Kleshas

In Indian philosophy—specifically in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali—the Kleshas (kleśas, Sanskrit: क्लेश) are the five "afflictions" or "poisonous" mental states (mental affliction or mental-emotional patterns) that cloud the mind and cause human suffering (dukkha). They are seen as the root causes of all mental and emotional pain.

The Five Kleshas

Avidya (Ignorance / Misperception)

Avidya is the root klesha; it provides the soil in which the other four grow. In yoga, avidyā is considered the source of the other four kleshas.It is not a lack of factual information, but rather a fundamental misunderstanding of reality. It is the act of mistaking the temporary for the eternal, the impure for the pure, and the "self" for the "non-self."

Example: Believing that material possessions or social status will bring permanent happiness.

Asmitā (Ego-identification / "I-am-ness")

Asmita is the identification of the "Seer" (the pure soul or consciousness) with the "instrument of seeing" (the body, mind, and ego). It is the false belief that we are our thoughts, our jobs, or our physical appearance. It is identifying strongly with the ego, or constructed identity, roles, thoughts, or labels.

Example: Feeling personally insulted when someone criticizes your work, because you have tied your identity to your performance. “I am my job,” “I am my success/failure,” instead of seeing these as experiences rather than your essential nature.

Rāga (Attachment / Craving)

Rāga is the craving for pleasure and the desire to repeat pleasant experiences. While enjoying life is not inherently bad, raga becomes an affliction when we become dependent on those external things for our happiness.

Example: Constantly chasing validation, comfort, status, or sensory pleasure because you believe it will complete you. The desperate need for a specific food, a specific person’s approval, or a specific drug to feel okay.

Dvesha (Aversion / Avoidance)

Dvesha is the opposite of attachment; it is a strong dislike or repulsion toward things that have caused us pain in the past. It is the desire to push things away or avoid them. This creates a cycle of negativity and anger.

Example: Avoiding a specific place because you had one bad experience there, or holding a grudge against someone who hurt you years ago. Avoiding difficult conversations, resisting uncertainty, or reacting strongly against people/situations that trigger discomfort.

Abhiniveśa (Clinging to Life / Fear of Death / Fear of Loss)

Abhiniveśa is the instinctive, deep-seated fear of death and the desire for self-preservation. Patanjali notes that this fear exists even in the most learned and wise people. It is the underlying anxiety that our "self" (the ego) will cease to exist.

Example: The general sense of anxiety regarding aging, health, or the unknown future.

The Five Kleśas as a chain

Avidyā (not seeing properly) gives rise to asmitā (false identification), which creates rāga (grasping for what “helps me”), and dveṣa (rejecting what “hurts me”), which reinforces abhiniveśa (fearful clinging).

According to Yoga philosophy, these five kleshas act like colored filters over a lamp. If the glass is dirty or colored, the light (our true nature) cannot shine through clearly.

The goal in yoga practice isn’t to “fight” these, but to notice them clearly enough that they loosen their grip through awareness, discipline, and insight.

The goal of practices like meditation and yoga is to "thin out" these kleshas so that we can see reality as it truly is, leading to a state of peace and liberation (Kaivalya).

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