Patanjali names five fundamental afflictions—ignorance, ego, attachment, aversion, and fear of loss—that generate emotional suffering and dysregulation when unaddressed.
Patanjali's psychology identifies five kleshas (afflictions) as the root causes of suffering: avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego/false identity), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of death or loss). These kleshas generate the dysregulated emotional patterns that DBT addresses. Avidya manifests as not recognizing one's emotional triggers or distorted beliefs about emotions. Asmita appears as identity fusion with emotions—"I am my anxiety." Raga drives desperate clinging to positive feelings or outcomes. Dvesha creates reactive avoidance and escape behaviors. Abhinivesha fuels catastrophizing and emotional panic. DBT's chain analysis unmasks these kleshas by examining the links between beliefs, emotions, and behaviors. Cognitive therapy addresses avidya and asmita through reality testing. Emotion regulation skills address raga and dvesha by teaching balanced responses. This framework shows that emotional dysregulation isn't simply a symptom but a manifestation of fundamental confusion about the nature of mind and reality.
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