Patanjali's identification of five fundamental afflictions (klesha) blocking consciousness, which directly correspond to constitutional imbalances and trauma patterns in Ayurvedic mental health.
Patanjali identifies five kleshas—avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego), raga (craving), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of death)—as the root psychological obstacles generating all suffering. In Ayurvedic mental health, these kleshas express through constitutional imbalances: avidya appears as disconnection from natural rhythms; asmita as ego defensiveness rooted in dosha excess; raga as Pitta's driven ambition and Vata's scattered desires; dvesha as Vata's anxiety and Kapha's avoidance; abhinivesha as Vata's existential dread. Patanjali's systematic approach to klesha resolution involves first witnessing them without judgment (pratyahara), then applying appropriate practices. For avidya, self-study (svadhyaya) and meditation reveal true nature; for asmita, ego-transcending practices like karma yoga (selfless action); for raga and dvesha, pratyahara and vairagya weaken their grip; for abhinivesha, samadhi experiences prove consciousness's continuity beyond fear. In Ayurvedic terms, resolving kleshas simultaneously rebalances doshas, as the defensive and reactive patterns maintaining imbalance dissolve. This addresses mental health not through suppression but through progressive liberation, creating lasting psychological freedom aligned with authentic constitutional nature.
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