Chapter 02

When we face perplexities or adversities, we may protest, “Why is this happening to me?” And if we accept God as the supreme controller, we [...]

We all have certain goals: positions, possessions, relations. Such goals are worthier than wantonly sensual goals. Yet while pursuing such worldly goals honorably or even [...]

We live in a world where illusion reigns. The Bhagavad-gita (02.60) states that illusion can snare even the godly, even those who are discerning and [...]

We frequently get agitated by life’s ups and downs. However, that agitation is especially aggravated by the forces of desire, fear and anger that reside [...]

The Bhagavad-gita’s beginning demonstrates the devastating power of emotions. When attacked by negative emotions, Arjuna, a battle-hardened warrior, was reduced to tears (02.01) and could [...]

We all have certain unhealthy habits that we resolve to give up. Yet, we frequently find ourselves relapsing. Why does this happen? Because negative resolutions [...]

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 [...]

Amidst our overscheduled and overworked lives, practicing bhakti may seem like another to-do that adds to our burden. However, devotion is not another to-do. Why? [...]

When driving, if we come to an intersection and don’t know which way to go, we need to wait till we get some guidance. In [...]

When we decide to do something right or give up something wrong, we need discernment. Why? Because the forces of illusion distort our perception. Illusion [...]

Those who cultivate crops need a protective fence to keep away predators. Similarly, when we aspire to cultivate virtues such as purity and spirituality, we [...]

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 [...]

When a fire breaks out in a crowded place, casualties are caused not so much by the fire itself as by the stampede when panicky [...]

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 [...]

We often become discouraged when we resolve to give up something negative but fail. However, we need to be prepared for such failure, knowing that [...]

Suppose we are driving along a dangerous road. If we are careless and let ourselves become distracted by an incoming phone call, we may not [...]

When recovering alcoholics have stayed sober for some time, they may feel tempted: “Let me take just one drink – what harm can it do?” [...]