Patanjali's framework of five root afflictions—ignorance, ego, attachment, aversion, and fear—that generate addictive behaviors as symptomatic expressions.
Patanjali identifies five kleshas (afflictions) that create suffering and distort perception: avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego-identification), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of death). In addiction, these operate as root causes rather than mere side effects. Ignorance manifests as not understanding the actual mechanisms of dependence. Ego-identification becomes 'I am an addict' or 'I need this to be myself.' Attachment drives compulsive seeking; aversion fuels escapism from pain. Fear of emptiness or death propels self-medication. Addiction treatment focusing only on behavioral change without addressing these kleshas risks relapse, as the underlying mental patterns remain intact. By diagnosing addiction through the klesha framework, practitioners recognize it as a disorder of fundamental misperception. Healing requires unraveling each affliction: clarifying ignorance through knowledge, dissolving false ego-identity, rebalancing attachment and aversion, and facing existential fears directly rather than medicating them.
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.