Klesha Identification in Political Conflict

Patanjali identifies five kleshas—afflictions or obstacles—as fundamental sources of suffering: ignorance, ego-sense, attachment, aversion, and fear of death. These kleshas directly fuel political conflict: ignorance creates scapegoating; asmita drives tribalism; attachment produces corruption; dvesha generates enemy-making; abhinivesha manifests as defensive violence. Political psychology that understands kleshas moves beyond surface conflict analysis to address root psychological causes. A leader driven by abhinivesha-based fear makes militaristic decisions; one ensnared by dvesha toward opposition groups pursues oppressive policies. Therapeutic and educational interventions targeting klesha reduction—building self-awareness, cultivating equanimity, and developing compassion—create conditions for political maturation. This framework reframes political opponents as people caught in klesha-patterns rather than irredeemable enemies, enabling dialogue and eventual reconciliation in post-conflict societies.