Patanjali's five fundamental afflictions map onto core beliefs and schema identified in CBT, providing a unified framework for understanding psychological suffering.
The Kleshas—avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of death)—represent five root causes of suffering in Patanjali's psychology. These ancient categories remarkably align with core beliefs targeted in contemporary CBT. Avidya, or fundamental misperception of reality, corresponds to cognitive distortions and false premises about oneself and the world. Asmita reflects ego-based beliefs about self-worth and identity. Raga and Dvesha describe attachment to positive experiences and aversion to negative ones, driving anxiety and depression cycles. Abhinivesha captures existential fears and catastrophic thinking. By recognizing these Kleshas in their own psychology, clients gain a coherent framework for understanding their distress. Rather than viewing symptoms in isolation, they can trace anxious thoughts, depressive ruminations, and behavioral compulsions back to foundational Kleshic patterns. This provides clarity and perspective. CBT interventions then systematically address each Klesha: cognitive work targets avidya, self-esteem and values work address asmita, exposure and acceptance work transform raga and dvesha, and existential and meaning-based interventions address abhinivesha. This unified framework deepens both understanding and effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral change work.
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