Kleshas: The Five Political Afflictions

Patanjali identifies five kleshas or afflictions blocking enlightenment: avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of change). These five perfectly map onto political psychology's barriers to wisdom. Avidya appears as political ignorance and refusal to learn opposing arguments. Asmita creates defensive tribalism. Raga manifests as desperate clinging to preferred outcomes and leaders. Dvesha produces visceral rejection of opposing views and groups. Abhinivesha generates fear-based conservatism resistant to necessary change. A citizen or leader afflicted by these kleshas cannot engage politics wisely; they react emotionally, protect ego, and perpetuate conflict. Patanjali's framework suggests that political transformation requires systematic work on these afflictions—not through willpower alone but through sustained practice that addresses the root causes. Political education that ignores these psychological obstacles will fail; education that systematically helps citizens recognize and transcend kleshas creates genuinely wise political participation and evolved governance.