The Bhagavad-Gita provides a profound insight into the importance of seeking guidance and counsel from a wise and trusted mentor. This is supported by the science of human psychology, which has shown that having a mentor can provide benefits such as improved self-confidence, greater purpose and improved decision-making skills. Additionally, Lord Krishna’s ability to remain calm and centered in chaotic situations demonstrates the importance of emotional regulation in maintaining mental health and well-being. By staying calm amidst highly stressful situations, individuals can make better decisions and avoid being overwhelmed by their emotions.

Furthermore, Lord Krishna’s role as a supportive and collaborative leader symbolizes effective leadership, as characterized by “empathy”, “humility”, and “a willingness to work together with others towards achieving common goals”. This principle of collaboration and teamwork is essential, as individuals can achieve more together than alone.

• Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It is an important trait in human psychology that allows individuals to connect and relate to others on a deeper level. Empathy involves recognizing the emotions of others, imagining what it feels like to be in their shoes, and responding with care and concern. It is a complex psychological process that involves cognitive, emotional, and behavioral components. Empathy has been linked to increased emotional intelligence, social competence, and stronger interpersonal relationships. It allows individuals to communicate effectively, build trust, and form meaningful connections with others. Empathy has also been found to have positive effects on mental health and well-being.
• Humility, according to modern human psychology, is the quality of being modest and having a respectful attitude towards oneself and others. It is the ability to recognize one’s limitations and not place oneself above others. Humility is often seen as a characteristic of emotional intelligence and is associated with higher levels of self-esteem and greater psychological well-being. Humble individuals are more likely to seek help from others and acknowledge their mistakes, which can lead to personal growth and improved relationships with others. In contrast, individuals lacking in humility may struggle with empathy, have difficulty admitting mistakes, and engage in behavior that is arrogant or egotistical. Overall, humility is seen as an important trait for personal growth and social connections.
• Modern human psychology suggests that a willingness to work together with others towards achieving common goals is a manifestation of human sociality and the need for social connections. According to theories of social interdependence, humans are social creatures who inherently rely on each other to satisfy basic needs. This makes collaboration and cooperation essential for human survival and prosperity. In this sense, a willingness to work together towards achieving common goals reflects an understanding of the interconnectedness and interdependence of human beings. Such an attitude fosters positive social relationships, social harmony, and collective well-being. Additionally, working together towards a common goal creates a sense of collective identity and purpose, which can inspire motivation, commitment, and creativity in individuals. Overall, the willingness to collaborate towards shared goals is a fundamental aspect of human psychology that contributes to social progress and human flourishing.

The Bhagavad-Gita also highlights the importance of staying in a constant state of connection with the divine, as a means towards overcoming ignorance and sleep. Modern psychology supports this idea through mindfulness practices that involve focusing one’s attention on the present moment. When someone constantly thinks about and is in connection with the divine, they can conquer both sleep and ignorance and enter a state of flow or samadhi, which has been linked to increased happiness, creativity, and overall well-being.

Empathy and “perspective-taking”, as illustrated by Lord Krishna’s ability to understand Arjuna’s purpose in placing the chariot in the midst of the armies, are crucial aspects of positive social interactions. Empathy and perspective-taking can significantly improve communication and relationships with others, which is essential for a fulfilling and healthy life.

Perspective-taking is a process in which an individual tries to understand and consider the point of view or perspective of another person in a particular situation. It involves putting oneself in someone else’s shoes to perceive things from their viewpoint, emotions, and thoughts. This process enhances one’s empathetic ability, reduces stereotypical judgments and promotes more positive social interactions. Perspective-taking is fundamental in fostering interpersonal relationships, as one can understand and communicate effectively with others, regardless of their background and experiences. The concept is extensively studied in social psychology, sociology, and cognitive psychology. Overall, perspective-taking is an essential skill for interacting with others, working in teams, making decisions, and resolving conflicts. The ability to understand and empathize with others’ experiences and viewpoints increases the probability of mutual understanding, creating an overall positive environment for communication, personal, and professional relationships. In conclusion, the Bhagavad-Gita provides essential psychological principles that are timeless and relevant today. Seeking guidance from a mentor, practicing emotional regulation, collaborating with others to achieve common goals, staying mindful in the present moment, and displaying empathy and perspective-taking are vital components of human psychology that promote mental health and overall well-being. As a helpful assistant, this commentary has demonstrated how ancient texts and current research intersect to provide guidance towards leading a healthy, fulfilling and successful life..

In the purport to Verse 24 of Bhagavad-Gita as It Is, Srila Prabhupada explains how Arjuna’s friendship with Krishna helped him conquer both sleep and ignorance. Sleep is referred to as ignorance because it can represent a lack of awareness or understanding. However, as a devotee of Krishna, Arjuna was able to constantly think of Krishna’s name, form, qualities, and pastimes, which enabled him to conquer both sleep and ignorance. This is because Krishna’s presence in Arjuna’s thoughts instilled a sense of “self-efficacy” in him, or a belief in his ability to attain victory with Krishna’s help.

Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s belief in their ability to perform a specific task or achieve a particular goal. It is a key component of modern human psychology, particularly in the field of motivation and behavior change. Self-efficacy is closely linked to a person’s confidence, perceived control over a situation, and prior experiences with similar tasks or challenges. When an individual has high self-efficacy, they are more likely to set ambitious goals, take risks and persist in the face of obstacles. Alternatively, individuals with low self-efficacy may feel intimidated by challenges, doubt their abilities, and may avoid trying new things altogether. Self-efficacy can be improved through successful, repeated experiences, positive feedback, and social support. It is a dynamic construct that changes over time in response to a person’s experiences and environment.

In psychology, self-efficacy is often bolstered by positive thinking and visualization, and it seems that Arjuna’s constant focus on Krishna is a form of positive thinking that helped him achieve a state of samadhi or Krishna consciousness. When we constantly think about our goals and imagine ourselves achieving them, we are more likely to believe in our own abilities and take action towards achieving those goals. In other words, having a strong mental image of success can help increase one’s self-efficacy.

Additionally, the purport notes that Krishna is the director of the senses and mind of every living entity, which suggests that seeking guidance or support from a Higher-Power could also increase one’s self-efficacy. This aligns with research on the benefits of spiritual or religious practices for mental health and well-being. Seeking support from a Higher-Power can instill a sense of hope and optimism, and give individuals a sense of control over their lives, which can ultimately increase their self-efficacy.

Overall, the purport to Verse 24 highlights the importance of self-efficacy and “positive thinking” in achieving success and growth.

Positive thinking is a psychological approach that focuses on the belief that one can improve their life through a positive mindset. This approach emphasizes the power of optimism, self-affirmation, and visualization to overcome obstacles and achieve success. Positive thinking has been linked to numerous benefits, including reduced stress, increased self-esteem, better mental and physical health, and higher levels of motivation. It can also enhance social relationships by improving communication skills and fostering a sense of empathy and understanding. In the context of achieving success and growth, positive thinking can change one’s perspective and attitude towards challenges. It can help individuals focus on opportunities rather than setbacks and find creative solutions to problems. Positive thinking does not deny the existence of problems, but it encourages individuals to approach these challenges with a hopeful, solution-oriented mindset.

By focusing on Krishna, Arjuna was able to conquer sleep and ignorance, and attain a state of samadhi—total absorption and trance of the mind and senses in consciousness of the Supreme Godhead and service to Him.. This serves as a reminder that cultivating a strong belief in one’s own abilities, seeking support from a Higher-Power, and maintaining a positive outlook can help individuals overcome challenges and achieve their goals.