Patanjali's five kleshas—ignorance, ego, attachment, aversion, and fear of death—describe the psychological roots of suffering addressed by CBT interventions.
Patanjali identifies five kleshas or afflictions that constitute the root causes of all psychological suffering: avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego-identification), raga (attachment/craving), dvesha (aversion/hatred), and abhinivesha (fear of annihilation). These interlocking psychological patterns generate the suffering clients bring to therapy. CBT interventions, while not framed through kleshic terminology, systematically target each. Avidya-work appears in cognitive restructuring and reality-testing; asmita-work in identity flexibility and behavioral experiments; raga-work in addressing cravings and reinforcement patterns; dvesha-work in exposure and acceptance interventions; abhinivesha-work in managing existential anxiety and fear. Patanjali's framework provides comprehensive psychological taxonomy explaining why clients suffer—not merely from external events but from fundamental mental afflictions. Understanding kleshas helps therapists recognize patterns beneath presenting symptoms. Rather than addressing only surface cognitions, kleshic analysis reveals deeper patterns: How does ignorance generate this belief? Which ego-identity drives this avoidance? Does craving fuel this anxiety? This ancient nosology enriches CBT's conceptualization, helping practitioners address root causes while intervening at multiple psychological levels.
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.