Why indulgences that don’t seem dangerous may still be dangerous
We sometimes give in to certain sensual temptations that run contrary to the principles we hold sacred. And if we don’t suffer any serious negative [...]
Who is at fault = who is responsible?
Suppose while we are working from home, we see from a window our neighbor’s son playing with a ball. While following the ball, he runs [...]
Gita 03.39 explained
Bg 3.39 āvṛtaṁ jñānam etena jñānino nitya-vairiṇā kāma-rūpeṇa kaunteya duṣpūreṇānalena ca Word for word: āvṛtam — covered; jñānam — pure consciousness; etena — by [...]
How lust distorts our value system
Suppose a shopping mall were built to psychologically manipulate consumers to buy anything that attracted them, without considering its cost. While such a mall would [...]
Gita 15.11 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Chp15 Overview 1-6: Attain Liberation [...]
Are we living inside an echo chamber?
Suppose we are walking through nature, while wearing earphones to hear music. Suppose further we are unwittingly heading into a dangerous marsh, and a well-wishing [...]
Gita 02.07 explained
So right now we are discussing 5th reason for Arjuna for not fighting the first four were 1> Compassion 2> Enjoyment 3> Sinful reactions 4> [...]
How to manage complexity?
Do you sometimes feel that your life is becoming too complex? Too many things to do? Too many things others want you to do? Too [...]
How to get the best of both positive thinking and negative thinking
Positive thinking works best when it keeps us focused on opportunities amid difficulties. Our attention usually follows our intention. If we aren’t looking for opportunities, [...]
Go beyond both negative thinking and positive thinking
Life is filled with binaries of ups and downs. In the world outside, we encounter binaries such as heat-cold, health-sickness, prosperity-poverty. And in the world [...]
Three kinds of negative thinking — and why they all aren’t undesirable
Nowadays, negative thinking is often criticized. However, what that term means is frequently left unspecified. Broadly, it can encompass three things. Thinking about negative realities: [...]
How thinking about negative truths can stimulate positive thoughts
Our mind often keeps us dissatisfied by looking at those who have more than us. Though such a vision can foster ambition, more often it [...]
Is stating that life is tough pessimistic?
Suppose a boxer is playing a boxing match where they are getting battered. Suppose they tell their coach, “This match is really tough.” And their [...]
You are not a negative thinker, even if your mind is
“You are such a negative thinker.” We may receive this discouraging feedback if we tend to look at problems in a given situation. Such labels [...]
When positive thinking affects our life negatively
“Think positively,” is an oft-circulated message in our self-help steeped culture. And it’s helpful to the extent it encourages us to look at a glass [...]
Tap the power of negative thinking
Yes, you read that right. We are discussing the power of negative thinking, not positive thinking. Every time a fire is prevented by an accessibly-placed [...]
Why champions of good causes are sometimes so intolerant (Thoughts on cancel culture)
Suppose someone champions a good cause such as making society more equitable. Yet if anyone objects to their particular plans for bringing about equality, these [...]
Does everyone who dies on a battlefield attain heaven?
The Bhagavad-gita (02.32) declares that warriors who die while fighting a righteous war attain heaven. Some readers ask, “Isn’t this statement similar to the extremist [...]
Are soldiers heroes or victims?
In many traditions, warriors were often praised as heroes; in much postmodern thought, they are often seen as victims. Why victims? Because nowadays soldiers often [...]
Gita 16.06 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Bg 16.6 dvau bhūta-sargau loke [...]
Do the epics glamorize violence?
Many thoughtful people, especially including parents, are concerned about the glamorization of violence in today's media. When they read epics such as the Mahabharata, they [...]