How self-destructive desire corrupts our intelligence
The Bhagavad Gita (3.43) exhorts us to use our intelligence to fight against self-destructive desires but simultaneously warns (3.40) that even intelligence can be corrupted [...]
Gita 03.40 – Explanation
Gita 03.40 – Lust has taken over our knowledge-acquiring mechanism Audio Link: https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/gita-03-40-lust-has-taken-over-our-knowledge-acquiring-mechanism/ indriyāṇi mano buddhir asyādhiṣṭhānam ucyate etair vimohayaty eṣa jñānam āvṛtya dehinam (Bg [...]
Make me self-aware and strong to combat the inner enemy (3.40)
Bhagavad Gita 3.40 indriyāṇi mano buddhir asyādhiṣṭhānam ucyate etair vimohayaty eṣa jñānam āvṛtya dehinam "The senses, the mind, the intelligence— These all are lust's [...]
Safeguarding intelligence from corruption by lower desires
Our intelligence is designed to counter our lower desires, not to serve them. However, we all have desires that can bring out the worst in [...]
Gita 03.40 explained
Krishna describes enemy, the enemy covers our intelligence. Where is that enemy present? BG 3.40 indriyani mano buddhir asyadhishthanam ucyate etair vimohayaty esha jnanam avritya [...]
Why the cause of illusion is not what we usually think it is
When people get captivated by an illusion, such as a bottle of alcohol or a good-looking person, what is the cause of their illusion? A [...]
Are emotions subjective or objective?
Our emotions shape us significantly. What enlivens us, what enrages us, what enchants us — all this reveals who we are. What triggers attraction in [...]
Regret for wrongdoing reforms regret for only the consequence of wrongdoing deforms
Regret for wrongdoing reforms regret for only the consequence of wrongdoing deforms Suppose a teenager drives beyond the speed limit just for the thrill of [...]
Covering our tracks thoroughly is not intelligence, choosing our tracks thoughtfully is
Covering our tracks thoroughly is not intelligence choosing our tracks thoughtfully is Our impure desires sometimes impel us to do something wrong. After such wrongdoings, [...]
We are inflammable, not incorrigible – we need caution, not condemnation
We are inflammable not incorrigible – we need caution not condemnation Suppose we can’t resist some sensual temptation despite trying repeatedly. Over time, we may [...]
Taking advice from vice traps us in the vise of vice
Taking advice from vice traps us in the vise of vice The vise of vice refers to the unbreakable grip (vise) with which we are [...]
Temptation talks and stalks, relentlessly
Suppose a salesperson tries forcefully to sell us their product and relentlessly follows us wherever we go. We may try their product, but if we [...]
Corruption of the intelligence needs correction by the intelligence
The Bhagavad-gita (03.40) states that selfish desire has occupied not just our senses and mind, but also our intelligence. This statement is intriguing because the [...]
Our inner vulnerability increases our outer vulnerability
Suppose an army guarding a fort has some potential turncoats who may covertly open the fort gates for aggressors. The army’s inner vulnerability – the [...]
Focus not on where the inner voice is coming from, but on where it is taking
We often hear different voices within us. Some voices prompt us to act foolishly, some to act wisely, some to actions in between. Gita wisdom [...]
Lust doesn’t need a hideout – it has a hide-in
When soldiers near their target, they often look for a hideout. But if those soldiers have already penetrated into the enemy ranks and have therein [...]
Let intelligence be the inspector of impulse, not its incubator
In a cricket match, a well-set batsman sometimes hits a rash shot and gets out, triggering a collapse that causes the team to lose from [...]
Lust allures men with pleasure and women with power
Men sometimes accuse women of dressing provocatively. Women sometimes accuse men of seeing women just as sex objects. Taking the discussion beyond such blame games, [...]
The threat in here is much bigger than the threat out there
In a war, the threat from the enemies out there is big. But much bigger is the threat from the enemies in here – the [...]
Rationalization is temptation’s spin-doctor
When we strive to lead a principle-centered life, we reject the temptations that violate our principles. However, temptation doesn’t so easily take no for an [...]
The cure for lust comes not by condemning the object but by cleansing the subject
The object of lust refers to the thing that triggers lust. The subject of lust refers to the person within whom lust is triggered. Condemning [...]