Gita 02.11 explained
2.11-2.30: counters first argument – compassion – by Gyana And now Krishna begins that is the next verse. BG 2.11 sri-bhagavan uvaca asocyan anvasocas [...]
What Krishna’s first and last instructive words reveal
In the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna’s first instructive verse is 02.11. Though he speaks some verses earlier, those verses are either simply indicative (01.25) or friendly exhortative [...]
Why Krishna reproaches Arjuna in his first instructive verse
Krishna begins his instruction to Arjuna with a reproach: Though you speak learned words, you lament for that which is not worthy of lamentation (Bhagavad-gita [...]
Krishna’s first words reveal the Gita’s purpose (Exploring Gita chapter 2 series – 4)
Krishna’s first words reveal the Gita’s purpose - Krishna’s first instructive words to Arjuna are: don’t lament for that which is not worthy of lamentation [...]
Respecting others while refuting their misconceptions (Balancing independence and guidance 5)
Respecting others while refuting their misconceptions- When Arjuna surrenders to Krishna, seeking guidance about dharma, Krishna begins his response with words that can seem like [...]
The courage to take a hard look at ourselves
The courage to take a hard look at ourselves - A mirror helps us see how we look, or more specifically, see whether how we [...]
God’s purpose is not just to comfort us – it is also to challenge us and change us
When in distress, we often approach God to gain relief. And yes, connecting with God can comfort us. Still, everything about God may not be [...]
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 [...]
Scripture is not a repeater of the world’s feel-good message
Some people think that scripture teaches the same feel-good message of motivation and inspiration that they hear from worldly sources such as self-help teachers and life coaches. Undoubtedly, the Bhagavad-gita does motivate and inspire, but not by reiterating the world’s feel-good message.
Feel-good without think-good and act-good is no good
Some people, especially those influenced by new-age notions, equate spirituality with a feel-good laissez-faire: “Whatever makes you feel good is spiritual – no need to bother [...]
Learning begins with unlearning
None of us like to feel ignorant. That’s why we try to keep ourselves well-informed about things, even spiritual things. However, our information about spiritual [...]
Are we using religion as a cloak instead of as an armor?
A cloak is often used to concealoneself; an armor, to protect oneself. When we use our religion as a cloak, we hide our weaknesses under [...]
Spirituality expands our conception of life dramatically and majestically
Is life a doomed journey from a station called birth to a station called death with a bit of pleasure and a lot of pain [...]
Beyond lamentation to love
In the Bhagavad-gita, Lord Krishna’s instructions begin (2.11) and end (18.66) with a call to give up lamentation. Between these two calls is another call: [...]