This verse shows the character of King Duryodhana as he surveys the army, and speaks to his teacher. From a psychological standpoint, this verse highlights several important principles:

Verse 2 illustrates the importance of “self-awareness”. Duryodhana clearly recognizes the threat posed by the army of the sons of Pandu, and seeks guidance from his teacher. This shows a level of:

1. Emotional intelligence: refers to the ability to perceive, understand and manage one’s own emotions as well as those of others. It involves having empathy, being able to regulate one’s own emotions and responding effectively to the emotions of others. Emotional Intelligence is a key predictor of success in personal and professional relationships. People with high levels of Emotional Intelligence are able to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts and build healthy relationships. They also tend to have a positive outlook on life, are more resilient in the face of adversity and are better able to cope with stress. Ultimately, Emotional Intelligence is about being able to navigate the complex landscape of emotions in a skilful and effective way, both for oneself and for others.
2. Self-reflection: is a process of introspection where individuals examine their own thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and behaviors. It is common for people to reflect on their own lives, especially during milestones or when faced with troubling circumstances. Self-reflection can help individuals identify patterns in their behavior, evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, and explore different perspectives. It can also lead to a greater sense of self-awareness and understanding, as well as personal growth. Psychologically, self-reflection involves metacognition, or thinking about one’s own thinking. This process allows individuals to critically analyse their own thoughts and behaviors, which can ultimately lead to positive changes in their lives. Overall, self-reflection is an important tool for personal development and facilitates self-improvement and self-discovery. Both of these are important in decision-making.

Research has shown that self-awareness is a key component of “emotional intelligence”, and is linked with better “leadership effectiveness”.

Leadership effectiveness is the ability of a leader to inspire and influence their followers towards achieving a common goal or vision. According to human psychology, effective leadership is often characterized by traits such as charisma, emotional intelligence, and the ability to motivate and empower others. Effective leaders are able to build trust and respect among their team, communicate clearly and concisely, provide guidance and direction, and make tough decisions when necessary. They are also adaptable and able to respond to changes in their environment. Additionally, effective leaders have a deep understanding of the needs and motivations of their followers, and are able to tailor their approach to meet those needs. Ultimately, leadership effectiveness is measured by the success and achievements of the team or organization under the leader’s guidance.

Additionally, the verse shows the power of “social influence”.

Social influence: refers to the way in which people are affected by the presence or actions of others. Human psychology suggests that social influence can take many forms, including conformity, obedience, persuasion, and group pressure. Conformity involves changing one’s behavior or attitudes to align with the behaviors or attitudes of a group. Obedience refers to following the orders or commands of an authority figure. Persuasion involves using communication to influence another person’s beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors. Group pressure involves the influence of others in a group setting on an individual’s thoughts or actions. Social influence can have both positive and negative consequences, and understanding how it works can help individuals navigate social situations effectively and make informed decisions. In 1958, Harvard psychologist Herbert Kelman identified three broad varieties of social influence. 

1. Compliance is when people appear to agree with others but actually keep their dissenting opinions private.
2. Identification is when people are influenced by someone who is liked and respected, such as a famous celebrity.
3. Internalization is when people accept a belief or behavior and agree both publicly and privately.

Duryodhana seeks advice from his teacher, indicating that he recognizes the importance of the opinions and guidance of others. This highlights the significance of social influence in shaping our thoughts and behaviors. Research has shown that our social networks have a significant impact on our decision-making processes and overall well-being.

There are two psychological needs that lead humans to conform to the expectations of others. These include our need to be right (informational social influence) and our need to be liked (normative social influence).

1. Informational social influence: According to human psychology, informational social influence refers to the tendency of individuals to conform to the beliefs or actions of a group because they believe that the group has more accurate or valid information. This type of conformity occurs when people are uncertain about the correct answer or course of action and look to others for guidance. When people are unsure of how to behave or what to believe, they may seek out information from others in their social environment and adopt their opinions or behaviors to fit in or to feel like they are making an informed decision. Informational social influence can be a powerful force that shapes social behavior and attitudes, and it can influence everything from consumer choices and political affiliations to personal beliefs and values.
2. Normative social influence: Is a type of social influence where people conform to the expectations and behavior of a group in order to fit in or be accepted. It is based on the desire to be liked and accepted by others, and can lead individuals to conform even if they do not agree with the group’s views or actions. Normative social influence can be seen in various situations, such as peer pressure, societal expectations, and cultural norms. It is different from informational social influence, which is based on the desire to be accurate and informed, and involves conforming to the opinions and beliefs of others because they are seen as trustworthy and knowledgeable. Normative social influence can have both positive and negative consequences, depending on the situation and the behavior being influenced.

Then the verse also demonstrates the importance of leadership and the impact of leaders on their followers. Duryodhana’s actions in this verse demonstrate his leadership style, and influence in guiding his army. This highlights the importance of ethical, and moral leadership, in shaping organizational culture and outcomes. Research has shown that “ethical leadership” can positively influence employee well-being, job satisfaction, and organizational performance.

Ethical leadership is a management style that is characterized by the ability to make decisions that are morally sound and consistent with the values and principles of the organization. According to human psychology, ethical leadership involves leaders who demonstrate a strong sense of integrity, honesty, fairness, and accountability. They are also capable of creating a positive work environment that fosters teamwork, creativity, and innovation, while at the same time promoting ethical behaviors and standards. Ethical leadership is essential to build trust and credibility with employees, stakeholders, and customers, which ultimately leads to a more productive and profitable organization. In summary, ethical leadership is a key factor in creating a healthy organizational culture that promotes ethical behavior and contributes to the wellbeing and success of all stakeholders. Additionally:

• Ethical leadership is a way of leading, that respects and promotes ethical values and rights.
• Ethical leaders influence and guide people to make good decisions based on principles such as trust, honesty, fairness, accountability, equality, and mutual respect.
• Ethical leadership is not only about personal actions, but also about interpersonal relations.

Srila Prabhupada’s Purport highlights the character of Dhrtarastra, who was physically blind from birth and also lacked “spiritual wisdom”. 

Spiritual wisdom is a concept that is closely related to human psychology. It refers to the knowledge and understanding that an individual gains through their spiritual experiences and practices. This wisdom is believed to help individuals connect with their inner selves and the larger universe around them. Spiritual wisdom involves developing an awareness of something beyond the physical, and it can involve a range of practices, including meditation, prayer, and contemplation. In human psychology, spiritual wisdom is seen as an important element of healthy development, as it can help individuals find meaning and purpose in their lives. It also provides a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, which can be a source of comfort and strength during difficult times. To gain spiritual wisdom, individuals must be open to new ideas, willing to explore their own beliefs and values, and committed to their spiritual practices..

Overall, this verse highlights several important principles that are relevant to the field of psychology and leadership. The importance of self-awareness, social influence, and ethical leadership are all demonstrated in this short passage, underscoring the timeless wisdom of this ancient text.

While the text is religious in nature, it can still be analysed from a scientific perspective, particularly from the viewpoint of human psychology.

Srila Prabhupada’s Purport highlights the character of Dhrtarastra, who was physically blind from birth and also lacked “spiritual wisdom”.  

It is crucial to note that, in psychology, blindness does not only refer to the inability to see with the eyes, but can also describe a lack of awareness or understanding. Dhrtarastra’s lack of spiritual vision, coupled with the fact that he knew his sons were equally blind in religious matters, was an omen of a particular outcome for any understanding with the Pandavas.

The psychological principle of “perception” is evident here, as perception influences how we interpret and respond to the world around us. Perception is the process of identifying and responding to environmental stimuli through the five senses1. It involves cognitive functions such as memory and attention, and is influenced by principles of perceptual organization, which are the rules that govern how we group and interpret sensory information. Perception can be affected by factors such as expectations, context, culture, and emotions.

Dhrtarastra perceived his sons and the Pandavas differently due to his biases and limited understanding, making it challenging for him to come to an agreement with the other party.

Furthermore, Srila Prabhupada discusses how Dhrtarastra’s doubt, in the power of the pilgrimage site, shows his inability to grasp the significance of sacred places. This psychological notion is observable in individuals who are skeptical of the benefits of taking a break or being in nature. Studies have shown that taking breaks, spending time in green spaces, and being away from electronic devices can improve our focus and well-being.

Srila Prabhupada’s Purport, further notes how Sanjaya wanted to encourage Dhrtarastra by informing him that his son Duryodhana refused to compromise, even after seeing the military force of the Pandavas. This act can be viewed as an example of “framing”, a psychological concept that refers to how information is presented to shape an individual’s perception or decision.

The framing effect is a cognitive bias in human psychology that describes how people’s decisions are influenced by how information is presented. It suggests that people’s response to a particular choice can be influenced by the way the option is framed, presented, or described to them. The framing effect often leads people to make different decisions based on the same information that has been presented differently, highlighting how our perception of information can impact our decision-making ability. This effect can be seen in various settings including advertising, politics, healthcare, and finance. For example, providing a positive frame while presenting negative information can lead people to perceive things more favorably. Understanding the framing effect can help people become aware of their biases and make better-informed decisions in different situations. Understanding the framing effect can help people become aware of their biases and make better-informed decisions in different situations.

Sanjaya framed Duryodhana’s actions as a sign of strength rather than fear, inspiring Dhrtarastra and indicating the importance of rhetoric in politics. 

• Fear is a primal emotion that alerts us to the presence of danger or the threat of harm. It is a very natural human response that arises as a defense mechanism in the face of potential danger or harm.
• Fear can be induced by a perceived threat of someone or something being dangerous. It can also originate from imagined dangers.
• Fear causes physiological changes that may produce behavioral reactions such as mounting an aggressive response or fleeing the threat.

The Bhagavad Gita is a timeless classic that has resonated with readers for centuries. Srila Prabhupada delves into the dialogue between the warrior Arjuna and Krishna, as the two discuss concepts such as duty, religion, and spirituality in the midst of war. Dhrtarastra, a blind king who is bereft of spiritual vision, is concerned about the outcome of an impending battle between his sons and the pious Pandavas. Srila Prabhupada Purport contains several points and principles that are relevant to the current science of human psychology.

Dhrtarastra’s physical blindness serves as a metaphor for his spiritual blindness. He is unable to see the true nature of the situation, and is instead focused on his own desires and fears. This is reflected in his concern about his sons’ ability to defeat the Pandavas, as he believes that their piousness puts them at a disadvantage.

In psychology, spiritual wisdom can be equated with mindfulness or heightened awareness. When one develops spiritual vision, they are better able to see things as they truly are, rather than being influenced by their own biases and motivations. This can lead to increased well-being and a deeper sense of purpose.

Another principle is the importance of honesty.  Honesty can be divided into two dimensions:

1. Behavioral side: An honest person does not intentionally distort the facts as she sees them. For example, she does not tell a lie for no good reason, nor does she misrepresent her performance in a competition by taking a banned substance.
2. Motivational dimension: Being honest is about the ability to disclose what’s meaningful about oneself to another. Being able to communicate about all aspects of oneself with a partner increases the relationship’s level of intimacy. Being honest is not an excuse to engage in insensitive or outright abusive behavior.

Sanjaya, the king’s advisor, is honest in his assessment of the situation, even if it may not be what the king wants to hear. He tells the king that his sons are not going to make any sort of compromise under the influence of the holy place, thereby assuaging the king’s fears. In psychology, honesty is often seen as a critical component of healthy relationships and personal development. By being honest with ourselves and others, we can cultivate trust, respect, and self-awareness.

Finally, the verse highlights the concept of fear. Duryodhana, the king’s son and a skilled politician, is unable to hide his fear when he sees the military arrangements of the Pandavas. In psychology, fear is often seen as a natural and necessary emotion that can help us stay safe in potentially dangerous situations. However, when fear is allowed to run rampant, it can lead to anxiety and a sense of helplessness. By acknowledging and confronting our fears, we can better manage them and prevent them from controlling our actions and decisions.

Overall, Verse 2 of the Bhagavad Gita As It Is, contains several points and principles that are relevant to the current science of human psychology. By developing spiritual vision (wisdom), practicing honesty, and managing our fears, we can lead more fulfilling and meaningful lives.