What are we seeking when we are speaking?
When we speak with others to persuade them about something, how can we make our speaking more effective? By remembering that speaking is meant to [...]
Be fearless, not tactless
Suppose a soldier feels inspired to fight fearlessly against a tyrannical invading army. But if he just charges single-handedly at that army, he will end [...]
Does devotion result in renunciation?
The bhakti tradition features sterling examples of great saints who became so devoted to Krishna as to completely renounce the world. Simultaneously, bhakti-yoga is celebrated [...]
Is our body fast becoming an ego feast?
Suppose we fast strictly on sacred days, abstaining even from water. When we see others eating normally, we may look down at them, thinking, “These [...]
How can we develop both materially and spiritually?
We may fear, “If we become too spiritually serious, that will undermine our material prospects. Conversely, if we become too materially ambitious, that will undermine [...]
Are we making things worse than they need to be?
Suppose we find ourselves in a place with fading light. Naturally, we will open our eyes wider to find our way. If instead we close [...]
When is fearlessness a facade for foolishness?
Suppose a child goes dangerously close to the parapet of a skyscraper. When his mother warns him, “Move away or you will fall down,” he [...]
Two ways to deter ourselves from wrongdoing
Suppose a child wants to sneak into the kitchen and eat all the cookies there, but doesn’t do so because his mother may discipline him. [...]
Are scriptural descriptions of Krishna literal?
When we hear the descriptions of Krishna given in scripture — for example, his complexion is bluish-black — we may wonder: Are such descriptions literal? [...]
How humility is non-different from curiosity
Suppose we are driving for an important meeting but can’t find the venue. Even if we are driving a limo, we may not hesitate to [...]
How to resolve arguments with our loved ones?
Suppose we get into an argument with someone, specifically a loved one with whom we want a long-lasting relationship. We may try to prove our [...]
The simple way to do something wonderful
Once an award-winning painter was asked, “How do you draw such magnificent paintings?” The painter’s reply: “One line at a time.” We often admire profusely [...]
When we can’t do anything wonderful …
Suppose someone we know does something wonderful that is widely lauded. If we try something similar and fail, we may feel insecure and miserable: “Why [...]
Why seeking something worthwhile is better than seeking something wonderful
Suppose we want to write a best-selling book. Suppose further we start worrying that what we write may not turn out to be so wonderful. [...]
How ability, maturity and spirituality can work together in our life
Maturity provides us the ability to use our ability properly; it underlies the steady temperament by which we can avoid getting carried away by life’s [...]
The easiest way to fail is the worst way to fail
Suppose we attempt something challenging and fail. We may feel disappointed, even devastated. Not wanting such negative emotions, we may choose the easy way out: [...]
When the urgent seems important and makes us impotent
Suppose we have ten urgent things to do that all seem equally important. If these ten things require us to go in ten different directions, [...]
Why our energy goes down — and how to restore it
Suppose our energy level starts dropping while we strive to manage our many to-dos. We might presume that we are weak, sick or just lethargic. [...]
How to let go of the unchangeable
Suppose a dream project of ours fails irrecoverably. Having no other alternatives, we may grit our teeth and struggle to let go of it, by [...]
Gita 02.40 explained
2nd ch - 4th sec 38 to 53 -> Now Krishna will answer Arjuna’s fear of sinful reaction argument: He will address by telling how [...]
Gita 02.32 explained
BG 2.32 yadricchaya copapannam svarga-dvaram apavritam sukhinah kshatriyah partha labhante yuddham idrisam SYNONYMS yadricchaya -- by its own accord; ca -- also; upapannam -- arrived [...]