Kleshas: The Five Afflictions Underlying Trauma Reactivity

Patanjali identifies five kleshas—fundamental mental afflictions—as roots of suffering: avidya (ignorance), asmita (egoism), raga (craving), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of death). In trauma, these kleshas intensify dramatically. Trauma creates avidya about safety—the fundamental misperception that the world is inherently dangerous. Asmita becomes hyperactive: "I am damaged, broken, unlovable." Raga manifests as desperate craving for safety that was never provided. Dvesha becomes violent aversion to triggering stimuli. Abhinivesha intensifies into existential terror. Patanjali's framework reveals that trauma doesn't create new afflictions but amplifies pre-existing psychological vulnerabilities. Understanding kleshas helps survivors recognize reactive patterns as conditioned responses rather than truth. By systematically addressing each kleshic layer through practice and awareness, the nervous system gradually releases its grip on trauma patterns. This ancient taxonomy parallels modern trauma theory: emotional dysregulation, negative self-concepts, hypervigilance, avoidance, and existential fear are precisely what trauma amplifies. Recognizing kleshas names these patterns and suggests pathways toward their resolution.