This Verse is an example of the “emotional impact of sound on the human psyche”.  The verse describes the act of Bhisma blowing his conchshell very loudly, making a sound like the roar of a lion, which gave joy to Duryodhana.

The emotional impact of sound on the human psyche refers to the way that certain sounds can evoke specific emotions and feelings in individuals. This is due to the complex workings of the brain and the way that sound is processed and interpreted by different regions of the brain. For example, music can evoke feelings of joy, sadness, or nostalgia, while the sound of a loud explosion can trigger feelings of fear or panic. The emotional impact of sound is closely linked to our memories, associations, and past experiences, and can be used to influence and manipulate our moods and behaviors. Understanding and harnessing the power of sound can have important implications for various fields, from music therapy to marketing and advertising. Furthermore, Bhisma’s use of sound can be seen as a display of power and dominance. This is a common technique, used by people in positions of authority, to command attention and respect. Researchers have found that people in positions of power, tend to have louder and more assertive vocal tones, which can lead to increased compliance and obedience from those around them

However, it’s important to note that the impact of sound on human emotions, is subjective and can vary depending on individual experiences and cultural backgrounds.

Subjective refers to something that is based on personal opinions or interpretations, rather than being objectively measurable or verifiable. In psychology, subjectivity plays a crucial role in our understanding of individuals’ internal experiences and emotions. For instance, subjective wellbeing is the extent to which a person feels satisfied with their life, while subjective well-being therapy is an approach to improving mental health that focuses on the individual’s interpretation of their life experiences. Similarly, subjective norms are the beliefs and opinions that people hold about the behavior of others in their social group. In summary, subjective refers to interpretations and perceptions that are unique to each person and cannot be objectively measured or observed.

Therefore, the effect of Bhisma’s conchshell on Duryodhana’s joy, may not necessarily be the same for everyone. It may also depend on Duryodhana’s personal associations with the sound of a lion’s roar and his relationship with Bhisma.

In his purport, Srila Prabhupada talks about the importance of understanding motivations and emotions behind someone’s actions.

The science of modern human psychology helps us understand the motivations and emotions behind someone’s actions. It is important to understand these factors as they can influence an individual’s behavior and reactions to various situations. Motivations are the driving force behind a person’s behavior and can range from basic physiological needs to more complex psychological needs such as social acceptance and achievement. Emotions play a crucial role in shaping a person’s behavior as they influence how individuals perceive and respond to situations. Understanding the motivations and emotions behind someone’s actions can help us better communicate with them, empathize with their situation, and develop more effective methods of addressing their needs. Overall, understanding the motivations and emotions behind someone’s actions is an important aspect of modern psychology as it helps us better understand human behavior and develop effective interventions to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Srila Prabhupada begins by describing how the grandfather of the Kuru dynasty, Bhishma, could understand the inner meaning of his grandson Duryodhana’s heart. This shows how emotional intelligence can help a person connect with others on a deeper level and be able to empathize with them.

Prabhupada then highlights Bhishma’s compassion for Duryodhana, who was feeling depressed. Bhishma’s act of blowing his conchshell was meant to cheer him up, despite the fact that it carried a symbolic message of his impending defeat. This demonstrates how empathy and compassion can help people find ways to comfort and support others in difficult times without undermining their confidence.

• Empathy is the ability to understand or feel what another person is experiencing or going through. It involves being attuned to someone’s emotions, thoughts, and feelings and responding with kindness and care.
• Compassion, on the other hand, goes beyond empathy. It involves not only understanding someone’s pain or struggle but also taking action to alleviate it. Compassion involves showing genuine concern for others and taking steps to address their needs or difficulties. It is characterized by acts of kindness, generosity, and support.

Both empathy and compassion are important aspects of human psychology that enable individuals to connect with and understand others, build healthy relationships, and contribute to the well-being of society as a whole.

Prabhupada emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one’s duty despite the circumstances, which refers to the concept of moral responsibility, or the idea that individuals have a duty to act in a certain way based on their moral obligations. This concept is rooted in the field of moral psychology, which studies the psychological processes underlying moral decision making and behavior. From this perspective, fulfilling one’s duty despite difficult circumstances can be seen as a manifestation of moral integrity – the willingness to act in accordance with one’s principles, even when doing so is difficult or costly. This can involve overcoming internal psychological barriers, such as fear or uncertainty, as well as external obstacles like social pressure or perceived risks. Ultimately, the ability to fulfill one’s duty in challenging circumstances reflects a combination of moral clarity, inner strength, and a commitment to doing what is right.

Bhishma knew that Duryodhana was unlikely to win the battle, but he still encouraged him to fight with all his might. This reflects the idea that even when the odds are against us, we should still try our best to do what is expected of us.  Modern human psychology emphasizes the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving success. Even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles or unfavorable circumstances, it is important to stay committed to pursuing one’s goals and fulfilling obligations. This is because having a sense of purpose and contributing to society can lead to greater satisfaction and well-being. Additionally, taking action despite challenges can build resilience and confidence in one’s abilities. However, it is important to balance this with self-care and understanding that failure is a natural part of growth and learning. Ultimately, by focusing on what can be controlled and putting effort into realizing one’s potential, individuals can create meaning and purpose in their lives.

Prabhupada brings forth a few key principles of human psychology that are worth exploring. One of the principles that stand out is the importance of compassion in human interactions.  

According to the text, the grandsire of the Kuru dynasty could understand the inner meaning of the heart of his grandson Duryodhana, and out of his natural compassion for him, he tried to cheer him up by blowing his conch shell very loudly, symbolizing his position as a lion.

This principle is supported by recent scientific studies that show that compassion can have a positive impact on the mental and physical well-being of individuals. For instance, a study conducted by the University of North Carolina measured the correlation between compassion and psychological well-being. The study revealed that participants who displayed high levels of compassion, had a greater sense of well-being and lower levels of depression and anxiety.

Another principle that emerges from the text is the importance of duty in human life. Modern psychology suggests that the importance of duty in human life lies in the concepts of responsibility and purpose. Duty refers to the tasks or responsibilities that an individual has to undertake in order to fulfill societal or personal obligations. Fulfilling these duties leads to a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, and personal growth. It also helps to build a strong sense of responsibility in individuals towards their community and society. In addition, being duty-bound provides a sense of purpose and direction in life that helps to increase one’s motivation and drive. Hence, psychologists believe that incorporating duty into one’s life can have positive effects on an individual’s mental and physical wellbeing by helping them feel more fulfilled and leading to a more meaningful existence.

Despite being aware of his grandson’s impending defeat, the grandsire of the Kuru dynasty recognized his duty to conduct the fight and spare no pains in that connection. This principle is significant in the modern era where individuals are often encouraged to prioritize their happiness and personal gain above all else.

However, studies show that finding purpose and meaning in one’s life, is essential for overall well-being. Finding purpose and meaning in one’s life refers to the process of discovering or creating a sense of direction and significance that gives one’s life focus and value. Psychologically speaking, it involves developing a clear understanding of one’s values, goals, and passions, as well as identifying the ways in which those things can be pursued and expressed in daily life. Research shows that having a sense of purpose and meaning in life is strongly linked to various psychological and physical benefits, such as increased well-being, better physical health, and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Therefore, it is a valuable pursuit and can be achieved through various means, including personal reflection, engaging in activities that align with one’s passions, and seeking guidance from mentors or professionals..

In conclusion, this purport from Bhagavad-Gita as It Is highlighting important principles of emotional intelligence, compassion, and duty. By understanding these concepts, we can learn to connect with others on a deeper level and support them in their battles, even when victory seems unlikely.