On some days, in some ways, we all can make a difference – provided we try
During our lives, we sometimes wonder, “Whatever I do, does it count? Does even my existence count?” Especially when we try to do something good [...]
Our belief system doesn’t just shape our perception of reality – it becomes our reality
What we believe, that we perceive. This is a well-known principle in philosophical circles. When we observe the world, we don’t experience it in a [...]
Our clock may stop, but time doesn’t – don’t waste time
Suppose we are working on a deadline-driven project. While we are racing against time, suppose our clock suddenly stops, giving us the illusory feeling that [...]
More important than understanding what we observe is understanding what it is that observes
Every day, and indeed at every moment, many things pass through our visual range. If we observe such things carefully, we can understand a lot [...]
Inability to face life’s challenges may diminish us, but unwillingness to face life’s challenges will demolish us
We all face challenges in life. And some challenges are such that we are unequipped or underequipped to face them. At such times, we may [...]
If an ideal inspires more regret than reform, an intermediate ideal is required
Suppose a hospital gym has weights so heavy that they can’t even be budged by those patients who need to exercise. Such weights will make [...]
Education is meant to remove ignorance and restore innocence, not remove innocence and reinforce ignorance
Education is a central part of human society. We get educated for several decades early on in our life when we have the most energy. [...]
Better to be crazy in being busy than to be just crazy, better still is to be busy without being crazy
We sometimes feel, “I am so busy that I am going crazy. I need to slow down.” Yes, slowing down can help, provided we use [...]
Commitment is emotional investment, attachment is emotional dependence
During the course of our relationship with our loved ones, we may get the question: How can we be committed without being attached? By being [...]
Analyzing a spiritual text without applying it is like examining food without eating it
Suppose someone is starving. If they are given food and they spend all their time examining the food, such behavior would be strange indeed. Food [...]
Value those who value you and don’t overvalue those who devalue you
Suppose we are giving a talk. If the audience is responsive and appreciative, we feel enthused to speak. But if the audience starts frowning and [...]
Covering our tracks thoroughly is not intelligence, choosing our tracks thoughtfully is
Our impure desires sometimes impel us to do something wrong. After such wrongdoings, we often cover our tracks thoroughly so that we don’t get caught. [...]
Protect the fences that protect you – keep temptation at a healthy distance
Suppose we live in a neighborhood where robbery is common. We will naturally build a strong fence around our home. Does building a fence signify [...]
The love that leads us to evil is evil masquerading as love
Suppose in a war, an enemy soldier dresses like a defending soldier and enters into the defending army. If the defenders aren’t alert enough to [...]
The essence of commitment is recommitment
We sometimes resolve to do something constructive such as exercising, meditating, studying wisdom-texts or becoming more tolerant in our relationships. But we often fail to [...]
Look for the good in all situations, even in situations that don’t look good
Whenever life subjects us to terrible situations, we often obsess over how bad things are. Such obsession makes us feel frustrated, burdened and drained – [...]
Attachment is the inability to say no, whatever the cost
Suppose we are buying something. Usually, we would compare its cost with its value: is what I have to pay commensurate with what I will [...]
Even if we can’t change what we live with, we can change what we live for
Suppose we are stuck with a slow, noisy, messy car in a congested and polluted place. If we can’t change our place or our car, [...]
Even when we can’t avoid sensual perception, we can avoid sensual imagination
We live in a world rife with temptation. Such temptation can deceive and degrade us at any moment. Given that we can neither remove temptation [...]
Meditation is not the antithesis of action, it is the basis of action
Some people consider meditation to be a scandalous waste of time. They question dedicated meditators: “How can you waste so much time doing nothing? If [...]
Everything is not in the mind, but everything comes through the mind
Some people say, “Everything is in the mind; if you just learn to train your mind, you won’t face any problems.” Is that true? Not [...]