Serving when we don’t feel like serving
Serving when we don't feel like serving is an expression of determination, not of deception. Sometimes, when we don't feel like doing something, for example, [...]
Gita 09.14 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Bg 9.14 satataṁ kīrtayanto māṁ [...]
Faith is seen through both firmness in intention and flexibility in execution
During a pandemic, if temples are closed to avoid infection, does that indicate a lack of faith among the devoted? Not necessarily. The essence of [...]
The notion that love can exist outside of sacrifice is a dangerous lie
In today’s world, many people equate love with feel-good. When they experience an overwhelming hormonal rush that makes them feel attracted and captivated by someone, [...]
To respect Krishna, respect the time we have carved out for Krishna
Suppose we are to meet someone who says they respect us profusely. But suppose they don’t turn up for the meeting – and that happens [...]
Why should Krishna get less from us than what our boss gets?
When we practice bhakti, we may feel, “I have too much service to do. Why am I being stretched so much?” Sometimes, we may be [...]
Pure devotion is atelic, not telic
Telic refers to activities that are done for a particular goal. We may drive to get to office, work to earn a living or save [...]
Devotion is meant to be manifested not just on our lips but also in our lives
When we practice bhakti-yoga and cultivate devotion for Krishna, we may become very effusive in manifesting that devotion through our lips – we may speak [...]
The pursuit of God is never a 9-to-5 endeavor
When we work at a 9-to-5 job that we don’t particularly like, we dislike being disturbed by office work outside office-hours. If we like our [...]
The cure for ritualism is not the rejection of ritual but the infusion of emotion into ritual
Some people criticize religious rituals as mindless performances and campaign for their rejection. However, rituals are present in every walk of life. For example, when [...]
Bhakti is not just emotion – it is also action that expresses and enriches emotion
Some people say, “Devotion is an emotion we feel in our heart; there’s no need to exhibit it publicly.” Exhibition is not needed, but expression [...]
To gain spiritual momentum, focus on the soul’s nourishment, not the mind’s amusement
Suppose a person driving a car keeps alternately accelerating and braking it. Such intermittent moving and stopping will prevent the car from gaining any substantial [...]
Devotion is not just a calling but also a choice
Many people treat devotion as a calling to which some are called and some (they) aren’t. Thus, they rationalize delaying their practice of devotion till [...]
Let repetition be a re-petition
Chanting mantras is a standard religious practice based on the philosophical understanding that sacred sound is packed with power. Different mantras are meant for different [...]
Prayerfulness is not the replacer of prayer, but its reinforcer
Some people say, “Prayer is a state of being – it’s not something that you do; it’s something that you are.” Actually, this state refers [...]
Choose to act your way to feelings, not feel your way to actions
“Acting our way to feelings” means choosing conscientiously to act based on our intelligence, even when our feelings don’t agree, till eventually those actions engender [...]
Don’t hide the devotion in the heart; hide the heart in the devotion
As we live in largely materialistic society, we may sometimes hide our devotion to avoid any unnecessary conflicts with others who don’t share our values. [...]
The essence of empowerment is not disappearance of obstacles, but persistence amidst obstacles
“Krishna empowers his devotees to do wonderful things.” This statement is frequently heard in devotional circles. What does empowerment mean? Is it a miraculous disappearance [...]
The supposition that we have spontaneous devotion sentences us to sporadic devotion
Some people ask, “What is the use of chanting Krishna’s holy names mechanically, keeping track of the count on beads? True lovers of Krishna will [...]
To grow in devotion, focus not on emotion but on dedication
The Bhagavad-gita features an intriguing paradox. On one hand, it repeatedly urges seekers to stay unaffected amidst emotions such as pleasure and pain (02.56, 12.19, [...]
Process produces progress – focus on process, not progress
Sometimes parents tell their children who are reluctant to eat: “Eat, then your muscles will become big – like those of your favorite heroes.” The [...]