The net of material knowledge can’t net God
Suppose fishermen fish in an ocean using a net with one-inch holes. On failing to catch any fish smaller than one inch, suppose they declare [...]
Gita 08.25 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Bg 8.25 dhūmo rātris tathā kṛṣṇaḥ [...]
God’s existence is a matter of not mathematical probability, but of definitional necessity
Sometimes God’s existence is inferred from empirical observation. From the complexity of material objects and their inter-relationships, and the sheer improbability of such complexity emerging [...]
Gita 08.24 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Bg 8.24 agnir jyotir ahaḥ śuklaḥ [...]
We don’t have to defeat our lower desires – we can just let them lose
Tennis players don’t have to hit winners in each point; if they can just keep the ball in play, their opponent may tire and err, [...]
Gita 08.23 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya In next section it will be [...]
We need to come at least slightly out of ignorance to realize that we are in ignorance
When people are a little drunk, they can understand that they are intoxicated and need to be careful – they shouldn’t drive, lest they meet [...]
To use the truth for beating people on the head is to abuse the truth
When we understand that the Bhagavad-gita contains timeless truths meant for everyone, we may feel impelled to convince those around us about these truths. Such [...]
The mind may be a drinker, but the intelligence doesn’t have to be a bartender
Suppose a compulsive drinker enters a bar and orders drinks. The bartender may be obliged to obey, but if the drinker orders a well-wishing friend [...]
Don’t crave the feast in others’ plates – savor the feast in yours
Suppose we were invited to a feast in which everyone had slightly different delicacies on their plates. Suppose further that we got so caught in [...]
Gita 08.19 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Now Sri Krishna will continue this [...]
To save time, we need spiritual elevation more than technological innovation
We are frequently over-scheduled, over-worked, over-stressed. So, we naturally feel eager for things that promise to save time. Catering to our needs, scores of apps [...]
Gita 08.18 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Then next verse continues the theme, [...]
The two endings of the Gita point to the same end
The Bhagavad-gita has two endings based on the two nested conversations that comprise its narrative. The outer, framing conversation is at Hastinapura between Sanjaya and [...]
Gita 08.17 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya So how is Brahma’s abode destroyed? [...]
Don’t resolve what you will not fall for – resolve what you will stand for
When we succumb to a temptation, we may resolve, “Never again will I fall for that temptation.” While such a resolve is well-intentioned, it is [...]
Don’t let etiology distract from therapy
Suppose a person infected with malaria refuses to take any treatment without first seeing the mosquito that bit him, and knowing when, how and why [...]
Our impressions go with us, but they don’t have to grow with us
Suppose we change from an old computer to a new computer. Once we log in using our id, our browsing information – such as bookmarks, [...]
Gita 01.43 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Bg 1.43 utsanna-kula-dharmāṇāṁ manuṣyāṇāṁ janārdana [...]
Gita 01.32-35 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan 27 - 46 Arjuna’s lamentation [...]
Gita 01.31 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan So now he is speaking, [...]