The first application of spiritual knowledge
Suppose a medically well-informed person gets a disease with scary symptoms. If they know that those symptoms are an inevitable and non-lethal part of the [...]
How to ensure that our phones are connecting us, not disconnecting us
In today’s fast-moving world, we seek phones to stay connected with our loved ones while we are physically away from them. But when we are [...]
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 [...]
A Bhagavad-gita approach to new year resolutions
We sometimes make resolutions to achieve certain goals. For example, if we are an aspiring writer, we may resolve to become a bestselling author. But [...]
How to overcome unhealthy habits?
Many people nowadays are addicted not just to harmful substances such as drugs but also to harmful behaviors such as net addiction. Even if we [...]
Gita 02.56 explained
So after that in next two verses Krishna will answer how such a person will speak: BG 2.56 duhkheshv anudvigna-manah sukheshu vigata-sprihah vita-raga-bhaya-krodhah sthita-dhir munir [...]
Gita 02.49 explained
Now after this Krishna says a very categorical verse by which earlier recommendation to do Karma by doing Karma Kanda is put down BG 2.49 [...]
Gita 02.68 explained
So how we do that so that mind will not be swept away by the desire that is described in next verse. BG 2.68 tasmad [...]
Gita 02.55 explained
BG 2.55 sri-bhagavan uvaca prajahati yada kaman sarvan partha mano-gatan atmany evatmana tushtah sthita-prajnas tadocyate SYNONYMS sri-bhagavan uvaca -- the Supreme Personality of Godhead said; [...]
Gita 02.15 explained
2.11-2.30: counters first argument – compassion – by Jayana Krishna takes it further and says that actually there are two natures. So we will talk [...]
Gita 02.29 explained
So now Sri Krishna will conclude this section in next two verses BG 2.29 ascarya-vat pasyati kascid enam ascarya-vad vadati tathaiva canyah ascarya-vac cainam anyah [...]
Does devotion result in renunciation?
The bhakti tradition features sterling examples of great saints who became so devoted to Krishna as to completely renounce the world. Simultaneously, bhakti-yoga is celebrated [...]
When we can’t do anything wonderful …
Suppose someone we know does something wonderful that is widely lauded. If we try something similar and fail, we may feel insecure and miserable: “Why [...]
How to let go of the unchangeable
Suppose a dream project of ours fails irrecoverably. Having no other alternatives, we may grit our teeth and struggle to let go of it, by [...]
Gita 02.40 explained
2nd ch - 4th sec 38 to 53 -> Now Krishna will answer Arjuna’s fear of sinful reaction argument: He will address by telling how [...]
Gita 02.32 explained
BG 2.32 yadricchaya copapannam svarga-dvaram apavritam sukhinah kshatriyah partha labhante yuddham idrisam SYNONYMS yadricchaya -- by its own accord; ca -- also; upapannam -- arrived [...]
Why indulgences that don’t seem dangerous may still be dangerous
We sometimes give in to certain sensual temptations that run contrary to the principles we hold sacred. And if we don’t suffer any serious negative [...]
How to get the best of both positive thinking and negative thinking
Positive thinking works best when it keeps us focused on opportunities amid difficulties. Our attention usually follows our intention. If we aren’t looking for opportunities, [...]
Does everyone who dies on a battlefield attain heaven?
The Bhagavad-gita (02.32) declares that warriors who die while fighting a righteous war attain heaven. Some readers ask, “Isn’t this statement similar to the extremist [...]
Do the epics glamorize violence?
Many thoughtful people, especially including parents, are concerned about the glamorization of violence in today's media. When they read epics such as the Mahabharata, they [...]
Imposing social equality or inspiring individual spirituality?
Suppose we are organizing an athletic competition. To be fair to all participants, we will want to make the playing field level; no one should [...]