Klesha Recognition and Resolution

Patanjali identifies five Kleshas—Avidya (ignorance), Asmita (ego), Raga (attachment), Dvesha (aversion), and Abhinivesha (fear of death)—as the true roots of suffering. In Ayurvedic mental health frameworks, these afflictions directly generate imbalanced doshas and chronic psychological conditions. Avidya feeds anxiety and depression, Asmita creates perfectionism and self-criticism, Raga generates addictive patterns, Dvesha produces hostility and avoidance, and Abhinivesha manifests as existential dread. Rather than merely treating symptoms with herbs or techniques, recognizing these deeper patterns allows practitioners to address causation. Each Klesha has specific Ayurvedic remedies: meditation for Avidya, self-compassion practices for Asmita, mindful moderation for Raga, acceptance work for Dvesha, and spiritual understanding for Abhinivesha. This framework transforms mental health practice from symptom management into genuine psychological liberation, aligning Patanjali's insights with Ayurveda's holistic healing philosophy.