Kleshas: The Five Roots of Attachment Suffering

The five kleshas—fundamental afflictions in Patanjali's psychology—directly explain adult attachment pain. Avidya (ignorance) makes us believe we're incomplete without our partner. Asmita (ego) creates rigid self-images that prevent vulnerability. Raga (craving) generates anxious pursuit and desperation. Dvesha (aversion) produces avoidant withdrawal and emotional numbing. Abhinivesha (fear of loss) triggers controlling, surveillance, or clinging behaviors. Rather than pathologizing attachment styles, Patanjali's framework reveals them as natural human responses to fundamental misunderstandings about self and other. By identifying which kleshas dominate your relational patterns, you gain precision in psychological work—targeting anxiety's roots rather than merely managing symptoms.