Muni's PlayA retrospective psychological analysis of Arjuna’s state at the beginning of the Kurukshetra war suggests a diagnosis of a panic attack or mild depression with symptoms of anxiety and suicidal ideation.
This condition does not satisfy the criteria for Psychosis, Bipolar disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, or Generalized Anxiety Disorder. There is no past history of psychological decompensation despite preceding major stressors (Aranyavasam, Agnathavasam, etc.).
The Clinical Setting
- Context: Battlefield setting with an urgent need for crisis intervention.
- Patient (Arjuna): A great warrior and veteran with no significant neurotic traits or faulty coping patterns. Recently successful in battles (Uttara Gograhana) and initially enthusiastic about the current war.
- Therapist (Krishna): A long-time friend and mentor, highly respected, possessing “legendary mediating skills” and immense common sense.
Descriptive Psychopathology
| Domain | Symptoms | Verse Link |
|---|---|---|
| Anxiety | Weakness of limbs, dry mouth, shivering, goosebumps | Gita Verse 1.29 |
| Anxiety | Hand slipping (Gandiva), burning skin, dizziness/confusion | Gita Verse 1.30 |
| Depression | Negative thoughts, loss of desire for victory/pleasure | Gita Verse 1.32 |
| Guilt | Perception of the act as “Mahat Papam” (great sin) | Gita Verse 1.44 |
| Suicidal thoughts | Preference for being killed over fighting | Gita Verse 1.45 |
References
This analysis is based on the framework discussed in:
Bhat, P. S. (2012). Management of Crisis—The Bhagavad Gita Way. Psychology and Developing Societies. DOI: 10.1177/0975156420120102
Link: PDF