The Yoga of Arjuna's Despair

After Bhishma's conch, the entire Kaurava army suddenly erupts—conches, drums, horns, all at once. This is mob mentality (sahasā): one person acts, everyone follows, creating 'tumultuous noise' (tumula śabda). But notice what's missing: strategy, coordination. It's reactive, not thoughtful. This teaches about performative confidence versus real confidence. When a group is collectively anxious, they create loud displays to mask inner doubt. The louder the noise, the greater the underlying fear. True confidence is quiet and assured. Noise often covers uncertainty.