In this Verse Arjuna expresses his desire to be killed unarmed and unresisting on the battlefield. This statement reflects a common human tendency to avoid pain and suffering, even if it means sacrificing our own lives. Modern psychology recognizes this as a “self-preservation instinct”, and it is believed to be one of the fundamental components of human behavior.

The self-preservation instinct, also known as the survival instinct, refers to the innate drive that humans and other animals have to protect themselves from harm or danger. This instinct plays an essential role in ensuring the survival of the individual and the species, as it influences behaviors such as seeking food, avoiding dangerous situations, and fighting or fleeing when threatened. The self-preservation instinct is closely linked to the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers the fight or flight response in response to perceived threats. However, in modern humans, this instinct can also manifest as a fear of the unfamiliar, a tendency to avoid risk-taking, and a preference for familiarity and routine. Overall, the self-preservation instinct is a critical aspect of human psychology that contributes to our survival and well-being.

Arjuna’s statement also highlights the importance of personal values and ethics in decision-making. Despite the fact that he is trained as a warrior and is commanded to fight, he is willing to sacrifice his life rather than compromise his moral principles. This is consistent with current psychological research, which suggests that individuals are more likely to adhere to decisions that align with their values.

Furthermore, Arjuna’s statement speaks to the significance of spiritual faith in coping with life’s challenges. Arjuna’s willingness to accept his fate on the battlefield is rooted in his belief in a Higher-Power and his acceptance of the ultimate outcome of the battle. This demonstrates the role of spirituality in promoting resilience and providing a sense of meaning and purpose in times of adversity.

The concept of soft-heartedness is an intriguing one, and is an essential principle highlighted in the Purport by Srila Prabhupada. The Purport explains that Arjuna, despite being a skilled warrior, did not want to fight his unarmed and unwilling foes. This decision was a result of his soft-heartedness, which came from his devotion to the Lord.

As per current scientific understanding, those who are more empathetic tend to have greater levels of compassion and exhibit more selflessness in their actions. However, empathy can also lead to emotional exhaustion, stress, and burnout. Moreover, excessive empathy can cause a person to become overly emotional, and they may find it difficult to maintain boundaries in their relationships.

Therefore, finding a balance between empathy and logic is crucial. While empathy and compassion are essential, making decisions solely on emotions can lead to unfavorable outcomes. In this case, Arjuna’s empathy led him to make a decision that could be detrimental to his well-being and that of his kingdom.

Additionally, the Purport mentions that it was customary in Kshatriya fighting principles not to attack unarmed and unwilling foes. This concept reflects the principle of “honor and respect for one’s enemies”.

The meaning of honor and respect for one’s enemies in modern human psychology is rooted in the concept of empathy and perspective-taking. It involves acknowledging the humanity and difference in the other, even if they are perceived as an adversary or enemy. Research suggests that maintaining a respectful and honorable attitude towards enemies may lead to greater understanding, de-escalation of conflict, and even potential reconciliation. Conversely, dehumanizing and demonizing enemies may lead to increased aggression and hostility. Therefore, honor and respect for one’s enemies is considered a crucial component of conflict resolution and building peace. However, it also requires a delicate balance, as being too empathetic towards enemies may be seen as weakness or betrayal by one’s own group, which can lead to further conflict and division. In modern-day, this principle is relevant in situations such as negotiation and conflict resolution. Honoring the other person’s perspective and understanding their concerns is an essential aspect of reaching a compromise in a conflict.

In conclusion, the purport to Verse 45 highlights some crucial principles with regard to empathy and ethical behavior. While empathy and compassion are essential, making decisions solely on emotions can lead to unfavorable outcomes. Furthermore, honoring and respecting one’s enemies is still relevant in modern-day conflict resolution, and understanding their perspective is crucial to reaching a compromise. Therefore, finding a balance between empathy and logic is essential for ethical decision-making.