Kleshas: Root Mental Patterns Driving Dysregulation

The kleshas—avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), abhinivesha (fear of death)—are Patanjali's framework for understanding why humans suffer. In DBT for emotional dysregulation, the kleshas illuminate core psychological processes maintaining dysregulation. Avidya manifests as misunderstanding emotions as permanent or identity-defining rather than temporary states; asmita as identification with dysregulation as core self; raga as compulsive seeking of emotional comfort through maladaptive coping; dvesha as aggressive avoidance triggering rebound dysregulation; abhinivesha as existential anxiety beneath acute crises. Each klesha connects to specific DBT targets: distorted thinking (avidya), shame and self-identity issues (asmita), reward-dependent behaviors (raga), avoidance patterns (dvesha), and existential distress (abhinivesha). By mapping emotional dysregulation through the klesha framework, therapists and clients identify which core pattern is most active, enabling targeted skill deployment. Understanding that dysregulation stems from these ancient psychological traps—not personal failure—reduces shame while building precision in intervention selection.