Our problems introduce us to ourselves
Problems. We often dread them. We feel that we already have enough of them. And yet life keeps piling more. In and of themselves, problems [...]
The mind is not just a liar but also a traitor
We all experience that the mind frequently incites us to do things that we regret later. To protect ourselves from such self-defeating actions, we can [...]
The sacrifice of life, the life of sacrifice
Those who become martyrs for a noble cause often awe others. For most people, nothing is as dear as life. So, martyrs inspire awe. We [...]
Be grateful for everything we can live without
We often approach Krishna for getting some things and feel grateful on getting them. This utilitarian and businesslike relationship with Krishna can’t truly satisfy us. [...]
The truth of beauty, the beauty of truth
Beauty attracts everyone. Poets sing about it; lovers bask in it; people dream about it. Many give up everything else for its sake. They see [...]
Is education changing the teacher within?
All of us have an inner teacher: our value system, our set of guiding principles that shape our decisions and determine our actions. For children, [...]
Are we mistaking solitary to be lonely?
Some people fear, “If I become too spiritual, I won’t be able to relate with most people for they are materially-minded. Won’t I end up [...]
Emptiness, Loneliness, Pointlessness
The religion of fanatical materialism is sweeping across the entire world. No doubt, materialism always had adherents throughout history. But what is alarming about modern [...]
Is it human nature to want to transcend human nature?
We humans exist as divided beings: divided between what we are and what we want to be. This quest for improvement comprises the essence of [...]
Are we praying for others or preying on others?
Our feelings about others are pointers not just to who they are but also to who we are. When we feel irritated by others’ faults, [...]
The enlightened vision and the benevolent disposition
Spiritual knowledge is a therapy for the soul. Just as medical knowledge brings with it the responsibility to help the sick, so does spiritual knowledge. [...]
No time to learn the language of faith?
Suppose students at a school don’t understand the subjects that are taught because they don’t the language in which the lessons are taught. When a [...]
Devotional service is the arena to become lost and found
Most people want to get lost in something. They find life routine and monotonous. Few things appear exciting enough to attract their full attention. Even [...]
Don’t massage or pinch the false ego; pat it onwards
The Bhagavad-gita treats our bodily misidentification paradoxically. It analyzes cogentlythat we are not our material bodies, but are souls. Yet out of the 25 names [...]
A talk that no one walks
Fanatical materialists claim that matter is all that exists and that consciousness doesn’t exist as an independent causal agent. Whatever consciousness seems to exist, they [...]
Are we bandaging an infected wound without cleaning it?
We often make resolutions to improve ourselves, to correct our unworthy behaviors, to live more spiritually. But we frequently fail in our resolutions. Why? Because [...]
The human talent for misery
We often use our talents to make ourselves miserable. Not intentionally of course, but creatively nonetheless. Addictions are a classic example. Individually, an addicted person [...]
Is the knife cutting to heal or to wound?
The scriptures compare the spiritual master’s words with a surgical knife. Those words cut through the misconceptions and illusions that bind materialistic people, thereby healing [...]
Activating our skeptical antenna
Insects usually have their antennae extended and on high alert. All the more so when they sense dangers, especially predators. As spiritual souls residing in [...]
Might we be running in the right direction on the wrong train
Suppose we want to go north, but somehow board a train going south. Will running northwards within the train take us to our desired destination? [...]
Map changes – and change maps
When we take a treatment, we intuitively map changes; we evaluate whether our health improves. Similarly, when we practice spirituality, we need to map changes: [...]