Klesa Framework: Five Categories of Mental Disturbance

Patanjali identifies five fundamental kleshas (afflictions or obstacles): avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego/false self-identity), raga (attachment/craving), dvesha (aversion/rejection), and abhinivesha (fear of annihilation). These are not moral failings but universal human patterns that create psychological suffering. This framework remarkably parallels CBT's taxonomy of cognitive distortions and maladaptive core beliefs. Avidya—misperceiving reality—corresponds to cognitive distortions like catastrophizing or black-and-white thinking. Asmita relates to inflexible self-identity and rigid self-schemas. Raga and dvesha describe approach-avoidance patterns that maintain anxiety and depression. Abhinivesha manifests as existential anxiety underlying many psychological presentations. CBT assessment benefits from understanding this ancient diagnostic framework: it helps therapists recognize the deeper patterns generating surface symptoms. Rather than treating isolated depressive thoughts, therapists can identify whether the underlying klesa is ignorance (misbelief), aversion (rejection of reality), or attachment (clinging to how things should be). This multi-level understanding enriches treatment by addressing root patterns while still using evidence-based cognitive-behavioral techniques for symptom management.