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 [...]
Move from mindlessness to mindfulness by minding the mind
We sometimes act mindlessly, that is, we act without thinking, being impelled by our impulsive mind. The word mind has many meanings: in mindless, the [...]
We are not products of our situations; we are products of our decisions
When difficult situations come in our life, we often feel negative emotions such as anger, resentment or self-pity. Though such feelings may be natural, even [...]
To tune out the mind, tune in to Krishna
Suppose we are hearing a radio program that is transmitting unpleasant noise. We would naturally tune out from that station to some other station. We [...]
We may be battered, but we don’t have to be shattered
Suppose in a boxing match one boxer is attacked and battered by an opponent. But if the battered boxer just keeps fighting, the attacker tires [...]
Spirituality unleashes our purity and our potency
The Bhagavad-gita’s concluding verse (18.78) depicts an imagery that transcends its battlefield context and highlights the empowering nature of its message. The verse declares that [...]
Spiritual evolution is best energized by devotional elevation
We all are on a multi-lifetime journey of spiritual evolution. We are at our core spiritual beings. As our consciousness expands and evolves, we find [...]
What brings us to the world is not as defining as what we bring to the world
What brings us to the world refers to the channel through which we come to the world: our family and dynasty. In most traditional societies, [...]