In Verse 44,, Arjuna laments the tragic irony of having to prepare for a great and sinful act of war against his own kinsmen to satisfy his desire for royal happiness. Psychologically speaking, this verse highlights a significant aspect of human behavior – “the conflict between our desires and moral values”.

The conflict between our desires and moral values is a key topic in modern human psychology. This conflict arises because individuals often have conflicting desires and values, leading to a difficult decision-making process. For example, if someone desires to cheat on an exam but knows that it is morally wrong, they may experience internal conflict as a result. This conflict can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety, and often requires a careful balance between our wants and what we know to be right. Some psychologists theorize that this conflict is an innate part of human nature, as we evolved to balance our individual desires with the needs and expectations of society. Others argue that the conflict between these two factors is a result of the cultural and social structures that we are born into. Regardless, the conflict between our desires and moral values is a crucial aspect of human psychology, affecting our choices and actions on a daily basis.

The desire for happiness is a fundamental aspect of human nature. However, in chasing happiness, we often overlook the moral implications of our actions. Desires, if not controlled, can lead us to commit sinful acts even though we know they are morally and ethically wrong.

Moreover, this conflict between our desires and values can lead to cognitive dissonance – a state of mental discomfort that arises when our beliefs and actions contradict each other. In Arjuna’s case, he is conflicted between the desire for happiness and his moral obligation to protect his own people.

Psychologically speaking, the verse also highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in managing our desires and conflicts. The science of modern human psychology defines emotional intelligence as the ability to identify, regulate, express, and understand emotions. In managing our desires and conflicts, emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in helping us navigate and respond to our emotions and the emotions of others effectively. By developing emotional intelligence, we can increase our self-awareness and self-regulation, allowing us to recognize and manage our desires and impulses with greater ease and control. Additionally, emotional intelligence helps us to develop stronger interpersonal skills, such as empathizing with others and effectively communicating our own emotions. With the ability to manage our desires and conflicts in a more emotionally intelligent way, we can improve our relationships, make better decisions, and lead happier, more fulfilling lives..

The Purport to Verse 44, by Srila Prabhupada, raises several points that align with the current science of human psychology.

First, the text highlights the existence of selfish motives that can drive individuals to engage in immoral behavior. While humans are capable of altruistic acts, evolutionary psychologists suggest that selfishness can also be an adaptive trait. Resources, such as food and shelter, are scarce and individuals who prioritize their own survival tend to outcompete those who do not. Therefore, selfishness may be an innate tendency in humans, although cultural norms and moral principles can override it.

Second, the text argues that such selfish motives can lead individuals to engage in heinous acts, such as killing one’s own kin. The phenomenon of killing kin is known as fratricide and has been observed throughout human history. Evolutionary psychology suggests that this behavior is rooted in kin selection, where individuals prioritize the survival of their close kin over others. This behavior can be observed in many animal species as well. However, cultural norms and moral principles have developed to curtail such behavior.

Third, the text notes that Arjuna, a devotee of the Lord, is conscious of moral principles and takes care to avoid such activities. Moral principles serve as a guide for human behavior and are shaped by cultural and religious beliefs. The development of moral principles is influenced by various factors, such as group dynamics, socialization, and environmental contexts. Thus, individuals who are deeply committed to their religious or moral beliefs tend to adhere to these principles more closely.

In conclusion, the Purport to Verse 44 highlights several principles that align with the science of human psychology. Selfish motives can drive individuals to engage in immoral behavior, but cultural and religious beliefs have developed as a check on such behavior. Further understanding of the evolutionary and cultural factors that influence human behavior can provide insights into the development of moral principles and the prevention of harmful behavior. It emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in managing this conflict.