Krishna descends to offer not just protection but also participation
One of the most quoted verses of the Bhagavad-gita (04.08) states the purpose of Krishna’s periodic descents: cosmic protection. He protects the social and spiritual [...]
Krishna’s pastimes are the trailer and the trail
The Bhagavad-gita (04.09) asserts that those who understand Krishna’s pastimes in truth attain liberation. How can liberation, elusive even for renunciates performing prolonged austerities, be [...]
The goal of spiritual life is to make spiritual life our goal
Many people see spiritual life as a pious recreation, as an elective break from the stresses of daily living. Whatever be our initial impetus for [...]
Devotion raises our knowledge of Krishna from superficial familiarity to substantial understanding
The Bhagavad-gita (04.09) states that those who know in truth the divine birth and activities of Krishna become liberated and return to his eternal abode. [...]
Unravel the mystery of the Infinite’s descent into the finite through love
“How can the Supreme who is beyond all limits of space and time appear within those limits?” This is one of existence’s greatest mysteries. Gita wisdom [...]
Give yourself permission to love Krishna by suspending disbelief
When we are practicing devotional service externally, internally we may be checked by the doubt: “How can I love Krishna when I am not sure [...]
Those who let reason usurp Krishna in their heart end up worshiping a false god
“Isn’t that mythology?” This doubt may trouble us whenever we hear about Krishna’s super-human pastimes such as lifting Govardhan hill that seem too unreasonable to [...]
Krishna’s pastimes are not just amusing – they are amazing
The Bhagavad-gita (04.09) makes the remarkable claim that when we understand Krishna’s appearance and activities in truth, we will attain liberation. Central to understanding this [...]