Kleshas: Psychological Root Patterns

Patanjali identifies the kleshas—fundamental misconceptions or afflictions—as the root of all suffering: avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of annihilation). These aren't moral failures but perceptual distortions. Someone with emotional dysregulation typically embodies all five: misunderstanding their emotional capacity (avidya), identifying with dysregulation as inherent identity (asmita), desperately clinging to states of emotional control (raga), violently pushing away difficult feelings (dvesha), and fearing they cannot tolerate emotion (abhinivesha). DBT's comprehensive approach addresses all five: psychoeducation counteracts avidya, dialectics challenge asmita, opposite action addresses raga and dvesha, and distress tolerance develops confidence countering abhinivesha. Naming these patterns through Patanjali's framework helps clients recognize emotional dysregulation not as personal failure but as understandable misperceptions amenable to correction. This externalization reduces shame, a major driver of dysregulation escalation. By identifying which kleshas dominate their pattern, clients can focus their DBT practice strategically rather than globally.