Kleshas: The Five Psychological Afflictions of Power

Patanjali identifies five kleshas or afflictions: avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego/I-am-ness), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of death/loss). These psychological patterns, when operational in political leaders and systems, generate abuse of power and polarization. Political leaders often operate from asmita—inflated ego and identification with their position, losing sight of broader perspective. Raga creates attachment to power itself and partisan identities; dvesha generates enemies and defensive aggression; avidya prevents clear seeing of actual consequences; abhinivesha drives zero-sum competition. Political psychology typically treats these as individual pathologies, but Patanjali's framework reveals them as universal human tendencies amplified by power structures. Recognizing these kleshas in oneself and political institutions is the first step toward systemic reform. Leaders who can observe their own afflictions—ego attachment, fear-driven reactivity, partisan identification—can make more wise and compassionate decisions that serve broader populations.