Kleshas: The Five Afflictions Underlying Traumatic Patterns

Patanjali identifies five kleshas—fundamental afflictions that create suffering: avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of death). These aren't moral failings but psychological structures that maintain suffering. In trauma survivors, all five kleshas become hyperactive. Avidya appears as not knowing one's true nature, believing oneself fundamentally damaged. Asmita manifests as rigid trauma-identity: "I am a survivor," "I am broken." Raga attaches to security rituals; dvesha creates violent rejection of triggering experiences. Abhinivesha becomes fear of internal sensations that might recreate traumatic memories. Understanding PTSD through the klesha framework provides precise intervention points. Rather than pathologizing trauma responses, this recognizes them as predictable operations of these five afflictions. Healing involves systematically loosening each klesha through targeted practices: pranayama for abhinivesha, pratyahara for dvesha, self-inquiry for asmita. Patanjali's genius is identifying that transformation doesn't require creating new structures but dissolving these five fundamental misconceptions that perpetuate unnecessary suffering.