Kleshas: The Five Root Patterns Underlying All Parts

Patanjali identifies five kleshas—avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego-identification), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of death)—as root causes of all psychological suffering. These five patterns are remarkably similar to the core fears and drives that activate protective parts in Internal Family Systems. Avidya represents the ignorance that parts operate from—not seeing the full picture, only the danger they were originally formed to protect against. Raga and dvesha show how parts become attached to certain outcomes and averse to others, driving their protective strategies. Abhinivesha reveals the survival panic underlying many protective mechanisms. Rather than viewing these kleshas as character flaws, Patanjali and IFS both teach that they are understandable responses to wounding. By understanding the kleshas active in your system, you develop compassion for why certain parts exist. This framework allows you to address the root patterns rather than just managing symptoms, creating lasting transformation in how parts interact and collaborate.