10 BGAII a TOHP Chapter 02 VERSE 01: Contents of the Gita Summarized

Bhagavad-gita As It Is

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

A Treatise on Pure Human Psychology

By Upendranath Dasa

Chapter 2, Verse 1

Contents of the Gita Summarized

Other Chapter Menus

Website Page Particulars & Essentials

Author’s Notes

How I First Made Contact with Bhagavad-gita As It Is

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

REVIEWS

SETTING THE SCENE

Bhagavad-gita As It Is

A Treatise on Pure Human Psychology

Chapter 1: Observing the Armies on the Battlefield of Kuruksetra

Chapter 2: Contents of the Gita Summarized

Chapter 3: Karma-yoga

Chapter 4: Transcendental Knowledge

Chapter 5: Karma-yoga-Action in Krishna Consciousness

Chapter 6: Dhyana-yoga

Chapter 7: Knowledge of the Absolute

Chapter 8: Attaining the Supreme

Chapter 9: The Most Confidential Knowledge

Chapter 10: The Opulence of the Absolute

Chapter 11: The Universal Form

Chapter 12: Devotional Service

Chapter 13: Nature, the Enjoyer, and Consciousness

Chapter 14: The Three Modes of Material Nature

Chapter 15: The Yoga of the Supreme Person

Chapter 16: The Divine and Demoniac Natures

Chapter 17: The Divisions of Faith

Chapter 18: Conclusion-The Perfection of Renunciation

Purport by Srila Prabhupada

Purport 2.1: Material compassion, lamentation and tears are all signs of ignorance of the real self. Compassion for the eternal soul is self-realization. The word “Madhusudana” is significant in this verse. Lord Krishna killed the demon Madhu, and now Arjuna wanted Krishna to kill the demon of misunderstanding that had overtaken him in the discharge of his duty. No one knows where compassion should be applied. Compassion for the dress of a drowning man is senseless. A man fallen in the ocean of nescience cannot be saved simply by rescuing his outward dress—the gross material body. One who does not know this and laments for the outward dress is called a sudra, or one who laments unnecessarily. Arjuna was a ksatriya, and this conduct was not expected from him. Lord Krishna, however, can dissipate the lamentation of the ignorant man, and for this purpose the Bhagavad-gita was sung by Him. This chapter instructs us in self-realization by an analytical study of the material body and the spirit soul, as explained by the supreme authority, Lord Sri Krishna. This realization is possible when one works without attachment to fruitive results and is situated in the fixed conception of the real self

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Verse 1

Sanjaya said: Seeing Arjuna full of compassion, his mind depressed, his eyes full of tears, Madhusudana, Krishna, spoke the following words

Commentary

This Verse highlights Arjuna’s mental state as “full of compassion, his mind depressed, his eyes full of tears”. It demonstrates the complexity of human emotions and how even seemingly positive emotions such as compassion can lead to overwhelming distress. This is particularly relevant to current science on human psychology, where studies have shown that empathy and compassion have a dark side, leading to emotional exhaustion, burnout, and even depression.

Empathy refers to the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It involves recognizing the emotions someone else is experiencing and imagining what it would be like to experience those emotions oneself. Empathy is a crucial aspect of human social interaction, as it helps individuals to relate to and connect with others on a deeper level. It is also an important skill in fields such as counseling, healthcare, and conflict resolution, where understanding and responding to others’ emotions is essential. While empathy is a natural human tendency, it can also be developed and improved through practice and mindful attention to others’ perspectives and emotions. By cultivating empathy, individuals can become more compassionate, understanding, and effective communicators.

Compassion is a fundamental aspect of human psychology, recognized as the ability to experience feelings of empathy, sympathy, and concern for the suffering of others. It involves a desire to alleviate the pain and suffering of others, and it is often considered a key element of prosocial behavior. Compassion is thought to arise from a combination of emotional, cognitive, and motivational processes, which depend on social, cultural, and personal influences. Psychological research on compassion has shown that it has numerous positive effects on mental and physical well-being, such as reducing stress, improving relationships, increasing happiness, and strengthening the immune system. Compassion can be cultivated through mental training exercises and interventions, and it has the potential to enhance individual and collective resilience, altruism, and social harmony. Additionally, the verse underlines the importance of seeking emotional support in times of distress. Krishna, a friend and confidant, offers words of comfort and guidance to Arjuna. This is a crucial reminder that seeking help from friends, family, or professionals is a vital step in managing one’s mental health. The verse presents the ideal of a supportive and caring community, where individuals can find solace in each other’s company.

Empathy and compassion are commonly seen as positive attributes of human behavior. However, the science of modern human psychology suggests that these traits can have a darker side. Firstly, excessive empathy and compassion can lead to burnout and emotional exhaustion. People who are highly empathetic may absorb the emotions of others, leaving them drained and unable to focus on their own emotions. Additionally, empathy and compassion can be selective, leading to favoritism and bias towards those who are similar to us or whom we perceive as being in greater need. Finally, empathy can be used to manipulate others, as people who are empathetic may be more easily persuaded or swayed by the emotions of those around them. Therefore, while empathy and compassion are generally seen as positive traits, they should be tempered with appropriate self-care, self-awareness, and a solid understanding of boundaries.

Finally, the verse highlights the interconnectedness of human emotions, thoughts, and actions. Modern human psychology posits that emotions, thoughts, and actions are interconnected and influence each other. Emotions can influence thought patterns and decision-making processes. In turn, thoughts and actions can also influence emotions. For example, if someone consistently thinks negative thoughts, they may feel sad or anxious. Likewise, if someone consistently engages in physical activities, they may experience positive emotions and improve their mental health.

Another aspect of interconnectedness is social influence. Human emotions, thoughts, and actions can also be influenced by the people around us. Social norms and expectations can shape individual behavior, and emotions can be contagious within social groups.

Ultimately, recognizing the interconnectedness of human emotions, thoughts, and actions can help individuals better understand and manage their own mental health and improve their relationships with others.

Arjuna’s mental state affects his decision-making ability, and Krishna’s words aim to alleviate his distress and guide him towards a more balanced perspective. This symbiotic relationship between mental health and decision-making is a key principle in current psychological research. It reinforces the idea that emotional well-being is just as important as cognitive ability when it comes to making rational decisions.

The Purport to Verse 1 by Srila Prabhupada, echoes some of the essential principles of modern human psychology. The text suggests that material compassion, lamentation, and tears, are signs of ignorance of the real self. This statement aligns with research in psychology indicating that individuals who are more focused on materialism, external validation, and achievement of outcomes they believe will make them happy, are often less satisfied and fulfilled in life. In contrast, those who focus on internal growth, self-realization, and connection to a greater sense of purpose, tend to feel greater satisfaction and meaning in life.

The purport also explains that compassion for the eternal soul is a form of self-realization. This assertion is in line with contemporary psychological research indicating that a sense of connection to something greater than oneself is essential for happiness and well-being. Compassion for others, generosity, and altruism, have all been linked to greater life-satisfaction, meaning, and happiness. Furthermore, research indicates that individuals experience greater well-being when they shift from a focus on the self to a focus on others.

The notion that one cannot rescue a drowning man by saving only his outward dress, aligns with modern psychology’s emphasis on addressing underlying causes rather than just symptoms.

Modern psychology emphasizes addressing underlying causes rather than just symptoms because it recognizes that symptoms are just the external manifestations of underlying issues. By identifying and addressing the root cause of a problem, psychologists can effectively treat their clients and help them achieve lasting change. For example, if someone is experiencing anxiety, rather than just treating the symptoms with medication, modern psychology seeks to understand the underlying causes of the anxiety, such as past trauma or a difficult life situation, and works to address those issues. By addressing the underlying causes, the person can experience lasting relief from their anxiety rather than just temporary relief from their symptoms. The emphasis on addressing underlying causes is a more holistic and comprehensive approach to psychology that recognizes the interconnectedness of mental and emotional issues.

When distress or illness arises, it is often the result of deeper entrenched issues that require attention. The whole person must be seen to be effectively addressed. Similarly, in therapy, mental health professionals often seek to address the root causes of a client’s issue rather than just treating surface symptoms. Addressing the underlying causes of distress can promote long-lasting change and healing.

In conclusion, the Purport to Verse 1, by Srila Prabhupada, highlights essential principles of human psychology still relevant today. The text states that self-realization, internal growth, and compassion are integral to living a fulfilling life, and superficial changes or outcomes will ultimately prove unsatisfying. It emphasizes the importance of looking beyond surface-level issues and addressing deeper underlying causes of mental distress. Overall, it promulgates the importance of maintaining an understanding of the self as the pathway to greater happiness, fulfillment, and well-being.

The Bhagavad Gita As It Is, Verse provides a profound insight into the complexity of human emotions and the importance of seeking emotional support during times of distress. It highlights the interconnectedness of mental health and decision-making, emphasizing the need for a caring community and comprehensive

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