Can we stop the flow of temptation into our consciousness?
Even if we can't stop the flow of temptation into our consciousness, we can certainly stop that flow from becoming a flood that takes over [...]
Do we need to flee from temptation to be free from temptation?
In the Bible, it is said that we should flee from temptation. Some people may object to such an idea, saying that such fleeing sentences [...]
Resisting Temptations
Even if we can't stop temptation from coming to us, we can still stop ourselves from going to temptation. We live in a temptation-filled world, [...]
The easiest way to face temptation
The easiest way to deal with temptation is to not deal with temptation. Whenever we are faced with temptation, especially temptations that we tend to [...]
Gita 02.58 explained
Now Krishna starting to describe in next verse how such a person sits. Kim Asita (seating, how he restrain his senses 58 to 63) [...]
Creating safe zones in our war against temptation
Soldiers in a war zone can get burned out due to the stress of always being on high alert. To reduce such burnout, they need [...]
What avoiding sense objects doesn’t mean
When the Bhagavad-gita recommends that those striving for self-discipline should withdraw their senses from sense objects (02.58), this recommendation can be misunderstood in two ways. [...]
Is it cowardly to avoid temptations?
On hearing the Bhagavad-gita’s recommendation to withdraw our senses from sense objects (02.58), some people object, “Isn’t it cowardly to avoid such temptations?” No, such [...]
Self-discipline: outside-in and inside-out approaches
For cultivating self-discipline, the Bhagavad-gita recommends two distinct approaches. Let’s understand these approaches. The outside-in approach: When discussing how we can stay steady amid worldly [...]
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 [...]
If we don’t give the devil his due, he will take more than his due
The devil is envisioned in some traditions as a malefic being who tempts us toward wrongdoing and then traps us in distress. But beyond such [...]
Self-control is best maintained by avoiding situations that require self-control
Suppose we have resolved to increase our self-control by, say, regulating our eating. But we suddenly get a desire to eat something. If we have [...]
To check the outflow of self-defeating actions, check the inflow of self-deluding perceptions
We sometimes indulge in self-defeating actions, even after resolving to give them up. Why do we succumb thus? Frequently, it’s because we uncritically take in [...]
Willpower is a finite resource – use it wisely
We are finite beings, and finite are all our resources, including our willpower. That our willpower is finite means that we can fight only so [...]
Use propinquity to grow in bhakti
Propinquity literally means proximity, the state of closeness to something. In psychology, propinquity studies analyze the effect of time and distance on human behavior. Suppose [...]
Learn to use the mind’s laziness for spiritual growth
Our mind often chooses the path of least resistance. This tendency impedes us whenever we need to do something effortful for our spiritual growth. But [...]
Not everything that comes in our vision is worth our attention
Suppose we are driving a car. In the path of our vision come so many objects: trees, houses, passers-by, billboards and landmarks. If we pay [...]
Ceaseless visual temptation causes pointless mental agitation
(This article is presented in a question-answer format as an experiment to increase accessibility of content. Please share your feedback about this content through comments. Thank [...]
Out of sight is out of the mind provided the mind is out of it
“Out of sight is out of mind” is a common saying that embodies a sound principle for self-regulation. For example, if we are fasting and [...]
Devotion frees us from living life inside a shell
The Bhagavad-gita (02.58) uses the example of tortoise safe inside its shell to recommend that we keep ourselves spiritually safe by withdrawing our senses from [...]
Don’t just battle over your choices – choose your battles
Battling over our choices refers to struggling to make the right choice while staying in the presence of temptation. Choosing our battles refers to deciding [...]