Kleshas: The Five Afflictions Behind Distortions

The Yoga Sutras identify five kleshas (afflictions): avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of death/change). These are the psychological roots from which all cognitive distortions grow. Ignorance is not knowing your true nature; it manifests as distortions like "I'm inherently flawed." Asmita creates identity-based distortions like "I'm a failure." Raga drives obsessive thoughts about what you desire; dvesha fuels catastrophic fears; abhinivesha generates rigid thinking to avoid uncertainty. By understanding the kleshas, you recognize that distortions are not random; they spring from deep psychological patterns. Identifying which kleesha fuels your particular distortions reveals the core belief beneath surface thoughts. Patanjali teaches that addressing kleshas at their root is more effective than battling individual distortions. This framework shifts your practice from thought-by-thought correction to transforming the foundational afflictions that generate distortions.