Small victories are not big victories, but they are stepping stones to big victories
When we fight against our lower desires, we sometimes succeed. But our mind frequently undermines our success: “What’s the big deal? You resisted temptation today, [...]
Gita 07.15 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Now the question will come up [...]
Our inner vulnerability increases our outer vulnerability
Suppose an army guarding a fort has some potential turncoats who may covertly open the fort gates for aggressors. The army’s inner vulnerability – the [...]
Krishna is not an optional source of entertainment – he is the indispensable source of shelter
Many people like to hear Krishna’s pastimes as a pious form of entertainment. Even if they know vaguely that he is God, their interest in [...]
In a war, to be casual is to be suicidal
In a war, fighters need to be alert and equipped, for one false move can spell disaster. Those who are casual on a battlefield are [...]
Desire for the Lord buffers us from desires for the world
When a boat is in the ocean, it can be buffeted by waves. The world we live in is often compared to an ocean. Herein, [...]
Spiritualizing our relationships means decreasing our expectations and increasing our contributions
In every relationship, each party expects something and contributes something. When expectations exceed contributions, the relationship becomes strained. When we become spiritual and connect with [...]
To check the outflow of self-defeating actions, check the inflow of self-deluding perceptions
We sometimes indulge in self-defeating actions, even after resolving to give them up. Why do we succumb thus? Frequently, it’s because we uncritically take in [...]
Gita 01.06 – Explanation from Bhakti Shastri Class
Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan das Bg 1.6 yudhāmanyuś ca vikrānta uttamaujāś ca vīryavān saubhadro draupadeyāś ca sarva eva mahā-rathāḥ [...]
“God did it” is not necessarily a curiosity-stopper; it can be a curiosity-stimulator
Atheists sometimes argue, “Theists say that everything in nature is done by God. Accepting this explanation kills the curiosity that fuels scientific progress. For example, [...]
Change is easier when we focus on starting something positive, not on stopping something negative
We often become discouraged when we resolve to give up something negative but fail. However, we need to be prepared for such failure, knowing that [...]
As long as staying where we are remains bearable, we rarely move forward
Our mind usually chooses the path of least resistance. Even if we know something that we need to change, we often put it off, deeming [...]
Our conscience is like an automatically customizing security device – customize it intelligently
Some home security systems can be customized to allow entry to some people and to bar others. Suppose this customization is done wrong, granting entry [...]
Compassion needs to be felt as affection, not as condescension
When people are in need and are helped, they receive the help eagerly. However, when they are needy but don’t feel the need, they don’t [...]
For the incautious, the dangerous becomes disastrous
Suppose we are driving along a dangerous road. If we are careless and let ourselves become distracted by an incoming phone call, we may not [...]
Education is meant to inform and transform our imagination
Imagination is a basic human faculty that is value-neutral; it can be used both negatively or positively. Our education is meant to increase the positive [...]
Circumstantial anxiety can be addressed materially, but existential anxiety needs to be addressed only spiritually
Anxiety is a defining characteristic of our present existence. Specific anxieties have specific causes that can and should be addressed. However, such measures can address [...]
Life is not just a problem-solving exercise – it is essentially a consciousness-raising expedition
When we face problems repeatedly and feel disheartened, we may try to see problems as challenges. Thus, we may, knowingly or unknowingly, conceive of life [...]
Ekagrata is not just a state of attentiveness; it is also a level of consciousness
The last verse spoken by Krishna in the Bhagavad-gita (18.72) contains the significant word ekagrata (one-pointed attention). In the verse, Krishna questions Arjuna: “Have you [...]
We see the present and plan the future – Krishna sees the future and plans the present
When we pray for help amidst problems but our prayer isn’t answered, we ask: “Why is Krishna not helping?” Krishna does help, but his help [...]
Seek not just spiritual expression – seek a spiritual expressway
The word ‘spirit’ sometimes signifies a person’s driving essence, as in “he has an untiring spirit.” When we aspire to express our defining core, we [...]