Klesas and Core Belief Identification

The klesas—avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of death)—represent root causes of suffering in yogic psychology. These perfectly parallel CBT's concept of core beliefs: distorted convictions about self, world, and future. Avidya reflects fundamental misperceptions about one's nature and worth. Asmita manifests as perfectionism and ego-driven shame. Raga appears as dependent attachment and anxiety about loss. Dvesha generates avoidance behaviors and anger. Abhinivesha underlies existential anxiety. By mapping core beliefs to klesas, therapists identify deeper patterns beneath surface cognitions. A client's perfectionism isn't merely a 'rule' but asmita—fundamental ego confusion. Depression rooted in worthlessness reflects avidya about one's true nature. This framework deepens CBT from symptomatic relief toward wisdom-based transformation, addressing not just problematic thoughts but the fundamental ignorance generating them.