How desires differ from emotions — and why the difference matters
How desires differ from emotions — and why the difference matters - When we make resolutions for self-mastery, we are often thwarted by our emotions [...]
How the Gita demonstrates its teaching
How the Gita demonstrates its teaching - The Bhagavad-gita concludes, in one sense, with Arjuna agreeing to do Krishna’s will (18.73). Yet the Gita continues [...]
How purpose makes pain bearable
How purpose makes pain bearable - Suppose a person dear to us is sick and in great pain. Suppose further the only available doctor is [...]
The way to a better future
The way to a better future - The future can be better than the present and we can play a part in bringing about that [...]
When God doesn’t seem to help us …
When God doesn’t seem to help us - Suppose we pray to God for help amid difficulty but the difficulty remains. Does that mean God [...]
What are we focusing on: connection or contribution?
What are we focusing on: connection or contribution? - While practicing bhakti, we may sometimes become discouraged, thinking, “I can’t make any worthwhile contribution.” To [...]
Whose place are we seeking in devotion: ours or someone else’s?
Whose place are we seeking in devotion: ours or someone else’s? - Suppose we see someone speaking Krishna’s message attractively and getting a lot of [...]
Does devotion make us successful in everything we do?
Does devotion make us successful in everything we do? - Devotees sometimes think, “If I can’t do a particular service successfully, that’s because I am [...]
Gita 04.34 explained
We are in concluding section of 4th ch, Shri Krishna has talked about various forms of Yajna by which once can acquire knowledge and knowledge [...]
How faith and doubt can both be used spiritually
A functional car needs to have both an accelerator and a brake. While driving, when we are on the right track, we can press the [...]
When the tendency to doubt helps
When the tendency to doubt helps - In today’s educated circles, doubt is celebrated as an intellectual strength. Whenever thoughtful people encounter any claim, especially [...]
How pride can corrupt both faith and doubt …
How pride can corrupt both faith and doubt - We often equate pride with respect-demanding and self-congratulatory hubris. But it can appear much more subtly [...]
Gita 5.25 explained
# BG 5.25 Last portion of the 5th Chapter! In the last section Sri Krishna told how a yogi can attain liberation by [...]
If we lack freedom or willpower what can we do?
If we lack freedom or willpower what can we do? - When we try to do something worthwhile, if external situations hamper us, we may [...]
When helping others is compassion and when it isn’t …
When helping others is compassion and when it isn’t - Suppose someone is starving. We may help them by giving some money. If they are [...]
What does it mean to know Krishna?
What does it mean to know Krishna? - The Bhagavad-gita repeatedly talks about knowing Krishna — those who know him attain his abode (04.09). What [...]
How our mind can be a double agent
How our mind can be a double agent - Suppose a country’s intelligence agency needs to do a vital mission for which they need a [...]
The pleasure of being miserable
The pleasure of being miserable - Pleasure and misery are opposites — how, then, can there be any pleasure in being miserable? Because the mind [...]
How could past people believe in things we find irrational?
How could past people believe in things we find irrational? - Some people argue, “Past people who believed ancient texts were irrational — that’s why [...]
On parenting the mind
On parenting the mind - When parents decide to have a child, they know they are taking up a serious responsibility. Undoubtedly, parenting can be [...]
How our mind misdirects our energies
How our mind misdirects our energies - Suppose a child is trying to heat some water on a stove and starts stoking the fire. But [...]