The mind’s feelings are frequently the soul’s failings
We are sometimes led astray by the mind’s feelings. For example, we may eat a lot because it feels good, but later it spoils our [...]
Life may not be logical but it is teleological
Teleology refers to ‘the perception of purposeful development towards an end.’ (American Heritage Dictionary) ‘Life is teleological’ means that whatever happens in our life is [...]
Focus not on breaking free from illusion; focus on holding on to reality
A person who is bound usually focuses on breaking free by, say, untying or cutting the binding ropes. That kind of focus is not the [...]
The soul is wise, but lust makes it otherwise
“What makes good people do bad things?” This is a question that has vexed thinking people throughout history. We all have probably witnessed acquaintances suddenly [...]
We have to sit in the city of nine gates, but we don’t have to be stuck in it
“You are not the body” is a basic teaching of the Bhagavad-gita. Even if we understand it, we can’t wish away our bodily incarceration – [...]
Determination is a function of not just intention but also purification
Suppose a public speaker while giving a talk is troubled by a persistent cough. Can the speaker deal with it merely by a resolute intention, [...]
Don’t read so much between the lines as to miss the lines
Erudite Gita commentators throughout history have unpacked its wisdom-filled verses in multiple ways. By examining the context, tone, word usage and similar details, they reveal [...]
Krishna’s mercy enables us to find him – and to find him fulfilling
The world we live in is like a maze. It offers us so many alternatives of what we can do, so many promises of what [...]
Far more important than the book cover is what the book covers
“Don’t judge a book by its cover” is almost a truism. Yet it has special relevance for the Bhagavad-gita because its cover can intrigue as well as beguile, for it [...]
Misery is not the cause of enlightenment – mercy is
Some seekers ask, “When afflicted with a deadly disease, some devotees take intense shelter of Krishna and make phenomenal spiritual advancement. If similar misery came [...]