Fostering a healthy relationship between our higher and lower selves
Suppose a parent and child were walking together, and the child slipped and fell. Naturally, the parent would help the child up and encourage [...]
Balancing fear and hope in our relationship with ourselves
When considering our relationship with ourselves, it’s essential to recognize both our potential for great positive change and our capacity for self-sabotage. While no [...]
A pragmatic approach to facing life’s reversals
When faced with reversals in life, it is natural to question, Why is this happening to me? While it is important to use our intelligence [...]
Cultivating a healthy relationship with ourselves
We often emphasize the importance of healthy relationships with others, but even more crucial is having a healthy relationship with ourselves. In a healthy relationship, [...]
Safeguarding intelligence from corruption by lower desires
Our intelligence is designed to counter our lower desires, not to serve them. However, we all have desires that can bring out the worst in [...]
Detachment: Gaining flexibility and perspective
Attachments often make us rigid in ways that are curious, as we become inflexible about things that aren’t particularly important. For example, we might [...]
Combating addiction: Recognizing the battle within
Combating addiction: Recognizing the battle within Whenever someone is abducted, the abductor demands a ransom for the person’s release. The most fiendish abductors, however, continually [...]
How to see our inner darkness and see beyond the inner darkness
How to see our inner darkness and see beyond the inner darkness We all have dark desires within us—selfish, manipulative, and even abusive tendencies. If [...]
Gita 02.22 – Explanation from Bhakti Shastri Class
BG 2.22 vasamsi jirnani yatha vihaya navani grihnati naro 'parani tatha sarirani vihaya jirnany anyani samyati navani dehi SYNONYMS vasamsi -- garments; jirnani -- [...]
Analyzing why we succumb to temptation
Suppose a person were caught by the traffic police for speeding. If it was the first time that person was apprehended and they claimed that [...]
The balance of intelligence: Avoiding overestimation and underestimation
The balance of intelligence: Avoiding overestimation and underestimation When it comes to intelligence, we often lean toward either overestimating or underestimating our cognitive [...]
Gita perspective on organ donation
The Bhagavad-Gita perspective on organ donation The Bhagavad-Gita and the Vedic texts, in general, do not provide a specific directive about organ donation. However, they [...]
The dual defenses against self-destructive impulses
Whenever we struggle with conditionings that impel us toward actions we know we shouldn't do, two defense mechanisms can protect us: conscience and intelligence. Conscience [...]
Overcoming self-consciousness with a focus on higher purpose
Whenever we become excessively self-conscious, we tend to worry too much about how others see us, what they think about us, and what they might [...]
Understanding the role of limitations
Understanding the role of limitations We all face limitations in life. These include natural limits, such as the finiteness of our lifespan and capacities, as [...]
Balancing authenticity and service: Navigating inner-outer differences
Balancing authenticity and service: Navigating inner-outer differences We all have weaknesses that sometimes lead to lapses in self-discipline and spirituality. For those in visible leadership [...]
Inability vs. unwillingness: Facing challenges and understanding ourselves
Inability vs. unwillingness: Facing challenges and understanding ourselves Whenever we face difficult situations—whether a work deadline or a family emergency requiring us to stretch beyond [...]
Understanding destiny: Makers but not masters
Destiny is often a generic term used to refer to factors beyond our control, especially when such factors shape or determine the outcomes in our [...]
Overcoming distractions by aligning with our spiritual essence
Overcoming distractions by aligning with our spiritual essence Life is inevitably characterized by distractions. The very word "distraction" implies that there is a purpose from [...]
Understanding ourselves: The utility of categorization the necessity of self-observation
Understanding ourselves: The utility of categorization the necessity of self-observation We all occasionally act in ways that surprise us, either positively or negatively. At times, [...]
Planning: how to be firm yet flexible
Planning: how to be firm yet flexible Whenever we make plans, it’s essential to approach them in a balanced way. Plans can be compared to [...]