Needing Krishna to fix us
Meditation begins in earnest when we realize that we need to change from the inside out. We generally turn toward God when things are not [...]
Four ways our mind and intelligence may relate with Krishna
The Bhagavad Gita (8.7) states that to remember Krishna throughout our life, we need to dedicate our mind and intelligence to Him. Our mind is [...]
Gita 08.07 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan We have to remember Krishna [...]
Who do we seek to be remembered by?
One of our greatest fears is the fear of being forgotten. Why is this such a great fear? Because it plays into another deeper fear: [...]
What are we focusing on: connection or contribution?
While practicing bhakti, we may sometimes become discouraged, thinking, “I can’t make any worthwhile contribution.” To avoid such discouragement, we need to get our priorities [...]
How can we develop both materially and spiritually?
We may fear, “If we become too spiritually serious, that will undermine our material prospects. Conversely, if we become too materially ambitious, that will undermine [...]
If saving lives means something more than delaying death, then we all have the opportunity to save lives
During a pandemic, the medical care providers are the frontline warriors. By their courageous and competent actions, they can save people's lives. When the pandemic [...]
Meditation is not the antithesis of action, it is the basis of action
Some people consider meditation to be a scandalous waste of time. They question dedicated meditators: “How can you waste so much time doing nothing? If [...]
Our deepest desires should direct us from within, not disappear within
Suppose we have something precious that we are afraid of losing. We may keep it carefully, deep inside a secret safe. However, if we don’t [...]
We can’t avoid being pushed by time, but we can choose where we are pushed by time
Just as leaves fallen in an ocean are pushed inexorably by waves, we are pushed inexorably by time toward death. Does that mean we are [...]
Devotion is expressed through intention and attention, not just emotion and action
People often equate devotion with feel-good emotions or ritualistic actions. If they feel good while practicing bhakti or if they execute religious rituals diligently, they [...]
Don’t just keep waiting – keep pushing too
When urged to practice spiritual life, some people stay lethargic, saying, “I am waiting to get an inner call.” However, do we adopt such an [...]
When we love the Lord more than the world, he takes us out of the world
While driving, where we go depends largely on where we want to go. This principle that our aspiration determines our destination also applies to our [...]
Combination of inner recollection and outer contribution nourishes devotion
Some people think of devotion as an impractical, sentimental, other-worldly obsession. However, the Bhagavad-gita’s context refutes this caricature of devotion. The Gita’s student, Arjuna, wanted [...]
Appreciating Krishna’s immanence integrates recollection and participation
The Bhagavad-gita’s directive (08.07) – always remember Krishna and do your prescribed duty – raises the question: “How can we do both simultaneously? If we [...]
Count your blessings – and your toes too
When multiple problems threaten us, we may feel overwhelmed by negative emotions such as self-pity, pessimism and paranoia. Our mind frets about everything that’s gone [...]
Express affection through recollection and attention
Suppose a husband who works out-of-station returns home for vacation. He tells his wife that, while he is away, he remembers her frequently. But then [...]
At death, we don’t have to leave home; we can go home
If we have to leave our home for a long time, we feel agonized. That agony is multiplied manifold when we have to face death, [...]
The key to offering ourselves to Krishna is offering our mind and intelligence to him
“How can we remember Krishna while doing our duties in the world?” This question often perplexes devotees. Let’s look closely at the Bhagavad-gita verse (08.07) [...]
Krishna is not life’s sole goal – he is life’s whole goal
Sometimes people ask: “To attain Krishna, do we have to give up all other goals and just devote ourselves to him?” No, because Krishna is not [...]
Life’s speed-breakers are meant to be faith-builders, not faith-breakers
People often ask: “There’s so much suffering in the world. Does God actually care?” Yes, God cares – and cares more than we can comprehend. [...]