Externals provide survival value, but internals provide value to survival
Struggle for survival is a fundamental characteristic of material existence. In this struggle, all living beings choose external things based on their survival value – [...]
The determination to serve Krishna doesn’t just herald victory – it is victory
The Bhagavad-gita concludes ((18.78) with a prophecy: when the devotee is one in will with the Lord, victory will ensue. This prophecy was fulfilled when [...]
Those who don’t see weakness as weakness degrade to meanness
We all have our weaknesses such as succumbing to temptations and compromising principles for expediency. Having weaknesses is a part of the package of being [...]
The fruit of meditation is taste for meditation
In worldly life, we usually do an action for some fruit other than that action – we may work not because we love the work [...]
The Gita is not just didactic but also therapeutic
Doctors give patients a didactic explanation centered on what is wrong (diagnosis). But the diagnosis is not the therapy, which involves taking some prescriptions. Thus [...]
The belief that what science can’t explain doesn’t need explaining is blind and blinding
Science has explained many mysteries about material nature. And it will explain more. Still because it focuses on matter, it can’t explain the non-material. However, [...]
Live for Krishna; live through Krishna; live in Krishna
“How can we live spiritually in the material world?” This question often confronts devotee-seekers. The Bhagavad-gita (12.08 - 12.12) outlines multiple descending levels at which we can [...]
Realizing our dispensability can be a prick for the ego or a balm for the heart
When we have many things to do and many people depending on us to do those things, we may think of ourselves as indispensable: “How [...]
Balanced bhakti brings bliss
Some people fear that becoming too spiritual will make them apathetic towards everything worldly. Apathy towards the world is not the defining characteristic of spirituality [...]
To understand God’s provision, first understand God’s vision
People sometimes ask, “If I devote myself to God, will he provide for my needs?” Yes, definitely; but to understand his provision, we need to [...]
The self-evident is not always evident to the self
The sun is self-luminous, yet those who are under a cloud can’t see it. The words of the Bhagavad-gita, especially its repeated proclamations of the [...]
The point of the world is to point beyond the world
When we see the distress, destruction and death that characterize this world, we may get the question: “What is the point of it all?” But [...]