The transformative power of deep listening
When we are conversing with someone about a subject close to their heart, we can connect better with them through deep listening. Such listening enables [...]
Why self-discipline is essential nowadays …
Our society offers us many avenues for self-destruction. Multiple technological developments have made the exercise of individual freedom much easier. Unfortunately, they have also made [...]
Gita 02.27 explained
BG 2.27 jatasya hi dhruvo mrityur dhruvam janma mritasya ca tasmad apariharye 'rthe na tvam socitum arhasi SYNONYMS jatasya -- of one who has [...]
Is a long life a good life?
When somebody dies in old age, people often say about them: “They had a good life.” But does the length of a life determine its [...]
Gita 02.69 explained
BG 2.69 ya nisa sarva-bhutanam tasyam jagarti samyami yasyam jagrati bhutani sa nisa pasyato muneh SYNONYMS ya -- what; nisa -- is night; sarva [...]
Transcendentalists among theists (02.69 analyzed 5 — Devotional level)
While this verse (02.69) primarily points to the difference between spiritualists and materialists, it can also apply to a specific category of spiritualists — devotees [...]
Channeling the need to be different (02.69 Gita analyzed 7 — Human level)
This Bhagavad-gita verse conveys that spiritual seekers need the courage to be different from the world. While being different requires fearlessness, it can also induce [...]
Balancing candor with consideration (02.69 Gita analyzed 6 — Spiritual level)
The Bhagavad-gita is a holistic guidebook for spiritualists, as is seen in how it balances candor with consideration. It (02.69) candidly states that spiritualists and [...]
Dutifulness but with a different consciousness (02.69 analysis 4 — Krishna-Arjuna relationship level)
This verse (02.69) addresses Arjuna’s concern articulated earlier: he couldn’t see the point of fighting (01.30) when it was going to be at the cost [...]
Stand apart — together (Gita 02.69 analyzed 3 — Book level)
The readiness to stand apart from the world, as conveyed in this Bhagavad-gita verse (02.69), is central to the Gita’s practical application. The Gita’s message [...]
Be ready to stand apart from the world (Gita 02.69 analyzed 2 – Chapter level)
The Bhagavad-gita’s second chapter is essentially Krishna’s summary answer to Arjuna’s central question in the Gita (02.07): what is dharma, the right thing to do? [...]
The intriguing day-night metaphor (Gita 02.69 analyzed 1 — Text level)
Literally, the verse states: what is night for all living beings is the time of awakening for the self-controlled; and the time of awakening for [...]
Can any question be a bad question?
The questioning spirit is good; it shows our eagerness to learn. Still, that doesn’t mean all questions are automatically good. Why not? Some questions are [...]
Gita 02.17 explained
2.11-2.30: counters first argument – compassion So Krishna is building up a flow of thought over here, and He is saying that there is [...]
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 [...]
Elevating our self-image
Our self-image, our conception of who we are, is usually generated by others’ opinions of us, especially those opinions that we accept uncritically. Why do [...]
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 [...]
Gita 02.61 explained
Now Krishna will describe in next verse how one can practice spiritual life, how can one get higher taste, till now He said that [...]
Why does Krishna glorify himself throughout the Gita?
Some readers of the Bhagavad-gita ask, “Why does Krishna speak of his own glories so much throughout the Gita?” Actually, Krishna does not glorify himself [...]
Is seeking social acceptance leading us to self-rejection?
As we are social creatures, we long to belong — we seek some group where we are welcomed, valued and respected. Unfortunately, this longing to [...]
Gita 02.59 explained
In next verse He says but this alone is not enough. BG 2.59 vishaya vinivartante niraharasya dehinah rasa-varjam raso 'py asya param drishtva nivartate [...]