The Bhagavad-Gita As It Is, is a Vedic scripture that offers guidance and wisdom on various aspects of life, including morality and ethics. In Verses 37-38, Arjuna questions the morality of engaging in sinful acts, such as killing one’s family or quarreling with friends, even though some people may see no fault in doing so due to their overpowering greed. These verses raise important issues about morality, empathy, and self-control that are relevant to the current science of human psychology.

Firstly, the verses highlights the destructive nature of greed, and how it can override our sense of ethics and morality. It is not uncommon for people to prioritize their self-interest over their moral obligations, especially when they are motivated by materialistic desires. However, this kind of selfish behavior can have severe implications for our relationships and our society as a whole. Therefore, we need to recognize the negative consequences of greed on our moral judgment and cultivate self-awareness to counteract them.

Secondly, the verse emphasizes the importance of empathy and our ability to recognize the inherent value of human life and relationships. In our pursuit of personal gain, we can often forget that our actions affect other people, particularly those closest to us, like family and friends. This blindness to the needs and feelings of others can lead to destructive conflicts that harm our relationships and our mental health. Thus, we need to cultivate empathy and recognize the inherent value of human relationships to guide our behavior towards moral acts.

This verse from the Bhagavad-Gita highlights the importance of recognizing the negative impact of greed on our morality and decision-making processes. It also underscores the importance of empathy and our need to cultivate a deeper sense of connection with others to guide us towards moral behavior. By integrating these principles into our daily lives, we can foster more meaningful connections and build a more ethical and compassionate society.

In his Purport to these Verses Srila Prabhupada, highlights Arjuna’s obligation to fight in a challenge issued by the party of Duryodhana. A ksatriya, or warrior caste, is expected to participate in such battles and games, and in this case, Arjuna cannot refuse. However, he recognizes the consequences and decides not to fight.

From a psychological perspective, this principle may align with the “concept of “obligation and the role it plays in motivation”.   Obligation refers to a sense of duty or responsibility to act in a certain way. When the effect of an obligation is good, such as fulfilling a commitment or helping others, it can be a powerful motivator. However, when the effect is negative or harmful, it can create internal conflict and emotional distress.

The concept of obligation refers to a perceived responsibility or duty to act in a certain way. In human psychology, obligation can be a powerful motivator for behavior. This is because individuals often feel a sense of obligation to fulfill their commitments and obligations, which can generate a sense of duty or responsibility to perform a particular action. The role of obligation in motivation can vary depending on the individual’s personality, values, and social context. For some individuals, fulfilling obligations can be a source of intrinsic motivation, providing a sense of personal satisfaction and gratification. For others, obligation may be experienced as externally imposed and may lead to a sense of resentment or resistance. Overall, the concept of obligation can have a significant impact on human behavior and motivation, influencing our decisions and actions in a multitude of contexts.

Arjuna’s decision not to fight demonstrates the complexity of obligation and the importance of considering the potential consequences. As a warrior, he has a duty to engage in battles, yet he recognizes the destructive nature of this particular challenge. In psychology, this dilemma can be viewed through the lens of “moral reasoning”, where individuals weigh the potential outcomes of their actions against their personal values and beliefs.

Moral reasoning is the process of making decisions about what is right and wrong or what is good and bad. It is influenced by culture, personal values, individual experiences, and social norms. The study of moral reasoning has been a central focus of modern human psychology and has led to debates on the nature of morality, the sources of moral beliefs, and the role of emotions and reasoning in moral decision-making. Moral reasoning is often guided by ethical principles or rules, such as fairness, justice, and respect for others. Researchers have identified different stages of moral reasoning, such as pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional, which describe the evolution of moral reasoning throughout a person’s life. Understanding moral reasoning is important for ethical decision-making and for promoting social and moral development in individuals and communities.

Arjuna’s decision suggests a cognitive processing of the situation beyond mere surface level, he seems to have given his duty more thought; leading to the conclusion that his own values coincide with not fighting this battle, even though he is obliged to.

It is also interesting to consider the concept of “free will” within this text.

Free will, in modern human psychology, refers to an individual’s ability to make choices and decisions freely, without being determined by external or internal factors. It is the belief that people have agency over their actions and can exercise control over their lives. This concept of free will is rooted in the idea that humans have consciousness, rationality, and self-awareness, which enable them to evaluate their options and make informed choices.

However, the concept of free will is a topic of debate among scientists who question the extent to which our actions are predetermined by genetics, upbringing, and social and cultural factors. Some argue that our decisions are influenced by a combination of conscious and unconscious factors, and that the notion of complete free will is an illusion. Despite these debates, free will remains a fundamental concept in psychology, philosophy, and ethics, providing a framework for understanding human behavior and decision-making.

While Arjuna is obligated to fight, he ultimately has the power to make his own decision. This parallels modern research into “motivation” and “decision making”, which highlights the importance of autonomy and personal agency in creating positive outcomes.

Motivation refers to the internal and external factors that drive an individual’s behavior and actions towards a specific goal. It is the process that leads to the initiation, direction, intensity, persistence, and termination of behavior. Motivation can be intrinsic (driven by internal interests, satisfaction, or personal goals) or extrinsic (driven by external rewards, punishments, or pressure).

Decision making is the process of selecting the best course of action among several alternatives. It involves gathering information, evaluating options, weighing pros and cons, and choosing a course of action that aligns with personal or organizational goals. Decision making can be based on various factors such as emotions, intuition, cognitive biases, or logical reasoning. It can also be influenced by external factors such as culture, social norms, or authority figures. Effective decision making requires clear thinking, accurate information, and a thorough analysis of the available options.

In this sense, Arjuna’s decision not to fight may be viewed as a reflection of his own values and personal agency, rather than a blind adherence to duty.

In the Purport Srila Prabhupada also discusses the concept of “obligation and its consequences for decision-making”.

In modern human psychology, obligation refers to a sense of duty or responsibility towards others or oneself. It can arise from various sources such as cultural norms, social expectations, personal values, and legal mandates. The feeling of obligation often guides decision-making by influencing one’s actions towards meeting these obligations or responsibilities.

The consequences of obligation on decision-making can be positive or negative. On one hand, fulfilling obligations can lead to a sense of pride, fulfillment, and trustworthiness in social relationships. On the other hand, failing to meet obligations can lead to guilt, shame, and damaged relationships. Moreover, obligations can conflict with each other, leading to difficult decision-making situations where one has to prioritize between competing responsibilities.

Therefore, understanding the nature of obligation and its consequences can help individuals make informed decisions that align with their values and desired outcomes while balancing their various obligations.

According to the text, Arjuna, a ksatriya or warrior, was obligated to fight and gamble when challenged by the party of Duryodhana. However, Arjuna was hesitant to accept the challenge and refused to fight. The text suggests that obligation is binding only when the effect is positive and that in the absence of a positive outcome, no one can be bound.

The Purport also addresses the idea of decision-making and how it relates to obligation. Arjuna chose not to fight despite his obligation because he could see the negative consequences. This decision-making process is an important aspect of human psychology and is influenced by factors such as cognitive biases, emotions, and personal values. Research suggests that people often make decisions that align with their values and emotions, even if it means going against social or cultural norms. Therefore, decision-making can be a complex process that is unique to each individual.

Finally, the Purport emphasizes the importance of considering the consequences of an action before making a decision. Arjuna believed that the other party was blind to the negative effects of the challenge and could not accept it. This highlights the importance of considering different perspectives and understanding the potential outcomes of an action. In psychology, this is known as “cognitive flexibility”>

 Cognitive flexibility refers to an individual’s ability to adapt to new situations or changing circumstances by adjusting their thinking and behavior accordingly. It involves the capacity to switch between different mental processes, perspectives, and strategies to solve problems, overcome obstacles, and achieve goals. Cognitive flexibility is a key component of executive function and mental agility, which are fundamental skills for success in various areas of life, such as education, work, social interactions, and emotional regulation. People with high levels of cognitive flexibility tend to be more creative, adaptable, resilient, and open-minded, whereas those with low levels of cognitive flexibility may struggle to cope with uncertainty, novelty, or complexity, and may exhibit rigid, repetitive, or perseverative behavior. Cognitive flexibility can be improved through various cognitive and behavioral interventions, such as mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, or cognitive-behavioral therapy.

In conclusion, the Purport by Srila Prabhupada, provides valuable insights into the concept of obligation and decision-making. By understanding the pros and cons of an obligation, considering different perspectives, and understanding the potential consequences of an action, individuals can make informed decisions that align with their values and contribute to positive outcomes.

Arjuna’s decision not to fight highlights the importance of weighing potential consequences and aligning actions with personal values. In this way, the text speaks to universal psychological principles that remain relevant today.