Kleshas: The Five Afflictions as Part Roots

The kleshas are Patanjali's taxonomy of fundamental psychological afflictions: avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of change). These aren't moral failings; they're the basic patterns from which all suffering arises. In Internal Family Systems, the kleshas describe the psychological roots from which protective and exile parts emerge. Ignorance manifests as parts that fundamentally misunderstand their role or the current safety of the environment. Ego creates parts rigidly identified with particular protective functions. Attachment generates parts desperately clinging to outdated survival strategies. Aversion produces parts that violently reject vulnerable feelings or needs. Fear of change keeps the entire system locked in repetitive patterns even when they no longer serve. By recognizing that parts are expressions of these fundamental kleshas rather than enemy forces, IFS practitioners develop genuine compassion. Patanjali's psychology suggests that healing involves addressing these roots: bringing awareness to ignorance, gently loosening ego-identification, transforming attachment to flexibility, welcoming rather than rejecting difficult experiences, and trusting change. This deeper understanding transforms parts work from symptom management into fundamental psychological liberation, aligning with Patanjali's vision of enlightenment through understanding the root causes of suffering.