Klesha: Identifying the Root Afflictions Beneath Trauma

The kleshas are five root afflictions of consciousness that, according to Patanjali, generate all suffering: avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego/I-am-ness), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of death/non-existence). While trauma is often understood as a single wound, Patanjali's klesha framework reveals how trauma activates and intensifies these fundamental afflictions. For instance, trauma often roots survivors in intense dvesha—aversion to reminders, bodily sensations, or internal experiences associated with the event. The fear response (abhinivesha) becomes hyperactive, perceiving threat everywhere. Ignorance (avidya) manifests as self-blame or internalized shame. By identifying which kleshas are most active in a survivor's pattern, targeted practice becomes possible. One trauma survivor might need to address intense aversion through gentle, gradual exposure; another might need to work primarily with abhinivesha, building trust in safety. This framework personalizes healing, recognizing that while all trauma survivors share common features, the underlying afflictions activated vary. Understanding kleshas allows practitioners to address trauma's root psychological mechanisms, not merely surface symptoms.