Three steps toward becoming more focused
We all have the experience that we get distracted and waste a lot of time due to the resulting underperformance. To become more focused, we [...]
Gita 06.35 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya 33-37: Dealing with the mind, the [...]
How to focus the mind
We live in an age of unprecedented distraction. When our mind is being so fiercely targeted, how can we focus it? Here are two time-tested [...]
How Krishna addresses Arjuna’s concerns empathically (Balancing independence and guidance 6)
In the Bhagavad-gita’s sixth chapter, Krishna outlines the process of dhyana-yoga. This process for attaining self-realization centers primarily on cultivating equanimity of the mind toward [...]
How can we improve our mental health? (Mental health series 5)
Let’s understand by considering how we improve our physical health: broadly by providing our body good nutrition and exercise, and protecting it from harmful substances [...]
Two principles for making our mind our friend (Managing the mind series 5)
Suppose we are named guardians of the son of some old friends who have suddenly passed away. Suppose further that we don’t know their son [...]
The mind’s complaining about a problem is often a bigger problem than the problem itself
When the weather is bad, say, too cold, we all are inconvenienced. But some people start complaining repeatedly, “It’s so cold, it’s so cold, it’s [...]
The truth may be bitter, but it doesn’t have to be told bitterly
When we see someone doing something wrong, we may feel tempted to correct them immediately. If our words hurt them and they protest, we may [...]
Matter matters, and so does manner
When we speak something authoritative, we often expect others to hear it submissively. Especially when we speak Krishna’s message, we frequently think that because we [...]
To inspire improvement, offer encouragement, not judgment
When we see others doing something wrong, we often feel impelled to judge and correct them. This impulse becomes even stronger if we happen to [...]
Know when to be hard with yourself and when gentle
When we resolve to lead a principle-centered life, abstaining from indulgence, we sometimes relapse. Irritated, we may beat ourselves up: “Why was I so stupid [...]
People need to feel understood before they become ready to understand
Suppose a patient goes to a doctor and, without hearing the patient, the doctor starts giving a prescription. The patient will be taken aback, “I [...]
Before you put others in their place, put yourself in their place
When we teach something and find that some people keep objecting, we may feel impelled to speak cuttingly and put them in their place. However, [...]
Your mind is the only mind you have – train it
God is sometimes conceived as a being who stays in and rules from his own kingdom. While such a conception addresses one feature of God’s [...]
Don’t give guidance alone – give confidence too
When we practice spiritual life for some time, younger practitioners may come to us for guidance in tackling problems such as the uncontrolled mind. The [...]
The mind may replay, but we don’t have to play
Sometimes some nasty images come in our mind and make us feel appalled at ourselves: “What kind of devotee am I to be thinking such [...]
The mind can defeat us in a battle, but we alone can defeat ourselves in the war
We grow internally by living with moral and spiritual integrity. Such principle-centered living necessitates an inner war against the mind which stubbornly sticks to its [...]
Bind the blind mind
The greatest threat to our wellbeing is our blind mind. The mind is considered blind notbecause it can’t see anything but because it doesn’t see [...]