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 [...]
The Absolute’s different manifestations reflect his different moods
God is one. While this truth is taught by all theistic traditions, Gita wisdom adds a significant detail: His oneness doesn’t limit him to one [...]
Spiritual growth requires rising from “either-or” thinking to “and” thinking
While driving through a fork, we have to choose one of the two roads. We often superimpose this materially useful either-or attitude on spiritual understanding. [...]
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 [...]
We may be battered, but we don’t have to be shattered
Suppose in a boxing match one boxer is attacked and battered by an opponent. But if the battered boxer just keeps fighting, the attacker tires [...]
Remembering Krishna is not a function of the memory – it is an inclination of the heart
We usually associate remembrance with memory – those with good memory can remember a lot of things, those with poor memory struggle to remember even [...]
Gita 09.21 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan so what happens for such [...]
Gita 09.16 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan So now look at Vishvarupa [...]
Suspension of the natural order alone is not miraculous – the natural order itself is miraculous too
Some people consider as miraculous phenomena that involve the suspension of natural order – phenomena such as walking on water or lifting a hill. Such [...]
See religion not as a cultural phenomenon, but as a spiritual process
People in various parts of the world often follow different religions. Even if they are affiliated to the same religion, the ways in which they [...]
Don’t let the quest for perfection become the tomb of progression
When we try to grow spiritually, we may seek perfect self-control. But just as a child falls before learning to walk, so too do we [...]
Devotion is not just an emotion we feel – it is an action we do
Some people equate devotion with emotion – the emotion they feel on, say, sensing sublime vibes at a sacred place, hearing sweet devotional songs or [...]
Nature’s regularity is not an intrinsic necessity; it points to an overseeing divinity
Suppose a poultry farmer puts food in the poultry enclosure every morning at 6 am. On observing this happening repeatedly, a cock declares, “Food comes [...]
Direct the whole heart towards the heart of the Whole
We all long to love and be loved. Where does this longing come from? And how can it be best fulfilled? This longing can’t come [...]
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 world sees outside-in; God sees inside-out
The world often judges us by our actions. Even if we have the best of intentions, if our actions don’t work out right, the world [...]
See the providential in the accidental by being devotional
Newton’s seeing the fruit falling was accidental. He could well have been elsewhere at that time or the fruit might well have fallen at some [...]
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 [...]
Devotion is more a function of intention than of action
The world sees us outside in. It rates us by our clothes, phones and cars. Such a rating pattern often sentences us to insecurity and inferiority, especially when we are stuck, by factors beyond our control, with unimpressive externals.
Gita 09.17 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Now Krishna explains how He [...]
Break free from the small desires that have held you hostage for lifetimes
Abductors who take control of a plane often force it to a destination other than its intended one and hold the passengers hostage there. The [...]