From the specific to the universal (Why the Gita’s first chapter matters 3)
We learn best by an expert combination of the specific and the universal. Specifics catch our attention as when novels paint a vivid picture of [...]
When our inner map fails (Why the Gita’s first chapter matters 2)
Suppose we are driving on an important journey using a digital map, but suddenly our map stops working. That will leave us disoriented. We all [...]
The QUEST acronym (Why the Gita’s first chapter matters 1)
The Bhagavad-gita is widely known as a book of profound philosophy. Why does such a book start with an entire chapter whose content is largely [...]
Gita 10.11 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Now Krishna said I will [...]
10.11 How knowledge relates with devotion (Chatur-Shloki Gita analysis 13)
The Chatur-Shloki Gita offers a nuanced understanding of the relationship between knowledge and devotion. Let’s try to understand that relationship by considering a metaphor of [...]
10.11 How knowledge manifests in devotion (Chatur Shloki Gita analysis 12)
Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya “Move from darkness to light.” This well-known saying from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad succinctly conveys the essential purpose of human existence. Drawing [...]
Gita 10.10 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Bg 10.10 teṣāṁ satata-yuktānāṁ bhajatāṁ [...]
How devotion leads to dynamic intelligence (Chatur-Shloki Gita analysis 11)
Our destiny is determined by our decisions; the choices we make can radically alter our life’s trajectories. Unfortunately, the world can be so complex and [...]
Why our mood matters in our bhakti practice (Chatur-Shloki Gita analysis 10)
Suppose we meet someone whose words or gestures convey that they don’t want to be with us. Once we sense their feelings toward us, we [...]
How devotion encompasses our entire being (Chatur-Shloki Gita analysis 9)
In the Chatur-shloki Gita, the second verse (10.09) describes the characteristics of the devoted in terms of their thoughts, actions and words. These correspond to [...]
Chatur-Shloki Gita illustrated in the Krishna-Arjuna relationship (Chatur-Shloki Gita analysis 8)
The Chatur-Shloki Gita (10.08-11) can be analyzed in terms of what devotees do for Krishna (10.08-09) and what Krishna does for devotees (10.10-11). Let’s see [...]
Chatur-Shloki Summarized in terms of reciprocation (Chatur-Shloki Gita analysis 7)
If we read the Bhagavad-gita’s Chatur-shloki (its four-verse summary:10.08-11), it becomes evident that its essential theme is bhakti-yoga. And this yoga of love centers on [...]
Why speech matters so much in devotion (Chatur-Shloki Gita analysis 6)
In its second verse, the Chatur-Shloki Bhagavad-gita (10.08-11) states the characteristics of the devoted in terms of their thinking, living and speaking. Significantly, while it [...]
Devotion is seen through dedication (Chatur-Shloki Gita analysis 5)
Suppose someone claims that they are strong patriots. On observing them, if we find that they hardly do anything practical for their country, we will [...]
Devotion changes our inner home (Chatur-Shloki Gita analysis 4)
The Bhagavad-gita’s Chatur-Shloki (10.08-11) begins by stating that Krishna is the ultimate reality, loved by the enlightened (10.08). The next verse (10.09) states the characteristics [...]
How devotion balances the head and the heart (Chatur-Shloki analysis 3)
The first verse of the Chatur-Shloki characterizes those devoted to Krishna as buddha (enlightened) and bhava-samanvitah (infused with emotion). These two describers point to a [...]
The impact of knowing about God (Chatur Shloki Gita analysis 2)
The second half of the first verse of the Chatur-Shloki (10.08) states the result of knowing about Krishna: they become enlightened and wholeheartedly devoted to [...]
Defining and identifying the ultimate reality (Chatur-Shloki Gita analysis 1)
The first verse (10.08) of the Chatur-Shloki Gita (10.08-11) gives the definition and identification of God. In its first quarter, it states that God is [...]
Taking responsibility to help others choose wisely (Balancing independence and guidance series 7)
After Krishna concludes the Bhagavad-gita’s message, he asks Arjuna a two-part question: Has he heard attentively? Have his illusions been dispelled? (18.72) This question reflects [...]
Gita 06.40 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya 38-45: If the mind deviates the [...]
How Krishna precedes enlightenment with encouragement (Balancing independence and guidance 7)
In the Bhagavad-gita’s sixth chapter, Arjuna enquires about the fate of the unsuccessful yogi. In a question that spans three full verses (06.37-39), Arjuna asks [...]