This verse from Bhagavad-Gita suggests an interesting power dynamic between the two opposing sides of the Kurukshetra War. One principle that can be noted here, is the concept of perceived strength – that one’s beliefs about their own abilities can greatly influence their performance. This is supported by research in psychology, which shows that “self-efficacy” plays a crucial role in accomplishing desired outcomes.

Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s belief in their ability to successfully perform a specific task or achieve a particular goal. It is a central concept in modern psychology, particularly in the field of social cognitive theory, which was developed by renowned psychologist Albert Bandura. Self-efficacy is a key determinant of an individual’s motivation, behavior, and success, as it influences their perception of their own abilities and their willingness to persevere in the face of challenges or setbacks. People with high self-efficacy are more likely to set and achieve challenging goals, take on new tasks, and view failures as opportunities to learn and improve. On the other hand, those with low self-efficacy may be more apt to give up easily, avoid challenges, and feel defeated by setbacks. Overall, self-efficacy plays a fundamental role in shaping our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors in many aspects of life.

The fact that the Kauravas believe their strength is immeasurable could give them a psychological advantage over the Pandavas, who are said to have limited strength.

Another principle that can be derived from this verse is the “importance of feeling protected or supported”.

The science of modern human psychology recognizes the importance of feeling protected or supported as a fundamental need for human beings. This need is deeply rooted in our biological and social makeup. In early childhood development, feelings of protection and support contribute to healthy attachment between infants and their caregivers, which in turn, help shape their emotional well-being throughout their lives. As we grow up, our sense of protection and support expands to include our social networks, relationships, and sense of belonging to a community. Feeling protected and supported enhances our sense of self-worth, reduces stress and anxiety, and contributes to our overall resilience in facing life’s challenges. In essence, these feelings provide a sense of security that allows us to thrive and reach our full potential in life.

The Kauravas have Grandfather Bhisma as their protector, while the Pandavas have Bhima. Studies have shown that perceived social support can increase resilience and wellbeing, while feeling unsupported can result in negative outcomes. Thus, this verse highlights the value of having a supportive figure in one’s life.

However, we must also be cautious not to neglect the importance of “actual strength and protection”, as opposed to just “perceived strength and support”.

• In modern human psychology the importance of actual strength and protection can be understood through the concept of psychological resilience. Resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity, and it is seen as a crucial aspect of mental health and well-being. Actual strength refers to the physical and emotional resources that support resilience. Physical health, social support, coping skills, and self-confidence are all examples of actual strength that can help individuals bounce back from challenges. Protection refers to the measures that can be taken to prevent or minimize the impact of stress and adversity. This includes seeking help when needed, developing healthy relationships, and creating a supportive environment. By cultivating actual strength and protection, individuals can increase their resiliency and improve their ability to navigate the ups and downs of life.
• In modern human psychology, the concept of perceived strength and support refers to the belief that an individual’s perception of their ability to handle a situation and their belief that they have support from others can greatly impact their well-being. This belief is based on the fact that humans are social creatures and rely on others for emotional and physical support. Therefore, the sense of having support and being strong can increase an individual’s self-esteem, reduce stress levels, and promote a positive outlook on life. Furthermore, perceived strength and support can act as a protective factor against mental health disorders and improve an individual’s resilience in the face of difficult circumstances. In summary, the importance of perceived strength and support lies in their ability to promote mental wellness and improve one’s quality of life.

It is possible that the Kauravas are overestimating their abilities and underestimating their opponents, which could lead to their downfall. This aligns with the principle of “overconfidence bias.   Overconfidence bias is a cognitive bias observed in human psychology where individuals tend to overestimate their level of knowledge, ability, or performance in a particular task, situation, or domain. They tend to have excessive confidence in their judgments or decision-making capacities, sometimes leading them to make poor decisions. The overconfidence bias can lead individuals to take risks and make decisions without considering all the available information or potential consequences. It is often rooted in a lack of awareness of one’s own limitations or weaknesses, which can lead to overestimation of one’s abilities. This bias is prevalent in both personal and professional settings, and it can be detrimental to individuals and organizations if not addressed. Overall, being aware of this bias can help individuals make better decisions by encouraging them to seek out information and consider various perspectives before making any judgments or decisions. Overall, this verse from Bhagavad-Gita offers insights into the psychological dynamics of power, strength, and protection. Understanding these principles can help us navigate our relationships and endeavors in a more effective and fulfilling manner.

The Purport by Srila Prabhupada, highlights several principles of human psychology that are worth exploring. For instance, the passage stresses the importance of having confidence in oneself and one’s abilities.

According to the science of modern human psychology, having confidence in oneself and one’s abilities is critical for overall well-being and success in life. It is the foundation for achieving goals, taking risks, and making decisions that align with personal values and desires. Self-confidence helps individuals to face challenges, embrace failures, and learn from mistakes, leading to personal growth and increased resilience. A lack of self-confidence, on the other hand, can lead to negative self-talk, self-doubt, and a fear of failure. This, in turn, can limit one’s potential accomplishments, decrease motivation, and negatively impact mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, cultivating self-confidence through positive self-talk, realistic goal-setting, and focusing on personal strengths and accomplishments can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life experience.

Duryodhana is confident of his victory because he believes that his army is stronger than that of the Pandavas. He attributes this to the fact that his army is protected by Bhishma, who is an experienced general, unlike Bhima, who is less experienced. Duryodhana’s confidence in his army’s strength and his belief in Bhishma’s expertise enable him to have a positive outlook about the outcome of the battle.

Another psychological principle that the passage brings out is envy.  Envy is a common human emotion that refers to the feeling of discontentment or resentment that one experiences when observing the success or possessions of another person. Envy often involves a sense of inferiority or inadequacy on the part of the envious person, who may perceive the other person to be better off in some way. It’s important to note that envy is not the same as jealousy, which refers to the fear of losing something one already possesses to another person. Envy can be a complex emotion that can have both positive and negative aspects. On one hand, it can motivate individuals to strive for greater success or to improve their own circumstances. On the other hand, envy can lead to negative feelings such as anger, resentment, and even aggressive behavior towards others.

Duryodhana is envious of Bhima because he knows that Bhima could kill him. His jealousy is not driven by any action or malice from Bhima, but by the mere possibility that he could lose his life if Bhima chose to attack him. Envy has been known to be a strong emotion that can drive people to do irrational things and make harmful decisions. Duryodhana’s envy towards Bhima is therefore a reflection of his own insecurities and fears about the outcome of the battle.

Finally, the passage underscores the importance of experience and expertise. Modern human psychology recognizes the importance of both experience and expertise in shaping human behavior, thought patterns, and emotions. Experience refers to the cumulative impact of past events and actions on an individual’s development and perception of the world around them. It plays a critical role in shaping our personality, attitudes, and values. Expertise, on the other hand, is acquired through learning, education, and training. It represents a specialized knowledge or skill set that allows individuals to perform specific tasks with high levels of proficiency and efficiency. Expertise is typically developed through deliberate practice, feedback, and mentorship. Both experience and expertise are important in achieving personal and professional goals, and a symbiotic relationship may exist between the two. Experience can enhance expertise by providing real-life examples and context, while expertise can improve experience by allowing for more effective problem-solving and decision-making.

Duryodhana believes that Bhishma is a superior general to Bhima because he has more experience. The fact that Bhishma has been in many battles gives him an edge over Bhima who is less experienced. Expertise is a crucial aspect of human performance. Whether one is an athlete, musician, or a military strategist, experience and expertise are the keys to success. Duryodhana’s confidence in Bhishma’s expertise is therefore well-founded and a significant factor in his assessment of the relative strength of his army.

In conclusion, the Purport to Verse 10, highlights several principles of human psychology that are still relevant today. The importance of confidence, envy, and expertise are aspects of human behavior that have been studied and understood by psychologists for decades. This passage is therefore not just a religious text, but a commentary on human nature that can help us understand better how to navigate our world.