Kleshas Affliction Root Causes

Patanjali identifies the Kleshas—five fundamental afflictions: ignorance, ego-identification, attachment, aversion, and fear of death—as the roots of all emotional suffering and dysregulation. This framework provides diagnostic clarity for emotional patterns that seem inexplicable. Ignorance (avidya) creates emotional reactivity from misperception; ego-identification (asmita) generates shame and defensiveness; attachment and aversion create the emotional volatility of craving and rejection; fear of death manifests as anxiety and control. Rather than treating emotional symptoms in isolation, the Kleshas framework traces dysregulation to deeper psychological structures. Recognition of which Kleshas are active in specific emotional patterns enables targeted, effective intervention. For example, recognizing that jealousy stems from ego-identification and attachment allows practices specifically addressing these roots rather than merely managing jealous feelings. This diagnostic depth makes emotional regulation more efficient and lasting.