In this verse from the Bhagavad-Gita, Arjuna expresses his internal experience of anxiety and fear upon seeing his friends and family members ready to engage in battle. This is a common experience for individuals who are faced with challenging situations that pose a threat to their personal safety or the safety of loved ones. The physical reactions that Arjuna describes, such as trembling limbs and dry mouth, are “classic symptoms of the body’s fight or flight response”.

The body’s fight or flight response is a physiological reaction triggered by the sympathetic nervous system in response to a perceived threat or danger. This response prepares the body for immediate action by increasing heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure to deliver more oxygen and glucose to the muscles. It also causes the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which increase alertness and inhibit non-essential body functions such as digestion and immune system responses. Classic symptoms of the fight or flight response include increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, dilated pupils, trembling or shaking, and heightened awareness. While the fight or flight response can be helpful in emergencies, chronic stress can dysregulate the system and lead to negative health consequences over time.

Current research in the field of psychology confirms that the fight or flight response is an adaptive evolutionary response designed to protect us from danger. When we perceive a threat, the body releases stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare us to either fight the danger or run away from it. However, chronic exposure to stress can lead to negative physical and mental health outcomes, such as increased risk of chronic diseases, anxiety disorders, and depression.

Arjuna’s experience highlights the “importance of acknowledging our internal experience of stress and anxiety” and “finding ways to manage it effectively”.   

• Modern human psychology suggests that acknowledging our internal experience of stress and anxiety is crucial for our mental health and well-being. When we acknowledge our internal experiences, we can better understand and manage our emotions. By recognizing the sources of our stress and anxiety, we can take appropriate steps to address those sources, such as changing our behavior or seeking out therapy. Additionally, acknowledging our internal experiences can help us improve our communication with others, as we can more effectively express our emotions and needs. When individuals deny or ignore their internal experiences, it can lead to negative consequences such as increased anxiety and depression. Thus, according to modern psychology, it is important to acknowledge, accept, and address our internal experiences of stress and anxiety to maintain our mental well-being.
• According to modern human psychology, managing stress and anxiety means taking active steps to regulate our internal emotional experience. This can involve various strategies such as developing mindfulness skills, engaging in physical exercise, fostering social support, changing negative thought patterns, and seeking professional help when necessary. The goal of managing stress and anxiety is to prevent them from becoming chronic and overwhelming, as well as to improve our ability to cope with the challenges of daily life. When we successfully manage our internal experience, we are better equipped to maintain healthy relationships, meet our goals and obligations, and experience greater overall well-being.

Mindfulness-based techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, have been shown to be effective in reducing stress and anxiety. Additionally, seeking support from trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals can help individuals navigate challenging situations and improve their overall well-being.

Furthermore, Arjuna’s willingness to express his vulnerability and seek guidance from Lord Krishna serves as an example of the importance of seeking social support from trusted sources. Research has shown that social support can act as a protective factor against the negative effects of stress and improve one’s ability to adapt to challenging situations. In these ways, Arjuna’s experience serves as a timeless reminder that it is okay to feel anxious and fearful in the face of adversity, and seeking support from internal and external sources can help us navigate these experiences with greater ease and resilience.

Srila Prabhupada’ Purport, highlights the importance of genuine devotion to the Lord as a source of good qualities. According to his Purport, those who possess true faith and devotion possess Godly-like qualities, such as compassion, kindness, and soft-heartedness. On the other hand, those who lack faith and devotion may be advanced in material qualifications, but they lack these qualities. This is an intriguing concept that can be explored through the lens of human psychology.

Research in the field of “positive psychology” has shown that virtues such as kindness, empathy, and compassion are important for well-being and happiness.

Positive psychology is a branch of modern psychology that focuses on promoting positive emotions, behavior, and attitudes, rather than simply treating negative symptoms. It seeks to identify factors that promote happiness, well-being, and resilience in individuals and communities. Positive psychology research involves studying how people can cultivate a sense of purpose, develop meaningful relationships, and increase their sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in life. This can include exploring the impact of mindfulness practices, gratitude, and positive social connections on mental health and well-being. Positive psychology research also investigates how organizations and schools can promote positive environments and foster positive emotions and behavior among employees and students. The goal of this field is to help individuals and communities thrive, rather than just survive.

The passage also highlights the story of Arjuna, who was overwhelmed with compassion for the soldiers on both sides of the battlefield. The text notes that Arjuna’s soft-heartedness was not a sign of weakness but rather a characteristic of a pure devotee of the Lord. This is an interesting concept from a psychological perspective, as it suggests that being compassionate and caring may be considered a strength rather than a weakness.

Research has shown that people who exhibit high levels of empathy and compassion, tend to be more resilient and have better mental health outcomes. Compassionate individuals are also more likely to engage in “prosocial behaviors”,

Prosocial behavior refers to actions that are beneficial to others and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. It involves behaviors such as sharing, donating, volunteering, and helping others in need. Prosocial behavior is rooted in the desire to promote the well-being of others, rather than oneself.  From a psychological perspective, prosocial behavior can be attributed to a variety of factors, including empathy, compassion, moral reasoning, social norms, and cultural values. These factors can be influenced by a person’s upbringing, socialization, and environment. Prosocial behavior has been found to have numerous positive effects on the individual, including increased happiness, reduced stress, and improved relationships with others. Overall, prosocial behavior is an important aspect of human psychology that plays a crucial role in building a strong and supportive society.

In conclusion, this passage from the Bhagavad-Gita highlights the importance of genuine devotion to the Lord as a source of good qualities. The text suggests that those who possess faith and devotion have godly-like qualities, such as compassion and kindness, which are essential for well-being and happiness. From a psychological perspective, research has shown that cultivating these qualities can have positive impacts on both mental health and social relationships. Overall, this passage provides insight into the relationship between spirituality and psychology and offers a valuable perspective on the human experience.