Distortion Patterns

Patanjali identified five klesas—fundamental cognitive and emotional patterns that obscure clear perception and cause suffering. These correspond remarkably to modern psychology's cognitive distortions: ignoring reality (ignorance), over-identification with thoughts (ego), reward-seeking bias (attachment), threat-perception bias (aversion), and existential anxiety (fear). This ancient taxonomy predates Western psychology by 1,500 years yet maps onto contemporary neuroscience findings about habitual mental patterns. The klesas framework represents Indigenous psychological science—systematic categorization of mental processes affecting wellbeing. Western cognitive-behavioral therapy addresses similar patterns through different language and methodology. This concept bridges traditions: Indigenous yoga psychology identified these patterns through contemplative investigation; Western science confirms them through brain imaging and behavioral studies. Both approaches validate that specific mental patterns are universal, systematic, and treatable through practice. Dialogue between these traditions strengthens therapeutic approaches: Indigenous practices like meditation target klesas directly, while Western interventions provide mechanisms and measurable outcomes. Together they demonstrate that psychological science flourished in multiple cultures independently.