Kleshas: The Five Afflictions Driving Distortion

Patanjali identifies the kleshas—five fundamental afflictions—as the psychological root system of all suffering, including cognitive distortion. These are avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of loss). Every cognitive distortion is an expression of one or more kleshas. Perfectionism arises from asmita and raga; catastrophizing from dvesha and abhinivesha; self-doubt from avidya and asmita. By learning this framework, you develop a map of distortion's origins. Rather than treating symptoms, you address root causes. The Yoga Sutras teach that kleshas are not character flaws but fundamental misperceptions inherent to unrefined consciousness. Understanding this brings compassion. As you meditate and practice mindfulness, you gradually weaken the kleshas, and distortions naturally dissolve. This is why Patanjali's approach is so comprehensive: it identifies the infrastructure supporting all your mental habits and offers systematic practices to dismantle it.