The five fundamental psychological patterns (ignorance, ego, attachment, aversion, fear) that generate and perpetuate false beliefs throughout your life.
Patanjali identifies the kleshas—afflictions or obstacles—as the root of all false beliefs and suffering. These five patterns (avidya-ignorance, asmita-ego, raga-attachment, dvesha-aversion, abhinivesha-fear of death) operate like belief-generating machinery. Avidya creates the fundamental confusion that generates all other false beliefs. Asmita locks beliefs into identity. Raga creates attachment to beliefs that bring pleasure; dvesha creates aversion to beliefs suggesting change or loss. Abhinivesha—the fear of non-existence—creates beliefs protecting your familiar identity from dissolution. Understanding the kleshas reveals that your false beliefs aren't random errors but predictable outputs of these five psychological patterns. A belief like 'I'm not worthy' emerges from asmita and avidya interacting with fear. A belief like 'I must achieve external success to be valuable' emerges from raga and abhinivesha. By recognizing which kleshas generate your specific false beliefs, you address them at their source rather than merely fighting beliefs at the surface level. This framework transforms belief work from individual battles into understanding the systematic machinery generating all your false beliefs.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
Explore related journeys or tell Peri what you're working through.