Closeness unites more than oneness
When two people share many common interests and deep mutual understanding, they often say, “We are close to each other.” This closeness is not physical [...]
The fickle mind makes the immovable soul move all over the universe
The Bhagavad-gita (02.24) states that the soul is immoveable. And yet the same Gita states later (14.18) that the soul moves all over the universe [...]
To see the big picture, ask the big questions
When life’s problems start overwhelming us, seeing the big picture can help us put first things first. However, we can’t even seek the big picture [...]
A timely pull can save us from a deadly fall
Suppose a horse carrying a rider spots a juicy vegetable in the rocky terrain alongside the road. If the rider is not vigilant, the horse [...]
We make our faith and then our faith makes us
People are often classified as faithful or faithless. But even the faithless are faithful – faithful to their faithlessness, to their unprovable belief that God [...]
Don’t change the foot because the shoe doesn’t fit
Suppose a child gets infatuated with a shoe that is available only in adult size. When shown a shoe that fits, the child neglects it [...]
Krishna is our director – and our redirector
In a play, the actors are visible on the stage; the director isn’t. Yet the invisible director directs the visible actors. If we liken life [...]
Learn to use the mind’s laziness for spiritual growth
Our mind often chooses the path of least resistance. This tendency impedes us whenever we need to do something effortful for our spiritual growth. But [...]
Fanaticism is caused not by excessive devotion, but by inadequate devotion
When some religious people try to convert everyone to their faith, others get put off. They feel, “These guys are fanatical – their devotion is [...]
Desires go away not by gratification or repression but by purification
Desires that we know are undesirable sometimes impel us. If repeatedly impelled, we may feel, “Let me just indulge and get it over with. At [...]
The value of what we drive doesn’t matter as much as the values that drive us
We live in a materialistic culture that determines our stature by externals such as the cars we drive, the clothes we wear and the phones [...]
The Gita’s concluding prophecy answers its starting enquiry
Great books often feature between their start and end a symmetry, a circularity that brings a fulfilling sense of completeness and elegance. The Bhagavad-gita too [...]
Momentum manifests by movement from moment to moment
An obstacle that blocks a truck can be broken through if the truck acquires adequate momentum. Similarly, the conditionings that block our self-transformation can be [...]
Know when to doubt and when to give the benefit of doubt
In cricket, suppose an appeal is made against a batsman, but the umpires can’t see clearly whether the batsman is out or not. Then, they [...]
When God wants to speak to you, don’t let your mind give him the busy signal
Suppose we have fixed a phone appointment with an important mentor. When they call at the scheduled time, suppose our aide tells them we are [...]
Whatever doesn’t challenge us doesn’t change us
Suppose a person can lift 20 kg, but they go to a gym and lift 5 kg. Such weight lifting won’t strengthen them. To become [...]
To have our needs met by being unhappy is unhealthy
Children who have neglectful parents may find that their parents’ give them attention only when they cry. Damaged by such parental neglect, they may develop [...]
Change of inclination requires not just resolution but also reconstruction
Our mind is inclined towards certain things: some good, some bad. We often resolve to overcome our unworthy inclinations, yet we succumb to them. To [...]
See anger as a sign of weakness, not strength
When we get angry, we often speak and act in regrettable ways. Still, we falter and fail in our attempts to resist anger. How can [...]
Study matter for deconstruction, edification, redirection and utilization
On the spiritual path, studying matter can aid our inner growth in many ways. Let’s consider four of them: Deconstruction: Study of matter can help [...]
The weighing scale does not lie
[one_half_last]Some excessively obese people may be told, almost forced, by their doctors and relatives to adopt a regulated diet to lose some extra fat. They [...]