This verse reflects the human psychological principle of “admiration, and respect for powerful or skilled individuals”.

The principle of admiration and respect for powerful or skilled individuals is well documented in modern human psychology. This principle asserts that people are naturally inclined to revere those who hold positions of power or those who possess high levels of expertise in a particular domain. This admiration and respect may stem from the belief that those with power and skill deserve their position, as they have earned it by demonstrating exceptional abilities and qualities. Additionally, this psychological principle may reflect a desire for individuals to emulate the successful behaviors and traits of these powerful or skilled individuals, in hopes of achieving similar success themselves. Overall, this principle plays an important role in the way humans interact with and perceive those who hold positions of power or possess high levels of skill.

This kind of admiration is known as the “idolization effect”.   The idolization effect, also known as the halo effect, is a cognitive bias that occurs when an individual makes sweeping judgments about another person or group based on one single trait or characteristic. This bias can lead to the overestimation of a person’s positive qualities, underestimation of their negative qualities, and can also result in an individual overlooking warning signs and failing to recognize actual flaws. This effect can influence various aspects of our lives, from how we choose our friends and partners to how we evaluate public figures and politicians. The idolization effect is often seen in celebrity culture, where individuals are idolized and put on a pedestal, causing people to have unrealistic expectations of them and potentially leading to disillusionment when they inevitably fall short of these lofty expectations..

The principle of “social comparison” is also reflected in this verse. Social comparison is a psychological process in which individuals evaluate their own abilities, beliefs, and values by comparing themselves to others. It involves observing, analyzing, and evaluating ourselves in relation to other people in our social circle or society as a whole. This process can be beneficial as it helps us learn and improve ourselves, gain insight into our strengths and weaknesses, and motivate us to achieve our goals. However, it can also be harmful when we excessively compare ourselves to others and feel inadequate or inferior. This can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Social comparison is a complex process, influenced by various social, cultural, and personal factors, and it plays an important role in human behavior and society.

Further, this verse also reflects the human psychological principle of “group mentality”. The psychological principle of group mentality refers to the ways in which individuals’ thoughts, behaviors, and emotions are influenced by their membership in a group. This principle is rooted in the idea that human beings are social animals who are naturally drawn to form connections with others. As a result, people tend to conform to the beliefs, values, and behaviors of their larger social group in order to fit in and feel accepted. This can manifest in different ways, such as group decision making processes, group polarization, and groupthink. Understanding the psychological principle of group mentality is important in fields like sociology, political science, and business management, as it allows for a better understanding of how groups function and how to manage them effectively.

In the Purport to this Verse by Srila Prabhupada, Duryodhana is shown to be using diplomatic tactics to address potential disputes within the Kurukshetra war. According to current science on human psychology, this approach can be seen as a type of “conflict resolution strategy” called compromising.  Conflict resolution strategy refers to the methods or techniques used by individuals or groups to resolve disagreements, disputes or conflicts in a constructive way. It involves identifying the underlying causes of the conflict, establishing effective communication, and working together to find solutions that meet the needs of all parties involved. Conflict resolution strategies are based on the science of modern human psychology, which recognizes that conflicts arise from differences in perception, values, needs, or expectations. Effective conflict resolution can help people to build stronger relationships with each other, encourage cooperation and collaboration, and accelerate problem-solving. Common conflict resolution strategies include negotiation, mediation, arbitration, collaboration, and compromise. The choice of strategy depends on the nature and complexity of the conflict, the personalities and interests of the parties involved, and the resources available for resolution. Compromising is a technique in which individuals must agree to give up something to reach a mutually acceptable solution. Duryodhana’s compromise strategy is evident, as he highlights Bhisma’s importance as a hero, but also stresses the need for others to consider his protection during the battle. This solution is aimed at allaying concerns from other warriors who might have felt undervalued due to Duryodhana’s praise of Bhisma’s prowess.

Additionally, Duryodhana’s confidence in Bhisma and Dronacarya’s support during the battle can be seen as a manifestation of the psychological phenomenon known as the “fundamental attribution error”.  The fundamental attribution error is a common cognitive bias that occurs when individuals tend to overestimate the impact of personal/internal factors and underestimate the impact of situational/external factors when explaining the behavior of others. In other words, people often attribute behavior to a person’s character or disposition rather than the circumstances or context that may have led to the behavior. This tendency can lead to stereotypes and prejudice, and can hinder accurate understanding of a person or situation. The fundamental attribution error is important to consider in fields such as social psychology, clinical psychology, and organizational behavior, as it can explain how individuals perceive and respond to others in different contexts.

Duryodhana seems to be disregarding the fact that Bhisma and Dronacarya have demonstrated an affection for the Pandavas in their actions before. Instead, he attributes their loyalty to the Kurus as a result of their personalities rather than considering situational factors that may have influenced their decisions.

Overall, this passage highlights the importance of considering different conflict resolution techniques, and being mindful of biases and attribution errors, that may affect decision-making. Additionally, it emphasizes the need to engage in communication and compromise, to avoid potential disputes, which can be beneficial in various aspects of life, including interpersonal relationships, work, and politics.

The Bhagavad-Gita As-It-Is is a significant text that provides a comprehensive understanding of human psychology. The Purport to Verse 11 by Srila Prabhupada, illustrates that Duryodhana, in his usual diplomatic manner, tried to adjust to the situation regarding the prowess of Bhisma. Duryodhana’s words emphasize the importance of teamwork, strategic positions, and protection of his army’s assets. Duryodhana’s words reflect the ancient wisdom of the great leaders of the past, who realized the importance of strategic planning and how it can make or break a battle or even a war.

Duryodhana’s insistence on strategic positions indicates the importance of planning and positioning in any battle. In any battle, strategic positions enable an army to attack or defend effectively, preventing the enemy from breaking the phalanx, and ultimately gain victory. This principle of strategic positions applies to any area of our lives, from work, personal relationships, and even spiritual endeavors. Strategic planning and positioning enable individuals to achieve their goals and objectives, making them more efficient and effective in their engagements.

Furthermore, Duryodhana’s emphasis on the protection of Bhismadeva, showcases the importance of respecting and protecting the elderly, particularly those who have served society with distinction.

Elders have accumulated knowledge, experience, and wisdom, which are essential in guiding younger generations.

Safeguarding the elderly ensures that their vast wealth of knowledge is not lost, and can be utilized to benefit future generations. This principle applies to any society, and serves as a reminder that we must respect the elderly, and appreciate their contributions to society.

Finally, Duryodhana’s faith in Bhismadeva and Dronacarya, indicates the significance of loyalty and trust in our relationships. Loyalty and trust form the foundation of any relationship, whether personal or professional. When people demonstrate their loyalty, it strengthens their relationships, leading to better engagement, collaboration, and ultimately greater success. In the case of Bhismadeva and Dronacarya, they were loyal and unbiased in their engagements, despite their affection for Pandavas. This kind of loyalty and trust is essential in building long-lasting and fruitful relationships that are beneficial to all parties.

In conclusion, the Purport by Srila Prabhupada, demonstrates that the Bhagavad-Gita As-It-Is is a treasure trove of wisdom for human psychology. The principles illustrated in this purport about strategic planning, the protection of the elderly, and the importance of loyalty and trust can be applied to all areas of our lives. By understanding and applying these ancient wisdom principles, individuals can improve their personal and professional lives and achieve their goals and objectives more effectively.