The passage from Bhagavad-Gita describes a scene from a major battle where King Yudhisthira, and many other warriors blow their conch shells before the fight begins. There are several principles or points that emerge from this passage, which can be interpreted in light of the current science of human psychology.

The blowing of the conch shells can be seen as a form of ritual or symbolic behavior, that can have psychological effects on the warriors. Research shows that certain rituals or symbolic actions, can enhance one’s sense of control, and reduce anxiety, in uncertain situations. In this case, the blowing of the conch shells served to create a sense of unity and solidarity among the warriors, as well as increase their confidence and focus before the battle.

Next, the passage highlights the importance of “social support” and “belongingness” in coping with stress and adversity.

• Social support refers to the helpful assistance that people receive from their social connections, including family, friends, and other social networks. In modern human psychology, social support is recognized as a key factor in promoting health and emotional well-being. Strong social support can help people cope with stress, prevent emotional distress and mental health issues, and promote positive health behaviors. Social support can be emotional, tangible, or informational. Emotional support involves providing empathy, love, and reassurance, whereas tangible support involves providing physical resources or practical assistance, like helping someone move or babysitting. Finally, informational support involves providing advice, guidance, or information to help someone make decisions or solve problems. Overall, social support is an essential aspect of human social life that plays a vital role in promoting mental health and well-being.
• Belongingness is a basic human need to feel connected and accepted by others. It is a fundamental aspect of human psychology, which influences a range of emotions, behaviors, and cognitive processes. People naturally seek to be a part of a social group, as it provides them with a sense of security, identity, and purpose. Belongingness fosters feelings of positive emotions, such as happiness, satisfaction, and fulfillment. People who feel a sense of belongingness are more likely to be motivated and have higher self-esteem and confidence. In contrast, individuals who lack a sense of belongingness may experience loneliness, depression, and social anxiety. Therefore, one must fulfill the need for belongingness in order to attain psychological well-being.

The warriors on the side of King Yudhisthira are described as a diverse group of people, including friends, relatives, and allies. The fact that they all come together to fight for a common cause demonstrates the power of “social bonds” in promoting resilience and well-being, even in the face of extreme challenges.

In modern human psychology, a social bond In modern human psychology, a social bond refers to the emotional connection or attachment that an individual forms with others within their social group. This bond can develop through various experiences such as shared activities, mutual interests, and frequent communication. Social bonds can be formed with different groups such as family, peers, colleagues, and communities. These bonds contribute to an individual’s sense of belonging and give them a feeling of security and support. Strong social bonds have been linked to positive mental health outcomes such as reduced anxiety and depression, increased self-esteem, and enhanced resilience to stress. Moreover, social bonds play an essential role in regulating social behavior and can influence an individual’s ability to form and maintain relationships throughout their life.

Heroism is defined as taking a personal risk for the common good while others remain passive1. People we describe as heroic believe in what they are doing with such intensity that it is not a matter of if they act, merely a choice of how. Heroism is of fundamental interest to “humanistic psychology” and the field more broadly as an expression of “self-actualization” and a pinnacle social state (in other words “Adulthood”, which is a period of optimum mental functioning, when the individual’s intellectual, emotional, and social capabilities, are at their peak to meet the demands of career, marriage, and children).

Humanistic psychology is a branch of psychology that emphasizes the unique qualities of each individual, their subjective experiences, and the importance of personal growth and self-actualization. In humanistic psychology, individuals are considered to have free will and agency over their lives, and their personal experiences and perspectives are valued. This approach contrasts with more traditional behaviorist or psychoanalytic approaches that focus on external behavior or unconscious processes, respectively. Humanistic psychologists believe that individuals have inherent potential for growth and that their subjective experiences should be at the forefront of analysis and treatment. The humanistic perspective has had an enduring impact on psychology, influencing fields like positive psychology, transpersonal psychology, and existential psychology, among others. Ultimately, humanistic psychology seeks to understand and promote the flourishing of individuals within their unique life contexts.

Self-actualization is a concept in modern human psychology that refers to the innate human drive to reach one’s full potential or become the best version of oneself. It is the highest level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, where individuals strive to fully develop their unique talents, capabilities, and potentialities. The process of self-actualization involves a deep understanding of oneself, a strong sense of purpose and meaning in life, and a pursuit of personal growth and fulfillment. Self-actualized individuals typically exhibit characteristics such as creativity, authenticity, autonomy, spontaneity, and a deep concern for the welfare of others. In essence, the pursuit of self-actualization is about becoming all that one is capable of becoming, and living a life that is true to oneself. Psychologists believe that self-actualization is an ongoing process, with no final end point. Rather, it is a journey towards greater self-awareness and a more fulfilling life. Those who have achieved self-actualization are often characterized by a strong sense of purpose, personal fulfillment, and a zest for life. Humanistic psychology is a perspective that emphasizes looking at the whole individual and stresses concepts such as free will, self-efficacy, and self-actualization. It is a movement in psychology that supports the belief that humans, as individuals, are unique beings and should be recognized and treated as such by psychologists and psychiatrists.

The Bhagavad-Gita is a philosophical text that explores the human condition and the nature of reality. One of the key themes in this text is the importance of wise decision-making, particularly in times of conflict and uncertainty. Srila Prabhupada Purport, reflects on the disastrous consequences of unwise decisions made by a king and his advisors, and highlights the importance of taking responsibility for the outcomes of our actions.

The Purport to these 3 Verses describes King Dhrtarastra’s unwise policy of deceiving the sons of Pandu, and endeavoring to enthrone his own sons on the seat of the kingdom.  This decision sets in motion, a chain of events that leads to the deaths of many important figures, including the entire Kuru dynasty. Through this example, Srila Prabhupada emphasizes the importance of thinking carefully about the consequences of our actions, and considering the impact they will have on others.

The Purport also illustrates the dangers of excessive ambition and greed.

King Dhrtarastra’s desire to secure power for his own family leads him to ignore the potential risks and costs of his actions. This is a common pattern in human decision-making, as research in psychology has shown that people are often biased towards their own self-interests, and may prioritize short-term gains over long-term consequences. The Bhagavad-Gita reminds us of the importance of cultivating self-awareness and empathy, and taking a broader perspective when making decisions.

Finally, the Purport highlights the importance of recognizing our own agency and responsibility for the outcomes of our actions. Despite the fact that the disaster in question was largely caused by King Dhrtarastra’s actions Srila Prabhupada notes that “the whole catastrophe, was due to King Dhrtarastra, because he encouraged the policy followed by his sons”.  This is a powerful reminder that every individual has the power to contribute to positive outcomes, or to bring about harm through their choices and actions. By taking responsibility for our decisions and considering their potential consequences, we can work towards creating a better world for ourselves and others.

In conclusion, the passage from Bhagavad-Gita as It Is highlighting several fundamental principles of human psychology, including the importance of ritual and symbolism, social support and belongingness, and heroism. By understanding these principles, we can gain insights into the complex and dynamic nature of human behavior, and ultimately cultivate greater well-being and flourishing in our lives.