Kleshas: The Five Political Psychological Afflictions

Patanjali identifies five kleshas—fundamental psychological afflictions—that distort all human perception and behavior, including political psychology. Avidya (ignorance) manifests as oversimplified political narratives ignoring complexity. Asmita (ego-identity) appears as partisan tribalism and status-seeking through political affiliation. Raga (attachment) drives clinging to failing political strategies or beloved politicians despite evidence. Dvesha (aversion) generates reflexive opposition regardless of merit and dehumanizing rhetoric toward political enemies. Abhinivesha (fear of change) blocks necessary political evolution and adaptation. Political psychology typically treats these as separate phenomena—confirmation bias, in-group preference, sunk-cost fallacy, outgroup derogation, status quo bias—without connecting them to underlying psychological structures. The yogic framework reveals their common root: fundamental misperceptions of reality and self. This enables integrated intervention rather than fragmented approaches. A political culture that systematically addresses these five afflictions—through education, institutional design, and personal practice—would naturally reduce polarization, increase intellectual honesty, enable necessary change, and restore capacity for genuine dialogue across political divides. Understanding kleshas as treatable afflictions rather than inevitable human nature opens transformative possibilities for political psychology.