Kleshas: The Five Root Causes of Anxiety

The Yoga Sutras identify five kleshas (afflictions) that generate all psychological suffering, including anxiety. Avidya (ignorance of true self) causes misidentification with thoughts and body sensations, making anxiety feel like identity. Asmita (ego/pride) creates defensive reactivity to perceived threats. Raga (attachment) generates fear of loss. Dvesha (aversion) produces fear of harm. Abhinivesha (fear of death) underlies existential anxiety. This framework diagnoses anxiety at its philosophical root rather than merely treating symptoms. Understanding which kleshas dominate a person's anxiety—whether perfectionism (asmita), fear of abandonment (raga), or existential dread (abhinivesha)—enables targeted practice. Rather than viewing anxiety as a chemical imbalance alone, the klesha framework reveals how specific mental ignorances and habits perpetuate fear. This diagnosis-through-philosophy empowers individuals to address anxiety's actual sources through knowledge, discipline, and meditation rather than indefinite symptom management.