The above quote is a dialogue between Arjuna and Lord Krishna, where Arjuna expresses his hesitation and reluctance to engage in a war against his own kinsmen. This dialogue serves as the basis for the central teachings of Bhagavad-Gita. Arjuna’s words reflect his inner conflict and confusion, which is a common human experience. The current science of human psychology suggests that inner conflict arises when there is a “discrepancy between one’s values and actions”.

The discrepancy between one’s values and actions is known in psychology as cognitive dissonance. This term refers to the mental discomfort or tension that arises when an individual’s beliefs, attitudes, or values are inconsistent with their behaviors or actions. As social creatures, humans tend to seek consistency and coherence in their thoughts, feelings, and actions. When there is a discrepancy between what we believe or value and the way we behave, this incongruity can cause psychological discomfort. Individuals may attempt to reduce this dissonance by changing their behavior, their beliefs, or their values. This could manifest as making excuses for their behavior or changing their attitudes to justify their actions. Alternatively, individuals may actively seek out new information or adopt new behaviors that align more closely with their values in order to reduce the tension caused by the cognitive dissonance.

Arjuna is conflicted because he values non-violence and is unsure whether killing his own kinsmen is the right thing to do. This is a common dilemma faced by people in everyday life. Behavioral science suggests that one’s life experiences and environment shape his or her values and beliefs. In this case, Arjuna was taught non-violence and respect for his elders since childhood, and his current context is challenging his beliefs.

Arjuna is seeking guidance from Lord Krishna, who represents spiritual wisdom and enlightenment. This dialogue highlights the importance of seeking guidance when faced with challenging situations. Psychology suggests that seeking help from trusted sources is crucial in stressful situations and can help in decision-making.

Arjuna’s words reveal the complexity of human emotions and decision-making. Emotions often cloud our judgment, and we are unable to make rational decisions. Behavioral science suggests that emotions and feelings play a vital role in human decision-making. In this case, Arjuna’s love for his kinsmen is influencing his decision, even though it contradicts his values.

Srila Prabhupada offers an interesting perspective on the psychology of aggression and forgiveness in his Purport to Verse 36. He explains that according to Vedic injunctions, there are six kinds of aggressors who are to be killed without incurring any sin. The six kinds of aggression are poison giving, arsonists, deadly weapon attackers, plunderers, land occupiers, and kidnappers. These aggressive people are the “ordinary” aggressors that are to be killed out of necessity.

However, even though the laws of Vedic injunctions allowed for the killing of these six types of aggressors without incurring sin, Arjuna, the protagonist of this verse, has objections to this. Arjuna is not an ordinary man, but a saintly character that questions the morality of killing someone who could be considered family, teacher, or friend. Arjuna believes that forgiveness is more important than political emergencies and did not want to kill those who he knows and cares for. Instead, he wants to deal with them in a moral and saintly manner.

This moral dilemma highlights the inner conflict that arises from certain societal and cultural norms, which dictate a person’s behavior under certain circumstances. In Arjuna’s case, he is conflicted because his cultural norms dictate that he should kill aggressive people without incurring sin, but his higher sense of morality told him that forgiveness is more important. The conflict inherent in the opposing norms can lead to inner turmoil which can ultimately lead someone to reconsider the moral implications of their actions.

Additionally, the Purport also suggests that forgiveness is an important aspect of saintly behavior and is a characteristic that society should strive to emulate. Arjuna reflects this by considering forgiveness as more important than gaining temporary bodily happiness by killing those close to him. By choosing to forgive, he not only aligns himself with the moral principles of his society, but also reinforces the importance of forgiveness as a virtue that should be implemented in everyday life.

Furthermore, the Purport emphasizes the role of courage in bringing about change in society. It is not only important to strive for forgiveness but also to confront aggressors and aggressions without fear. Lord Rama, for example, was considered saintly by his people and remained calm under pressure even when faced with grave danger. Arjuna, as a kshatriya, in charge of the state’s administration, should display courage while remaining saintly. Through this juxtaposition of saintliness and courage, the text offers a balance between the need for forgiveness and the requirement to confront aggressive actions when necessary.

In conclusion, the Bhagavad-Gita As-It-Is provides a perspective that can be beneficial for a contemporary understanding of the human psyche. It highlights that conflicting moral norms can cause inner conflict, and it is important to align oneself with virtuous behavior while still demonstrating courage in the face of danger. The text reinforces the significance of forgiveness as a virtue and presents an ethical dilemma that poses an interesting point of discussion on the topic of morality.