How change happens — and how it doesn’t
We sometimes wish to change for the better by cultivating some good habits: for example, exercising, meditating, reading wisdom-books. For making such change, what do [...]
Gita 12.08 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Ch 12 overview: 1-7: Worship [...]
When labels help and when they harm
Suppose we lose our temper repeatedly. Soon, people around us may label us as short-tempered. Eventually, we too may accept that label and use it [...]
How to monitor and mentor ourselves?
One of the most intriguing verses in the Bhagavad-gita (06.05) urges us to elevate the self with the self, not degrade the self with the [...]
Understanding the reflective self and the impulsive self
We often experience an inner tug of war between opposing voices. To better understand these forces, let’s consider the dynamics of our inner world, as [...]
How can we know others properly?
When forming relationships with someone, we naturally want to know them properly to decide whether to take that relationship ahead. While assessing people, we often [...]
Gita 18.03 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Bg 18.3 tyājyaṁ doṣa-vad ity [...]
How to appreciate those who disagree with us
It’s not too difficult to appreciate those who agree with us. It’s more difficult to appreciate those who disagree with us. It’s most difficult to [...]
Are we devaluing the very thing that makes us unique?
In today’s ultra-competitive society, we often struggle to find a place of value for ourselves. While seeking that place, we often look at who occupies [...]
A Bhagavad-gita approach to new year resolutions
We sometimes make resolutions to achieve certain goals. For example, if we are an aspiring writer, we may resolve to become a bestselling author. But [...]
Gita 01.10 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan das Bg 1.10 aparyāptaṁ tad [...]
Avoiding the Duryodhana delusion
At the start of the Bhagavad-gita, Duryodhana assesses the strengths of the two armies assembled on the Kurukshetra batl (01.02-01.10). Therein, he mentions the principal [...]
Pride comes before a fall, but does pride fall?
Pride comes before a fall — this saying is meant to be a warning for those who proudly place themselves in a position higher than [...]
Gita 06.27 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya 10-32: From practice to perfection in [...]
Why all forms of concentration are not equal …
We all know that we can perform better if we could concentrate better. But is concentrating on anything equally helpful? Some people get rapt while [...]
Three steps for hearing God’s voice
When we hear from the Bhagavad-gita (15.15) that God is present in our heart, we may wonder: how can we hear his voice? Let’s understand [...]
How to prevent our past from controlling our present?
Suppose someone gets a major injury in an accident. That injury may limit their mobility and alter their life significantly. If the injury is irreparable, [...]
How to overcome unhealthy habits?
Many people nowadays are addicted not just to harmful substances such as drugs but also to harmful behaviors such as net addiction. Even if we [...]
Gita 07.07 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Bg 7.7 mattaḥ parataraṁ nānyat kiñcid [...]
How are fear and education related?
Suppose some small children are afraid of the dark. As they grow up and become more educated about the nature of reality, they will no [...]
A healthy attitude toward ourselves
Our life is often defined by an inner conflict between the ideal and the practical. If we consider the practical alone to be all-important, we [...]