Kleshas: The Five Political Afflictions

Patanjali identifies five kleshas or afflictions: asmita (ego), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), abhinivesha (fear of loss), and the false sense of self sustaining them. In political psychology, these manifest as narcissistic leadership (asmita), favoritism and corruption (raga), scapegoating and othering (dvesha), and hoarding of power (abhinivesha). Understanding these five afflictions provides a diagnostic framework for recognizing destructive political patterns. A leader driven by ego makes decisions to protect image rather than serve constituents; another driven by attachment to ideology rejects evidence; another driven by aversion to opposition groups demonizes them. Fear of losing power drives authoritarianism; the false sense of separate self enables exploitation. Patanjali's systematic analysis suggests these are not moral failings requiring punishment but psychological distortions requiring awareness and practice. Political systems that train leaders and citizens to recognize and work with their kleshas develop greater resilience, ethical sophistication, and capacity for genuine service, transforming political psychology from reactive pathology to conscious development.