Kleshas: Core Psychological Suffering and Root Causes

Patanjali identifies five kleshas—fundamental afflictions or sources of suffering: avidya (ignorance), asmita (egoism), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (clinging to life). These operate as core psychological mechanisms generating distress across all human experience. This framework enriches CBT's functional analysis by suggesting that behind presenting symptoms lie deeper patterns of misunderstanding reality, rigid self-identification, and avoidance of impermanence. Where CBT might identify specific cognitive distortions fueling anxiety, the kleshas framework reveals the deeper philosophical roots—often ignorance about the nature of self and reality, or attachment to outcomes beyond one's control. Understanding clients through the lens of kleshas doesn't replace CBT analysis but deepens it, helping therapists recognize that cognitive work addressing surface distortions may leave untouched the fundamental misperceptions generating suffering. This yogic psychology suggests comprehensive treatment addresses both specific thought patterns and deeper philosophical misunderstandings about self, permanence, and control underlying psychological difficulties.