Kleshas: Five Root Causes of Political Conflict

Patanjali identifies five kleshas or afflictions: avidya (ignorance), asmita (egoism), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear). These psychological roots generate all suffering. In political psychology, the kleshas explain the origins of conflict: avidya creates false understanding of opposing groups; asmita attaches identity to ideology; raga creates desperate clinging to preferred policies; dvesha generates automatic rejection of opposing views; abhinivesha drives fear-based voting and scapegoating. Political movements often deliberately activate these kleshas to mobilize followers. Understanding the kleshas reveals that political opponents aren't inherently evil but operating from the same psychological afflictions. This recognition enables compassion without requiring agreement. Political wisdom involves reducing the kleshas' power through direct insight into how they operate in oneself and society. By addressing root psychological causes—ignorance, ego-fusion, attachment, aversion, and fear—individuals and communities can transform political engagement. The kleshas framework shifts focus from symptom management (policy debates) to root cause resolution in human consciousness.