Kleshas: The Five Afflictions in Political Life

Patanjali identifies five kleshas (afflictions) as the root of all suffering: avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of loss). These manifest distinctly in political psychology. Asmita appears as leaders' narcissistic identification with their positions, making policy changes feel like personal death. Raga manifests as attachment to political outcomes, investments of ego in particular policies becoming obstacles to adaptation. Dvesha fuels demonization of opponents, making negotiation feel like surrender. Abhinivesha drives the zero-sum thinking that assumes another's gain means one's loss. Political wisdom from Patanjali's perspective involves recognizing these five patterns operating beneath ideological rhetoric. Leaders and citizens consumed by kleshas experience politics as warfare requiring constant vigilance. Those who recognize and diminish these afflictions develop greater political flexibility, capacity for dialogue, and resilience. Understanding kleshas transforms political conflict from moral battle into psychological challenge, shifting from blame toward compassionate recognition of universal human suffering.