Kleshas: The Five Afflictions Fueling Attachment

Patanjali identifies five kleshas—fundamental afflictions or obstacles—that underlie all human suffering: avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego), raga (attachment/desire), dvesha (aversion/rejection), and abhinivesha (fear of death/annihilation). These directly map onto attachment insecurity. Avidya includes the fundamental misunderstanding that we need another person to be whole. Asmita manifests as ego-defensive strategies that protect wounded self-esteem through avoidance or control. Raga drives anxious clinging and desperate reassurance-seeking. Dvesha creates avoidant withdrawal and contempt. Abhinivesha fuels fear of abandonment or engulfment. Understanding attachment through the lens of kleshas provides a non-pathologizing framework—these aren't character flaws but universal human tendencies. By identifying which kleshas dominate your attachment style, practitioners can apply targeted yogic practices to address root causes rather than symptoms. This ancient taxonomy validates modern attachment research while offering a philosophical context for understanding why insecure patterns persist and what practices specifically counteract each klesha's influence.