Tackling impurity from indulgence to transcendence
Impurity needs to be tackled by focusing on transcendence, not tickled by fantasizing about indulgence. Whenever we have any impurity within us that triggers desires [...]
From wishful and fretful thinking to prayerful and purposeful thinking
Let our thinking not be wishful or fearful; let it be prayerful and purposeful. Our thinking capacity is our most powerful capacity. It is the [...]
The essence of karma philosophy is not punishment but encouragement
The essence of karma philosophy is not punishment but encouragement The concept of karma has become widespread to the point of having gained mainstream acceptance, [...]
How discernment makes detachment easier
Detachment becomes easier with discernment. When we understand that what we seek to let go of was never really there or was never really ours, [...]
Three ways to differentiate between punishing and scapegoating
The difference between finding a criminal and scapegoating someone can be broadly defined by three main aspects: Method: In the case of scapegoating, the accused [...]
Three reasons for differences of opinion
Three reasons for differences of opinion Differences in opinion can often lead to conflict, especially in today’s hyper-individualistic age. The tendency now is to view [...]
“If you say yes I say no” – why we sometimes make irrational decisions
To reject an opinion by default just because we dislike the person giving that opinion is just as bad as accepting an opinion just because [...]
When orthodoxy overrides morality decency humanity
Devotion is characterized more by the protection of morality than by the protection of orthodoxy. All theistic traditions worldwide are associated with certain ritual practices [...]
Speaking our mind or speaking with our mind?
Before we speak our mind, we need to speak with our mind; otherwise, it is our mind that will speak—instead of us, and not for [...]
Purity clarity & energy – 3 resources for playing our part in facing the world’s problems
Just because we can't fix all the problems in the world doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to fix any of them. Nor should we feel [...]
The difference between outer achievement and inner achievement
The difference between outer achievement and inner achievement lies in where each seeks to bring our focus. Outer achievement aims to place us at the [...]
Two ways attachment torments us
Attachment sentences us to be taunted by our desires and haunted by our fears. During the routine course of our lives, we often get attached [...]
Countering invisible attacks on our consciousness
Just because we don’t see that we are being attacked does not mean that we are not under attack. The inner war is invisible, but [...]
Focus on who will be responsible not on who was responsible.
Whenever things go wrong, finding someone to blame is a default human tendency. When there isn’t anyone clearly to blame, we tend to presume that [...]
Don’t just condemn the demonic; contemplate how they became demonic
Greedy people often do things for the sake of money that most decent people hesitate to do. Greed can lead people to become not just [...]
Why fearlessness is the first virtue in the godly nature
Fearlessness is a mysterious phenomenon. Fear is a natural and even necessary reaction to danger; it enables us to safeguard ourselves amid the dangerous world [...]
Feeling better or healing better?
Feeling better or healing better? When we are trying to grow spiritually, it’s important to be clear about the parameters for growth. Frequently, we understandably [...]
3 Ways to free our inner world from the mind’s control
3 Ways to free our inner world from the mind's control The mind treats itself as the master of our inner world and treats us [...]
The mind’s DIE – distraction, invention, exaggeration
Just because the mind's tendency for distraction, invention, or exaggeration does not die, does not mean that our tendency to trust the mind cannot die. [...]
Regrettable but not regretted decisions
Just because a decision is regrettable doesn't mean that it will be regretted. Our life is filled with decisions—some small, some big, some good, some [...]
Going beyond spiritual dumbness & numbness
Overcoming our numbness and dumbness toward spiritual things, including ultimately God, involves addressing two ways in which we become spiritually deadened. As indicated in the [...]