Human psychology is complex and multifaceted, influenced by a variety of factors such as social norms, leadership, and personal values. The quoted verse from Bhagavad-Gita highlights several of these factors, particularly the “desire for approval and validation from others”. This desire can often lead individuals to conform to group opinions and actions, even at the cost of ethical principles, a phenomenon known as “groupthink”.

• The desire for approval and validation from others is a natural human instinct rooted in our need for social connection and belonging. Modern human psychology suggests that this desire stems from our evolutionary history, where being accepted by and valued within a group was essential for our survival as a species. However, this desire can also be influenced by early childhood experiences and societal norms.
• Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon where a group of people with similar backgrounds, experiences, or interests tend to conform to each other’s opinions and beliefs without critically evaluating them. In this state, individual members of the group prioritize group harmony and cohesiveness over objectively assessing information and alternative viewpoints. Groupthink can lead to poor decision-making processes, as the group may overlook important details, ignore dissenting opinions, and underestimate risks. Groupthink can occur in various settings, from corporate meetings to political campaigns to social circles. Recognizing and avoiding groupthink is essential in promoting healthy, diverse, and creative discussions that lead to better decisions. Various methods such as assigning a devil’s advocate or having open-minded discussions can help reduce the impacts of groupthink.

In some cases, an excessive need for approval and validation can lead to low self-esteem, as individuals may rely heavily on external feedback to determine their self-worth. It can also result in people pleasing behaviors that may compromise one’s personal values and beliefs. Overall, seeking approval and validation from others is a normal part of the human experience but must be balanced with a strong sense of self-worth and autonomy.

In the context of the Bhagavad-Gita, the warriors’ desire to please the evil-minded son of Dhrtarastra has blinded them from the ethical implications of their actions, underscoring the importance of ethical decision-making and critical thinking.

According to modern human psychology, ethical decision-making and critical thinking are two crucial aspects of human behavior that contribute to individual and collective well-being. Ethical decision-making relates to the ability to make decisions that align with moral and social values, and to consider the consequences for oneself and others. Critical thinking, on the other hand, refers to the capacity to objectively analyze information, question assumptions, and evaluate evidence to arrive at informed conclusions. Ethical decision-making and critical thinking are also intertwined since ethical decision-making often requires critical thinking skills. Together, these practices are essential for developing personal and social responsibility, improving interpersonal relationships, and creating a fair and just society. Moreover, they promote self-awareness, empathy, and emotional intelligence, which are also key factors in mental and emotional well-being.

Moreover, the verse also underscores the influence of leadership on follower’s behaviors.  The influence of leadership on followers’ behaviors is a central topic in the science of modern human psychology. From a psychological perspective, leadership refers to an individual’s ability to influence, motivate, and guide others towards a common goal. This influence can have a powerful effect on the behaviors of followers, including their attitudes, beliefs, and actions. A leader’s behavior and communication style are two key factors that shape how followers respond to them. Leaders who model positive behaviors and communicate clearly and effectively often create a positive work environment that fosters trust and cooperation among followers. On the other hand, leaders who adopt a negative or authoritarian style can have a detrimental effect on followers’ behaviors, leading to lower morale, decreased motivation, and even conflicts within the team. Overall, the impact of leadership on follower behaviors underscores the importance of effective leadership skills in a variety of contexts, from business and organizational management to education and community development. Leaders can shape their follower’s attitudes and actions, and their actions have a significant impact on group dynamics. Effective leadership qualities such as empathy, communication skills, and emotional intelligence are more likely to inspire and motivate followers. Thus, leaders must act with integrity and ethical values to create a positive impact.

Verse 23 of the Bhagavad-Gita As It Is, highlights several key principles, that align with the current science of human psychology. One principle is the power of “mindfulness”.

Mindfulnessrefers to the practice of paying attention to the present moment non-judgmentally. It is a state of being aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in the current moment. This awareness is often fostered through meditation or mindfulness exercises, where individuals focus their attention on their breath, bodily sensations, or the environment around them. The goal of mindfulness is to increase one’s ability to regulate their emotions, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Mindfulness has been shown to have many benefits, including increased self-awareness, improved cognition and attention, and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is often used in therapies and interventions to promote mental health and emotional well-being.

Lord Krishna’s ability to draw up the chariot in the midst of the armies demonstrates his mindfulness, and presence of mind in a highly charged situation. Cultivating mindfulness in daily life, can lead to improved mental health, including decreased stress and anxiety, increased focus and attention, and improved relationships.

Another principle is the importance of faith.  Faith is a psychological state characterized by a belief in something that is not based on empirical evidence. It is often associated with religious or spiritual beliefs, but can also apply to any deeply held conviction or trust in a given idea or concept. In terms of human psychology, faith can serve a number of important functions. It can provide a sense of meaning, purpose, and direction in life, as well as a source of comfort and support in times of stress or uncertainty. For many people, faith also provides a sense of community and connection to others who share similar beliefs. While faith may not be grounded in logic or reason, it can still play an important role in shaping our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Faith is a belief and trust in a deity or other spiritual force seen as setting standards of conduct, responding to prayer, and (typically) assuring the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The psychological approach to the understanding of faith offers accounts of faith in terms of underlying psychological determinants such as needs, wishes, tendencies, etc.. One component of faith is a certain kind of affective psychological state—namely, a state of feeling confident and trusting.

Lord Krishna’s unwavering faith in Arjuna’s abilities, and in the righteousness of their cause, provided a sense of clarity and purpose for both of them. Faith has been shown to have numerous benefits for well-being, including increased resilience, improved relationships, and decreased stress. Lord Krishna’s example serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating faith in oneself and in others.

The text also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and alliances. Humans have a natural tendency to form alliances and work together to achieve common goals, but not all alliances are ethical or ideal. It is essential to evaluate the intentions and motivations behind the “alliances and collaborations” to ensure they align with “ethical principles”.

According to modern human psychology, alliances and collaborations refer to the partnerships that individuals or groups form with others to achieve common goals or objectives. These partnerships involve a mutual agreement to work together towards a shared aim and often require a high level of coordination and cooperation to ensure success.

Furthermore, when these alliances and collaborations are formed, it is essential that they are aligned with ethical principles. Ethical principles refer to the moral standards that guide good behavior and decision-making. Aligning alliances and collaborations with ethical principles means that they should be based on values such as honesty, fairness, respect, and accountability. By doing so, individuals and groups can promote a sense of trust, mutual respect, and social responsibility, which are all crucial for building strong and productive partnerships.

Finally, the verse highlights the power of confidence and “self-efficacy”.

Self-efficacy is a term used in modern human psychology to describe an individual’s belief in their own ability to successfully accomplish a particular task or goal. This belief can be influenced by various factors such as personal experiences, feedback from others, and the general environment of the individual. Self-efficacy is considered a crucial component in determining how motivated and persistent an individual will be in pursuing their goals. Research has shown that individuals with high levels of self-efficacy are more likely to take on challenges, put in effort, and persist in the face of obstacles. On the other hand, individuals with low levels of self-efficacy may give up easily and be less likely to take risks. Therefore, self-efficacy is an important aspect to consider in personal and professional development as it can impact an individual’s achievements and success. Arjuna’s confidence in winning the battle was strengthened by Lord Krishna’s presence, exemplifying the concept of self-efficacy. Individuals who have faith in their ability to achieve desired outcomes are more motivated, persistent, and put forth more effort in attaining their goals.

In conclusion, the Bhagavad-Gita provides essential insights into human behavior and psychology. Understanding the factors that influence human behavior, such as social norms, leadership, and personal values, can help individuals make better choices and create a positive impact in their lives and the lives of those around them..