Klesha: Understanding the Five Afflictions Behind Trauma Patterns

The Yoga Sutras identify five kleshas (afflictions): avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of death). These kleshas both precede and perpetuate trauma. A trauma survivor with unexamined avidya misinterprets threat signals, assuming danger when safety is present. Asmita creates shame-based identity ('I am damaged'). Raga and dvesha create desperate grasping for safety and aversion to triggers. Abhinivesha manifests as existential anxiety and hypervigilance. By systematically understanding how each klesha operates in one's trauma response, practitioners gain clarity about root causes rather than merely managing symptoms. This philosophical framework offers deeper insight than symptom-focused approaches alone. Recognizing kleshas as universal mental patterns—not personal failures—reduces shame. Working with each klesha requires different yogic tools: avidya yields to knowledge, asmita to humility, raga and dvesha to equanimity, abhinivesha to meditation on continuity and resilience.