Verse 8 highlights some principles of human psychology that are still relevant today.

First, the verse acknowledges the existence of different “personality types”. Modern psychology suggests that personality types refer to the different ways individuals perceive, interact with, and respond to the world around them. This includes variations in temperament, character traits, preferences, and behavioral tendencies. Personality types are believed to be shaped by a combination of genetic factors, environmental influences, and life experiences. The most common models for classifying personality types are the Big Five and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), which categorize individuals based on their level of “extraversion”, “openness”, “agreeableness”, “conscientiousness”, and “neuroticism” or their “dominant cognitive functions”.  “Dominant cognitive functions” refer to the primary ways in which individuals process and perceive information, particularly in the areas of thinking, feeling, sensing, and intuiting. Within the framework of Carl Jung’s theory of personality, dominant cognitive functions are seen as the core elements that influence how people interact with the world and make decisions. They are considered to be innate and largely fixed, although they may change over time due to various life experiences. An individual’s dominant cognitive function can be identified through various personality assessments such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and it can provide valuable insight into how they approach problem-solving, communication, and relationships. Understanding one’s dominant cognitive function can help a person to better understand themselves and improve their interpersonal interactions.

These personality types can affect an individual’s relationships, career choices, and overall well-being. While personality types are useful for understanding how people differ from one another, it is important to remember that they represent general tendencies rather than fixed traits, and individuals may exhibit different qualities in different contexts or over time.. These traits are:

1. Extraversion: is a core personality trait that refers to a person’s tendency to be social, outgoing, and assertive. Those who score high on the extraversion scale are often characterized as talkative, active, and energetic, seeking out social interaction and adventure. They tend to enjoy being the center of attention, making friends easily, and engaging in social activities. Extraverts also tend to be risk-takers, seeking out new experiences and challenges. In contrast, introverts are generally more reserved and enjoy spending time alone or with a small group of close friends. While extraversion is considered a normal and healthy personality trait, extreme levels of extraversion or introversion can sometimes be associated with mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder or social anxiety disorder..
2. Openness: refers to the degree to which an individual is interested in new experiences and ideas. People with high levels of openness are imaginative, curious, creative, and open-minded, and tend to embrace change and diversity. They are more likely to be interested in exploring different perspectives and ways of thinking, and often enjoy taking risks and seeking out novel experiences. In contrast, people with low levels of openness are more conventional, practical, and prefer familiar and predictable situations. They tend to be more cautious, less likely to take risks, and more resistant to change. Openness is one of the five basic personality dimensions in the Five Factor Model of personality, and is considered an important predictor of a wide range of outcomes, including creativity, intellectual achievement, and happiness.
3. Agreeableness: refers to a person’s tendency to be cooperative, considerate, kind, compassionate, and empathetic towards others. People who score high on agreeableness tend to prioritize social harmony and are more likely to go along with others’ wishes and compromise to avoid conflicts. They are generally perceived as warm, friendly, trustworthy, and helpful individuals who are easy to get along with. They tend to be good at understanding other people’s perspectives and can be diplomatic in conflictual situations. On the other hand, individuals who score low on Agreeableness tend to be more assertive, competitive, and focused on their own interests than other people’s. They may come across as cold, indifferent, and sometimes self-centered. Therefore, Agreeableness is an essential component of interpersonal relationships and influences how people relate to others in various contexts, such as work, family, and social interactions..
4. Conscientiousness: is one of the Big Five personality traits in modern psychology. It refers to the tendency of individuals to be orderly, responsible, and dependable. People high in conscientiousness tend to be reliable, efficient, and focused on detail-oriented tasks. They are also usually disciplined and organized, and feel a sense of duty and obligation towards their work and obligations. Additionally, they are usually self-motivated and goal-oriented, setting high personal standards for themselves and working diligently towards achieving them. Conscientious individuals are often engaged in long-term planning and are willing to forego immediate gratification to achieve their long-term goals. In summary, conscientiousness is characterized by a strong sense of duty, responsibility towards one’s commitments and a desire to achieve high standards. Openness is a personality trait, that reflects a tendency to pursue and enjoy unfamiliar things. People who are high in openness, have more active imaginations, a greater appreciation for aesthetics and beauty, and may process information in different ways. Openness is also related to receptivity to new ideas and new experiences.
5. Neuroticism: is a tendency to experience negative emotions, such as anxiety, worry, fear, and sadness. People with high levels of Neuroticism are more likely to react negatively to stressors and perceive threats in their environment more frequently than others. They may also have a lower threshold for negative emotional states and are more likely to experience mood swings. Neuroticism is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors and tends to be relatively stable over time. People with high Neuroticism scores may benefit from developing coping strategies and seeking therapy to help manage their emotions. In contrast, people with low Neuroticism scores tend to be more emotionally stable, resilient, and adaptable to stressors.

Second, the verse illustrates the concept of “self-fulfilling prophecy”.

Self-Fulfilling prophecy: refers to a psychological phenomenon in which a person’s belief or expectation about something leads to a reality that confirms their belief. It is a process of creating a belief or assumption that influences one’s behavior, leading them to act in ways that make the belief true. For example, if a person believes they will fail an exam, they may not study as hard, which actually causes them to fail the exam. In contrast, if someone believes they can succeed, they are more likely to put forth the effort to do so, increasing the likelihood of success. Self-fulfilling prophecies can have both positive and negative outcomes and often occur without a person’s conscious awareness of their own beliefs and actions.).

The individuals mentioned in the verse are described as always victorious in battle. This suggests that they possess some inherent qualities that make them successful. However, this belief in their invincibility might also encourage them to put in more effort, take risks, and persevere until they achieve the desired outcome.

Third, the verse suggests that some people are more naturally skilled in certain areas than others. For example, Bhisma, Karna, and Krpa are mentioned as being particularly skilled in battle. This aligns with the concept of “multiple intelligences”.  Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences identifies nine types of intelligence. They are:

1. Linguistic intelligence (ability to use language effectively): Refers to a person’s ability to use language effectively in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It is one of the nine types of intelligence proposed by Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences. People with high linguistic intelligence have an affinity for words and language, and are able to express themselves clearly and eloquently. They are adept at interpreting written and spoken language, and are often good at learning new languages. They enjoy reading and writing, and may be drawn to careers that involve communication, such as journalism, law, or teaching. This type of intelligence is associated with areas of the brain that specialize in language processing, such as the Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas.
2. Logical-mathematical intelligence (ability to reason and think logically): Is a type of intelligence that refers to the ability to analyze problems logically, identify patterns, and solve mathematical equations. Individuals with this type of intelligence tend to excel in fields such as mathematics, science, engineering, and computer programming. According to modern human psychology, this type of intelligence is one of the eight distinct intelligences proposed by Howard Gardner in his Multiple Intelligences Theory. Logical-mathematical intelligence is characterized by the ability to think abstractly, reason deductively, and make sound judgments based on logic and evidence.  Individuals with this type of intelligence tend to be analytical, methodical, and detail-oriented. They are skilled at detecting flaws in arguments, using mathematical models to solve real-world problems, and analyzing complex systems. Logical-mathematical intelligence is considered a valuable asset in a wide range of industries and professions, from finance and accounting to science and technology.
3. Spatial intelligence (ability to visualize and think in 3D): Is a type of intelligence that involves the ability to perceive, analyze, and manipulate visual and spatial information. It includes skills such as recognizing patterns, understanding visual relationships, and mentally rotating objects. People with high visual-spatial intelligence tend to have a strong sense of direction, good spatial awareness, and are often good at tasks such as drawing, solving puzzles, and navigating in 3D spaces. Individuals with this type of intelligence are often able to visualize objects and concepts in their mind’s eye, which helps them to solve problems and think creatively. Overall, visual-spatial intelligence is an important aspect of cognitive functioning that allows individuals to understand and interact with the world in a visual and spatial way.
4. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence (ability to control the body and handle objects): Refers to the ability to control body movements skillfully and manipulate objects effectively. Individuals high in bodily-kinesthetic intelligence have excellent hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and physical agility. They are adept at activities that require fine motor skills, such as performing surgery, playing sports, dancing, or playing a musical instrument. They have an exceptional sense of bodily awareness and are sensitive to changes in their environments. Furthermore, people with bodily-kinesthetic intelligence typically enjoy physical activities and may find it difficult to sit still for extended periods. As such, they tend to learn best through hands-on, experiential, and physical activities. Overall, bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is one of several intelligences proposed by Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, which suggests that intelligence is multifaceted and reflects a broader range of abilities beyond traditional academic skills.
5. Musical intelligence (ability to recognize and create music): This type of intelligence refers to the ability to understand and create music and rhythms. Individuals with high musical-rhythmic intelligence have sensitivity to rhythm, pitch, melody, and timbre. They are able to recognize and appreciate different types of music, and they may have a natural talent for playing musical instruments or singing. Additionally, individuals with high musical-rhythmic intelligence may also be able to use music to aid in memory recall, help with relaxation and stress reduction, and enhance overall emotional well-being. Like all types of intelligence, musical-rhythmic intelligence is not fixed and can be developed with practice and exposure to music.
6. Interpersonal intelligence (ability to interact effectively with others): Is a type of intelligence that refers to a person’s ability to understand and relate to other people. It involves skills such as empathy, understanding nonverbal cues, effective communication, and the ability to form and maintain relationships. People who have a high level of interpersonal intelligence tend to be good listeners, negotiators, and mediators. They often enjoy socializing and working with others. The development of interpersonal intelligence is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Children who are exposed to positive social interactions and communication from an early age tend to develop stronger interpersonal skills. People with strong interpersonal intelligence are often successful in careers that involve working with people, such as counseling, teaching, politics, and leadership roles. Interpersonal intelligence is also important for maintaining healthy personal relationships and social interactions.
7. Intrapersonal intelligence (ability to understand oneself): Refers to an individual’s ability to understand their own thoughts, emotions, and motivations. People with this type of intelligence are introspective and reflective, and often have a deep understanding of their own personal strengths and weaknesses. They are self-aware and able to regulate their own emotions, and may be skilled at tasks such as meditation, self-reflection, and goal setting. Individuals with high intrapersonal intelligence may also be capable of understanding and predicting other people’s behavior based on their knowledge of themselves. This type of intelligence is considered vital for personal growth, self-improvement, and a fulfilling life. People with high levels of intrapersonal intelligence are often described as having a strong sense of self, and may pursue careers in fields such as psychology, therapy, or coaching.
8. Naturalistic intelligence (ability to understand and appreciate nature): This type of intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, categorize, and draw upon features of the environment. Individuals with a high level of naturalistic intelligence are able to identify and classify objects in the world around them, comprehend their relationship to each other, and also to ecosystem and other natural phenomenon. People with this type of intelligence are often interested in nature and have a deep appreciation for natural beauty and diversity. They have a keen awareness and understanding of the natural world and can easily spot patterns and connections among different elements. Careers that may be suitable for individuals with naturalistic intelligence are botanists, zoologists, geologists, ecologists, and environmental scientists.
9. Existential intelligence (ability to contemplate and understand the meaning of life and death): Refers to an individual’s ability to grapple with questions about the meaning of life, death, and the ultimate purpose of existence. This type of intelligence involves the ability to contemplate abstract concepts and philosophize about existence. It is one of the nine intelligences identified by Howard Gardner’s theory, which asserts that individuals possess a range of cognitive abilities that can be classified as distinct types of intelligence. Individuals with strong existential intelligence may exhibit heightened levels of self-awareness and may be drawn to careers that involve deep philosophical or religious exploration. This type of intelligence is considered important for individuals seeking to understand the larger questions surrounding human existence and the meaning of life.

Gardner’s theory suggests that each individual has a unique blend of these intelligences and that these can be developed and nurtured through various methods such as education, practice, and experience.

Each intelligence represents a different way of processing information and solving problems.  The theory of multiple intelligences suggests that individuals may excel in certain areas while struggling in others, and that traditional measures of intelligence, such as standardized tests, do not accurately reflect a person’s full range of abilities. By identifying and understanding these different types of intelligence, educators and individuals can better tailor their learning and work to their strengths and interests, leading to greater success and satisfaction.

These different types of intelligence can manifest in different ways, such as strong verbal skills, the ability to solve complex math problems, visual creativity, or exceptional emotional intelligence. The theory of multiple intelligences suggests that individuals possess varying degrees of intelligence in each category, and that intelligence may develop and change over time. It is a useful framework for understanding the diversity of human intellect and for designing educational and training programs that effectively leverage the strengths of individuals.

Fourth, the verse highlights the importance of context. The individuals mentioned in the verse are victorious in battle, suggesting that their skills and abilities are more suited to war than to other endeavors. This is an important reminder that success is not absolute, but rather depends on the circumstances in which it is achieved.

This Verse mentions various exceptional heroes in battle who are always victorious. This highlights a fundamental principle of human psychology, that is, the admiration and respect we have for those who achieve superiority and victory. These heroes are celebrated for their exceptional abilities and stand out from the rest of the fighters, showcasing the human desire for excellence. This aspect of human psychology is reflected in various spheres of life, from sports to academics, where we strive to outdo others and achieve our goals.

Another psychological principle touched upon in this Verse, is the idea of the “brotherhood bond”

The concept of brotherhood bond is often associated with the idea of a close and loyal friendship between two or more people who share a common bond or objective. In the context of modern human psychology, brotherhood bond is seen as a significant influence on personal and societal well-being. Research has shown that individuals who feel socially connected and supported by others, including through brotherhood bonds, are more likely to experience positive emotions and healthy behaviors. Brotherhood bonds can provide a sense of belonging, companionship, and support, which can promote emotional stability and resilience. The development of positive brotherhood bonds may also lead to the formation of positive relationships with others outside of the group and contribute to social cohesion and trust. Overall, the brotherhood bond has significant implications for individual and societal mental health and well-being.

The mention of Vikarna, the brother of Duryodhana, and Karna, the half-brother of Arjuna, connects with the idea of kinship and the importance we give to our family relationships. In many cultures, the notion of family is strong, and we tend to stand by our kin and support them, even in times of crisis. This aspect of human psychology is a testament to the power of familial bonds and the importance of support structures during trying times.

Furthermore, the Verse mentions the name of Saumadatti, or Bhurisrava, the son of the King of the Bahlikas. This speaks to the idea of “parental expectations and aspirations”,

Parental expectations and aspirations refer to the beliefs and desires that parents have for their children’s development and future success. These expectations can encompass a wide range of areas, including academic achievement, social skills, career goals, and personal values. Parents may communicate these expectations explicitly or implicitly through their interactions with their children. Positive parental expectations and aspirations have been found to be associated with higher levels of achievement and well-being in children, while negative expectations can have a detrimental effect on children’s self-esteem and motivation. However, it is important that parental expectations and aspirations are balanced and realistic, taking into account the individual strengths and interests of each child, and allowing for flexibility and adaptation as their needs change over time.

This principle that is often instilled in many individuals. Parents, guardians, or caretakers have certain expectations and dreams for their children’s future, which influence their upbringing and perception of success. Consequently, individuals carry this expectation throughout their lives, aiming to make their parents proud and fulfill their ambitions. This principle is a critical aspect of human psychology, as the desire to meet these expectations may cause pressure and stress, but also drive us towards success and motivation.

The Purport to this Verse by Srila Prabhupada, establishes the role of exceptional heroes in battle, who are not only skilled in warfare but also have a history of being victorious. This principle is supported by the current science of human psychology, as the mindset of winning plays a crucial role in the outcome of any competitive activity.

The mention of exceptional heroes in the verse reflects the importance of identifying and acknowledging competence in the face of adversity. The human psyche is wired to respond positively to such recognition, which enhances the confidence level of an individual. Recent studies have shown that recognition of excellence stimulates the reward center of the brain, releasing dopamine, the chemical that induces pleasure, and reinforces behavior. This principle is thus essential to motivators and leaders in today’s organizations as they seek to cultivate high-performance cultures through targeted feedback, career progression, and learning and development programs.

The verse further highlights the importance of resilience to achieve victory. The heroes mentioned were ever victorious, a testament to their persistence even when faced with setbacks. Studies have found that resilience, or the ability to rebound from adversity, is an essential element of success. It enables individuals to cope with stress, manage risks, and maintain a positive outlook even when faced with obstacles, thereby amplifying their resilience. Organizations are adopting resilience training programs to develop this trait in their staff, especially in high-stress environments like healthcare, finance, and military.

Resilience is your ability to adapt well and recover quickly after stress, adversity, trauma or tragedy. If you have a resilient disposition, you are better able to maintain poise and a healthy level of physical and psychological wellness in the face of life’s challenges.

If You are less resilient, You are more likely to dwell on problems, feel overwhelmed, use unhealthy coping tactics to handle stress, and develop anxiety and depression.

You can develop resilience by learning to train your attention on more-positive aspects of your life. You use purposeful, trained attention to decrease negative thoughts in your mind and bring greater focus on the most meaningful aspect of an experience. Resilience training focuses on four areas:

1. Emotional resilience training is a psychotherapeutic approach that helps individuals develop mental strength to cope with adversity and stress. The science of modern human psychology provides several tools and techniques to increase emotional resilience, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness meditation, and positive psychology interventions. Resilience training involves teaching individuals how to regulate their emotions effectively, cultivate a growth mindset, and strengthen personal values and beliefs. It also helps individuals build social support networks to provide emotional and practical support during challenging times. The ultimate goal of emotional resilience training is to help individuals bounce back from setbacks and adversity, maintain emotional stability, and thrive in their personal and professional lives. cognitive
2. Mental resilience training refers to the process of developing the ability to adapt to and overcome challenges and stressors, both small and large, that one encounters in life. It involves building a set of mental and emotional skills that allow a person to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive outlook, even in difficult situations. This can include techniques such as mindfulness, positive self-talk, cognitive reframing, and building a support network. Mental resilience training is based on the understanding that resilience is not an innate trait, but rather a set of learned skills that can be developed and strengthened over time. By practicing mental resilience training, individuals can increase their ability to cope with stress, deal with adversity, and thrive in the face of challenges.
3. Physical resilience training is a combination of exercises and practices that aim to improve a person’s ability to manage and adapt to physical stressors. These stressors can include factors such as injury, illness, chronic pain, or simply demands placed on the body by engaging in physical activities. The goal of physical resilience training is to increase a person’s capacity for physical exertion and help them recover more effectively from stress. The training often includes activities such as weightlifting, cardio exercise, and stretching. In addition to improving physical strength and endurance, physical resilience training can also have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. By building resilience through physical training, an individual can increase their overall sense of confidence and ability to cope with a wide range of challenges.
4. Spiritual resilience training is a form of psychological intervention that focuses on developing inner strength and coping mechanisms to deal with adversity using spiritual practices. It involves teaching individuals how to connect with their sense of purpose, values, and beliefs in order to gain a sense of control and meaning in difficult situations. The training incorporates mindfulness meditation, prayer, and other spiritual practices to help individuals develop resilience and promote emotional well-being. Studies have shown that individuals who participate in spiritual resilience training experience significant improvements in their ability to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, it has been found to help individuals overcome trauma and loss, and improve their overall quality of life. As a result, many organizations now offer spiritual resilience training as part of their employee wellness programs.

Training in these areas can improve your resiliency, enhance your quality of life, and decrease your stress and anxiety by teaching you to view life’s inevitable challenges as opportunities.

The final part of the Srila Prabhupada Purport mentions the unique circumstances of the heroes mentioned, reflecting the role of context in individual success. Vikarna, Asvatthama, and Saumadatti were exceptional in their way and had a personal history that contributed to their prowess. Karna’s half-brother status and Krpacarya’s family background highlight how individuals’ social and cultural context can shape their abilities and opportunities. The field of psychology has increasingly focused on the impact of context on behavior, recognizing how “socio-economic factors”, “cultural norms”, and “individual experiences” shape behavior.

• Socio-economic factors refer to the social and economic conditions that impact individual and group behavior, choices, and well-being. These factors can include income level, education, occupation, housing conditions, access to healthcare and other resources, and cultural and social norms within a community. Socio-economic factors play a critical role in how individuals and groups interact with their environment and make decisions about their lives. They can affect physical and mental health, social connections, and opportunities for advancement or success. Identifying and addressing socio-economic factors is essential for creating more equitable societies and reducing disparities in health and well-being. Understanding the complex interplay of socio-economic factors can inform policies and interventions to help people achieve their full potential and improve overall societal well-being.
• Cultural norms refer to the shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and expectations that guide the behavior of individuals within a particular culture or society. These norms are learned and transmitted through family, friends, and institutions and help create a sense of order and predictability in social interactions. They play a crucial role in shaping how individuals interpret and respond to the world around them and provide a framework for making decisions and judgments. Cultural norms can vary widely across different cultures and societies and can relate to diverse areas of life, including social interactions, communication, gender roles, dress codes, and food preferences. Adherence to cultural norms is often seen as a sign of respect for the culture and the community to which one belongs, and deviation from these norms may lead to social sanctions or disapproval.
• Individual experiences refer to the unique and subjective ways in which people perceive and interpret the world around them. These experiences are influenced by a variety of factors, including personality traits, past experiences, cultural background, and genetic predispositions. While two people may be presented with the same situation, their individual experiences of that situation may be vastly different. For example, one person may perceive a challenging task as an exciting opportunity for growth, while another may view it as an overwhelming burden. Understanding individual experiences is important in psychology, as it helps researchers to comprehend how people think, feel, and behave in response to various stimuli. Furthermore, acknowledging individual differences in experiences helps to increase empathy and understanding between individuals, which can lead to better communication and collaboration.

Organizations that embrace diversity and inclusivity and tailor their interventions and support to individuals’ contexts are better positioned to unlock their potential and cultivate a culture of excellence.

In conclusion, the Purport to Verse 8 from Bhagavad-Gita As-It-Is by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada highlights the role of exceptional heroes in warfare and the importance of recognizing excellence, resilience, and context for individual success. By aligning with current scientific research on human psychology, we can cultivate these principles for cultivating high-performance cultures in organizations, as well as, in our personal and professional lives.

Moreover, it highlights various psychological principles that are widely prevalent in human behavior. The admiration for exceptional abilities, the importance of family bonds, and the drive to meet parental expectations are all examples of fundamental principles that are present in multiple cultures and societies worldwide. By understanding and acknowledging these aspects of human psychology, we can better comprehend the motivations and behaviors of those around us, and possibly even ourselves.

Overall, Verse 8 offers some valuable insights into human psychology that are still relevant today. By recognizing the existence of different personality types, the concept of self-fulfilling prophecy, the idea of multiple intelligences, and the importance of context, we can better understand ourselves and others and create a more harmonious society.