Verse 15 emphasizes the importance of sound in the epic battle of Kurukshetra. The verse mentions three different types of conch shells blown by Lord Krishna, Arjuna, and Bhima respectively. Each conch shell had a unique sound and meaning.

From the perspective of human psychology, this verse can be analyzed in various ways:

Firstly, the use of sound in the battle suggests the psychological impact it has on the warriors. Sounds can evoke emotions and impact, the mental state of an individual, therefore, the emphasis on the various sounds of the conch shells is to indicate the different psychological states of the warriors.

Secondly, the fact that Lord Krishna, Arjuna, and Bhima used different conch shells highlights their individual personalities and mental states. Lord Krishna blowing the Pancajanya symbolizes his divine power and confidence.

The concepts of “divine power” and “confidence” can be explored from various perspectives within modern psychology. Divine power may refer to a sense of connection to something greater than oneself that provides a source of strength and guidance. This can manifest as faith or a belief in a higher power, such as a deity or the universe itself. Confidence, on the other hand, may be seen as a sense of self-assurance or belief in one’s ability to succeed based on past experiences and a positive self-image. Building confidence may involve setting achievable goals, practicing positive self-talk, and developing a growth mindset. Both divine power and confidence can contribute to a sense of purpose, inner strength, and resilience in the face of challenges.

On the other hand, Arjuna blowing the Devadatta conch shell represents his devotion and his spiritual connection.

• Devotion refers to a strong commitment to a particular cause, person or belief. In the context of spirituality, it often refers to one’s deep commitment to a particular deity, religious leader or spiritual practice. Devotion helps an individual to connect with their spiritual self and create a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
• Spiritual connection, on the other hand, refers to the deep sense of connection an individual feels with something bigger than themselves. This can be experienced as a connection to a divine being, nature, the universe, or a higher power. This connection often presents as a feeling of peace, love, and harmony. Spiritual connection can offer individuals a sense of purpose, meaning and happiness in life, leading to increased personal growth, self-awareness, and wellbeing. Overall, devotion and a strong spiritual connection can provide individuals with a sense of inner peace and clarity, which helps them navigate life’s challenges.

Bhima’s use of the Paundora conch shell, which is known for its loud and aggressive sound, highlights his fierce and determined nature.

In modern human psychology, the meaning of “his fierce and determined nature” refers to an individual’s innate or acquired personality traits that drive them to pursue their goals with intensity and perseverance. The term “fierce” implies that the person exhibits a strong and competitive attitude, while “determined” suggests that they are persistent and resolute in the face of challenges. These traits can be linked to various factors such as genetic predispositions, childhood experiences, and cultural influences. A person’s fierce and determined nature can empower them to achieve great things, but it may also lead to negative consequences such as aggression, burnout, or lack of empathy for others. Overall, the meaning of this phrase is closely related to how a person’s personality shapes their behavior and attitudes towards achieving their goals.

Finally, this verse emphasizes the importance of individuality in psychology. In modern human psychology, individuality is a central concept that emphasizes the uniqueness of each person’s experiences, emotions, and behaviors. It recognizes that individuals differ in their cognitive and emotional processes, which influence their behaviors and reactions to situations. The importance of individuality in psychology emphasizes the need to consider the underlying factors that shape an individual’s personality, such as biological, social, and environmental influences. Furthermore, individuality suggests that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health treatment, and psychologists must identify and acknowledge individual differences to provide effective interventions. Individuality highlights that each person’s growth and development are unique, with different life experiences, worldview, and values. Understanding the importance of individuality in psychology is crucial for developing tailored treatment plans that address an individual’s specific needs and contribute to their well-being.

The Bhagavad-Gita, speaks about the nature of God and the human mind.  In the Purport to the Verse Srila Prabhupada, states that Lord Krishna is the owner of all senses and living entities are part and parcel of Him. The senses of the living entities are also part of His senses, and He directs them in terms of their surrender to Him. The Lord directly controls the transcendental senses of Arjuna, a pure devotee, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

This idea of surrendering the senses to a higher power, is similar to the concept of mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment without judgment, and accepting what is happening without trying to change it. Surrendering our senses to a higher power can be seen as a form of mindfulness, as it requires us to be present, and accept our circumstances as part of a larger plan.

Srila Prabhupada Purport also speaks about the different names of Lord Krishna and their significance. For example, his name Govinda means he gives pleasure to the cows and the senses. This illustrates the importance of finding pleasure in simple things like being in nature or spending time with loved ones. Focusing on simple pleasures can bring us closer to our senses and help us appreciate the world around us.

Furthermore, the Purport, speaks about the importance of the sounds of the conch shells blown by the different personalities on the side of the Pandavas. These sounds were encouraging to the fighting soldiers and gave them hope. This illustrates the power of positive reinforcement and how it can motivate us to continue in difficult situations.

Overall, the Purport to Verse 15 from Bhagavad-Gita As-It-Is emphasizes the importance of surrendering our senses to a higher power, finding pleasure in the simple things, and the power of positive reinforcement. These principles are relevant to the current science of human psychology and can be useful in promoting mindfulness and resilience in our daily lives.