How Superman’s history helps us understand Krishna’s intimate divinity
Superman was among the first in the galaxy of super-heroes that populates the DC universe. The history of Superman’s evolution points to an important truth [...]
How to plan in a mood of devotion?
When we make plans and they don’t work, it’s easy to get frustrated. We may think that perhaps the best way to avoid such frustrations [...]
Something for nothing?
There are no free lunches. So goes a common saying that expresses a reality stated cynically. Some of us may not want to impute selfish [...]
Are we using our knowledge to build a path or a pedestal?
We live in a society where knowledge is seen as the means to position, prestige and prosperity. While these can result from knowledge, if they [...]
Has our technology become too strong for our morality? (The porn problem)
In five minutes, we can access more obscenity than what our ancestors could access in fifty years. And all that temptation is just a few [...]
Are we boosting our thought-energy regularly?
Our car runs on fuel, our phone runs on battery, our body runs on food. What do we run on? Our thoughts. When our thought-energy [...]
When we feel worthless …
Suppose we find ourselves trapped in a dark dungeon. We struggle in vain to pry out the rocks from a place where we think there [...]
Why do small things irritate us so much?
We may notice that our mood often gets spoiled when some small things go wrong. Why do we get so irritated by small negatives? Because [...]
Are we committing violence with our mouth?
When we grow in wisdom, we learn to live more consciously. We inspect our habitual actions and their consequences in an interconnected universe. By such [...]
Gita 01.03 explained
paśyaitāṁ pāṇḍu-putrānāmācārya mahatīṁ camūmvyūḍhāṁ drupada-putreṇatava śiṣyeṇa dhīmatāWord for word: paśya — behold; etām — this; pāṇḍu-putrānām — of the sons of Pāṇḍu; ācārya — O [...]
What are we seeking when we are speaking?
When we speak with others to persuade them about something, how can we make our speaking more effective? By remembering that speaking is meant to [...]
Be fearless, not tactless
Suppose a soldier feels inspired to fight fearlessly against a tyrannical invading army. But if he just charges single-handedly at that army, he will end [...]
Does devotion result in renunciation?
The bhakti tradition features sterling examples of great saints who became so devoted to Krishna as to completely renounce the world. Simultaneously, bhakti-yoga is celebrated [...]
Is our body fast becoming an ego feast?
Suppose we fast strictly on sacred days, abstaining even from water. When we see others eating normally, we may look down at them, thinking, “These [...]
How can we develop both materially and spiritually?
We may fear, “If we become too spiritually serious, that will undermine our material prospects. Conversely, if we become too materially ambitious, that will undermine [...]
Are we making things worse than they need to be?
Suppose we find ourselves in a place with fading light. Naturally, we will open our eyes wider to find our way. If instead we close [...]
When is fearlessness a facade for foolishness?
Suppose a child goes dangerously close to the parapet of a skyscraper. When his mother warns him, “Move away or you will fall down,” he [...]
Two ways to deter ourselves from wrongdoing
Suppose a child wants to sneak into the kitchen and eat all the cookies there, but doesn’t do so because his mother may discipline him. [...]
Are scriptural descriptions of Krishna literal?
When we hear the descriptions of Krishna given in scripture — for example, his complexion is bluish-black — we may wonder: Are such descriptions literal? [...]
How humility is non-different from curiosity
Suppose we are driving for an important meeting but can’t find the venue. Even if we are driving a limo, we may not hesitate to [...]
How to resolve arguments with our loved ones?
Suppose we get into an argument with someone, specifically a loved one with whom we want a long-lasting relationship. We may try to prove our [...]