Protecting cows protects the cow protectors from greed
Some people ask, “Why does bhakti culture stress cow protection?” Multiple reasons. The cow is a gentle animal that gives us the same life-sustaining gift [...]
Hating the wrongs done to us blinds us to the wrongs done by us
When we feel wronged, we often magnify our side of the story, while minimizing any other side the story may have. Such was the disposition [...]
Even if we lose hope with ourselves, Krishna doesn’t
We often face difficulties because of outer conditions or inner conditionings or both. If these difficulties seem unresolvable, we may lose hope. Thankfully however, even [...]
Immigration to the spiritual world happens not by infiltration but by invitation
When two countries have huge economic disparities, people from the poorer country often try to immigrate to the wealthier country. And if they can’t enter [...]
As long as we are bound by desire, we will be bound to fear
Suppose an alcoholic is in a de-addiction center. Driven by desire for alcohol, they are sneakily seeking it somewhere. They will be fearful: will anyone [...]
The mind is not just a window; it is also a camera
The mind is like a window; it integrates inputs coming from the senses and presents them to the soul for processing (Bhagavad-gita 15.09). Of course, [...]
Devotion is not just reverential deference to God’s greatness; it is also passionate advocacy of his sweetness
Some people think that to be devoted means to perpetually bow down to God, being awed by his greatness. Yes, appreciating God’s greatness and submitting [...]
The most exhausting burden is a mask
If we see someone carrying a huge burden on their back, we may feel pity for them. Yet we ourselves may be carrying a heavier [...]
Don’t just keep waiting – keep pushing too
When urged to practice spiritual life, some people stay lethargic, saying, “I am waiting to get an inner call.” However, do we adopt such an [...]
Unconditional love doesn’t mean that whatever we do is loved; it means that whatever we do, we are loved
Some people say, “If God loves us unconditionally, he should let us do whatever we want. But in the Bhagavad-gita, he asks us to do [...]