Kleshas: The Afflictions That Generate False Beliefs

The Yoga Sutras identify five kleshas or afflictions that are the root of false beliefs and psychological suffering. Avidya (ignorance) is the fundamental mistake of not seeing reality clearly. Asmita (egoism) causes us to believe the ego-self is the true self. Raga (attachment) makes us believe that happiness comes from acquiring external objects. Dvesha (aversion) makes us believe safety comes from rejecting or destroying threats. Abhinivesha (fear of death) makes us cling to limiting beliefs as identity anchors. These afflictions generate entire belief-systems: I am separate from others; more is better; some people/things are good and some are bad; if I relax my vigilance, I will be destroyed. Belief transformation through Patanjali's system works by addressing these root afflictions rather than just changing surface beliefs. As long as the kleshas operate, the mind will generate false beliefs automatically. The yogic path works to dissolve these afflictions at their source, which naturally allows more accurate perception and authentic beliefs to emerge. Understanding the kleshas explains why some beliefs persist despite evidence against them—they are sustained by deeper afflictions.