Patanjali's five kleshas (afflictions) provide a diagnostic framework that parallels CBT's conceptualization of how fundamental cognitive patterns generate and maintain psychological distress.
The kleshas—avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of death)—represent Patanjali's psychological diagnosis of human suffering. This ancient taxonomy remarkably parallels modern CBT's conceptualization of core problems. Avidya corresponds to cognitive distortions and maladaptive beliefs; asmita to unhelpful self-concepts; raga to reward sensitivity and reinforcement patterns; dvesha to avoidance and threat focus; and abhinivesha to existential anxiety and death anxiety. CBT addresses these root causes through specific interventions: cognitive restructuring for avidya, behavioral experiments for asmita, values clarification for raga, exposure for dvesha, and existential/acceptance work for abhinivesha. Understanding the kleshas framework helps therapists recognize that surface symptoms—depression, anxiety, relationship problems—emerge from these deeper afflictions. By addressing root causes rather than merely symptom management, both Patanjali's yoga and CBT offer transformative healing. This convergence validates that psychological distress has consistent underlying patterns that can be systematically addressed through awareness and deliberate practice.
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