Kleshas: Understanding the Five Afflictions of Trauma

Patanjali identifies five kleshas—avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego-identification), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of death)—as the root causes of suffering and mental turbulence. Understanding these kleshas provides trauma survivors with a precise diagnostic framework. Trauma operates through avidya—misperception of safety and threat; asmita—identification with the victim identity; raga—attachment to pre-trauma illusions of control; dvesha—aversion and avoidance of present reality; abhinivesha—existential fear triggered by mortality awareness in trauma. By identifying which kleshas drive one's trauma response patterns, survivors gain agency. The Yoga Sutras offer specific practices to systematically uproot each kleesha. Recognizing avidya allows education and reality-testing; addressing asmita separates survival identity from true self; working with raga releases futile resistance; investigating dvesha transforms avoidance into approach; engaging abhinivesha reconnects to life force. This systematic mapping and addressed methodology transforms trauma from overwhelming chaos into understandable psychological patterns amenable to structured healing through Patanjali's eight-fold path.