Klesha Identification Framework

The Yoga Sutras identify five Kleshas (afflictions or obstacles): Avidya (ignorance), Asmita (ego), Raga (attachment), Dvesha (aversion), and Abhinivesha (fear of death/change). These function as root patterns generating emotional dysregulation. Avidya represents fundamental misunderstanding of reality, Asmita creates defensive emotional reactions protecting ego, Raga and Dvesha drive desperate clinging and resistance, while Abhinivesha underlies existential anxiety. Modern emotional regulation often treats symptoms without addressing these deeper patterns. By learning to recognize which Kleshas activate your emotional dysregulation—whether you're driven by attachment, aversion, or fundamental misperceptions—you can target interventions precisely. A person dominated by Raga needs detachment practices, while one driven by Dvesha needs exposure and acceptance work. This diagnostic framework transforms emotional regulation from generic techniques into personalized approaches matching individual psychological architecture.