Integrating Panchklesha with Contemporary Clinical Models: Unifying Theories of Psychological Suffering

The Patanjali Yoga Sutra says that the source of human suffering comes from Avidya (ignorance). The presence of avidya causes multiple types of kleshas (conflicts) within the chitta (the functional mind), namely Asmita (pride), Raga (attachment), Dvesha (aversion) and Abhinivesha (fear of death). These give rise to psychological issues that might cause deviations in one’s life. The way to rid oneself from these kleshas is to get clarity of chitta and purify the vrittis (fluctuations of the mind). Such deviations are also found in our contemporary clinical models, and can be seen in the forms of maladaptive tendencies, or abnormal behaviour.  The correlation of the indigenous knowledge with the contemporary models of psychology unifies the two knowledge systems and effectuate a holistic understanding and allows us to be more congruent with our true selves. The goal of this review paper is to have a better understanding of these indigenous concepts of psychology and apply them to our daily lives.