Kleshas: The Five Afflictions in Attachment

Patanjali identifies five kleshas—afflictions or obstructions—that cloud consciousness and create suffering: avidya (ignorance), asmita (egoism), raga (desire/craving), dvesha (aversion/hatred), and abhinivesha (fear of death/loss). These precisely map onto insecure adult attachment. Avidya manifests as not understanding your own nervous system or patterns. Asmita appears as defensive pride: "I don't need anyone." Raga drives anxious clinging and desperate pursuit of reassurance. Dvesha creates the avoidant pushing away of intimacy. Abhinivesha underlies abandonment anxiety—the primal fear of being alone. Recognizing these five afflictions in your relationship allows partners to address root causes rather than symptoms. When anxiety arises, is it avidya (not understanding your triggers), asmita (defensive contraction), or abhinivesha (abandonment fear)? This precise diagnostic framework allows targeted practice. Patanjali teaches that by recognizing and studying the kleshas without judgment, their power diminishes. Applied to attachment, this means becoming curious about which afflictions drive your patterns, then practicing the opposite quality. This compassionate investigation transforms relationship suffering into wisdom.