Gita 5.29 explained
Bg 5.29 bhoktāraṁ yajña-tapasāṁ sarva-loka-maheśvaram suhṛdaṁ sarva-bhūtānāṁ jñātvā māṁ śāntim ṛcchati Word for word: bhoktāram — the beneficiary; yajña — of sacrifices; tapasām — and [...]
The renunciation that is necessary for devotion
Unlike some other spiritual paths, bhakti-yoga doesn’t require us to renounce all our possessions. Still, it does require us to renounce some of our conceptions [...]
When life seems to say ‘no’ to us
Suppose we invest a lot of effort in actualizing a particular aspiration — be it a career or a relationship or a calling — but [...]
Gita 5.16 explained
Now in next verse Lord Sri Krishna will tell us how we become free from ignorance: Bg 5.16 jñānena tu tad ajñānaṁ yeṣāṁ nāśitam ātmanaḥ [...]
From renouncing possession to renouncing illusion
Suppose we visit the house of a wealthy friend. During our stay, we get attached to the luxuries there. When we leave that house, suppose [...]
Dealing with the fog of emotions
Suppose we are driving full speed along a road and suddenly thick fog envelopes us. Even if we turn our car lights fully on, the [...]
From what’s on loan to what’s our own
Suppose we inherit a huge fortune: we may start splurging recklessly. But suppose we learn that the money we have is on loan: we will [...]
How to feel grateful when we are not successful
When our endeavors don’t lead to success, how can we cultivate gratitude? By contemplating what really matters for us. Aiding such contemplation, Gita wisdom offers [...]
Gita 5.23 explained
Now Arjuna gets a question at this point, yes I know, even if I agree that material enjoyment leads to misery but still by knowing [...]
When we can’t give up an unhealthy habit …
If an unhealthy habit keeps recurring despite our best efforts, how can we progress in self-transformation? By changing our attitude toward that habit: we can [...]
Why we may relapse into unhealthy behaviors
When we succeed in giving up some unhealthy behavior, we usually feel encouraged, even delighted. But then seemingly out of the blue, we relapse. When [...]
Gita 5.18 explained
In next verse Sri Krishna will describe when we fix our faculty on Sri Krishna how we will see this world? How we will see [...]
What does equal vision mean for Arjuna on the battlefield
In the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna commends the spiritually realized who see everyone equally (05.18). Krishna is talking about the equality of all living beings as souls; [...]
Becoming emotionally sober
Becoming emotionally sober - People who get intoxicated frequently act in ways that are short-sighted, stupid or even self-sabotaging. Consequently, we readily recognize the need [...]
What temptation can do — and what it can’t
Whenever we resolve to discipline ourselves for some worthwhile purpose, we will, sooner or later, feel tempted. To deal with such temptation, we need to [...]
Gita Chapter 5 summary – part 1
Confused by Krishna’s emphasis on knowledge in the fourth chapter (04.34-42) and especially by his concluding call to fight with the metaphorical sword of knowledge [...]
Gita 5.10 explained
In the next verse it is explained that devotee will work for Sri Krishna’s enjoyment not for enjoyment for himself. Bg 5.10 brahmaṇy ādhāya karmāṇi [...]
How does detachment prevent entanglement?
Krishna states repeatedly in the Bhagavad-gita that if Arjuna works without attachment to the results of his work, he won’t be entangled. How exactly does [...]
Gita 5.4 explained
Now Krishna will clarify this point further how one can stay free from bondage Bg 5.4 sāṅkhya-yogau pṛthag bālāḥ pravadanti na paṇḍitāḥ ekam apy [...]
How Krishna’s teachings reflect both unity and diversity (Exploring the Gita chapter 5 series – 4)
How Krishna’s teachings reflect both unity and diversity - In the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna deems as childish those who consider sankhya and yoga to be different [...]
Why a message of peace on a battlefield? (Exploring the Gita chapter 5 series – 3)
Why a message of peace on a battlefield? – The Bhagavad-gita is spoken on the battlefield to a reluctant warrior urging him to fight. Then, [...]