Gita 02.13 explained
2.11-2.30: counters first argument – compassion – by Jnana So after discussing the eternality of the individuals in the next verse, Sri Krishna will [...]
What is self-realization?
When we gain a realization, that essentially means we understand and accept as a reality that which is already a reality. By extension, when we [...]
When labels help and when they harm
Suppose we lose our temper repeatedly. Soon, people around us may label us as short-tempered. Eventually, we too may accept that label and use it [...]
Even if we can’t elevate our consciousness, we can still expand our consciousness
Suppose we are looking at the ground level of a skyscraper building. If we look up, we may be either impressed or intimidated to see [...]
By overemphasizing identity, identity politics ends up obscuring identity
The word identity politics can have two distinct meanings. One is that it is a politics based on asserting identity as contrasted with asserting class [...]
We aren’t merely physical being seeking sustenance, safety and sex – we are essentially spiritual beings seeking purpose and progress
Today’s materialistic worldview holds that we are just physical creatures, who will be satisfied if provided with a steady supply of sustenance, safety and sex. [...]
Spiritual knowledge makes us far-sighted and deep-sighted
To be far-sighted means to prepare for our long-term future. To be deep-sighted means to address issues at levels deeper than the surface level. Gita [...]
We may have scars, but we don’t have to be scarred
To have scars means to have some physical marks. To be scarred means to feel insecure and inferior because we let those marks define us. [...]
Information doesn’t have to be new to be helpful – it just has to be timely
We live in a culture where the new is incessantly glamorized – new gadgets, new fashions, new data, new news. But we don’t always need new information – what we need is timely access to the known. If students have prepared for an exam, they don’t need any new information at the time of the exam – they just need to recollect what they already know.
To tap your potential, expand your awareness
What we are aware of determines what we can do or can’t do. If we become aware that some attacker is sneaking in on us, [...]
Strive for self-understanding, not self-esteem
As we live in a rabidly competitive society, we may feel that we lack self-esteem. Such feelings become aggravated when the media bombards us with [...]
Spirituality is not about suppressing grief – it is about transcending grief
The Bhagavad-gita (02.13) states that the spiritually enlightened are not bewildered by death. Does this mean that spiritualists shouldn’t grieve the death of their loved [...]
Don’t just change perception – change perspective
“Change your perception – think positive,” urge many self-help books. It’s good to think positive, but the best positive thinking comes by changing not just [...]
Can we recognize that we haven’t recognized ourselves?
“That couldn’t have been me.” This is what people say when they think of what they did under the spell of alcohol – actions that [...]