Fear paralyzes faith energizes
Whenever we are overcome by fear, we often get paralyzed, not knowing which way to move. We end up unable to move at all. That [...]
Taking things positively vs taking things nonchalantly
Suppose something bad happens, be it due to our own mistakes or due to factors beyond our control, or due to a combination of both, [...]
Why measurement matters for improvement
When we seek to improve ourselves by developing virtues such as self-control, politeness, or kindness, we often make resolutions that don't sufficiently translate into transformative [...]
Gita 18.30 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Krishna will talk about intelligence [...]
How Krishna’s analysis of intelligence in the three modes matters for Arjuna
To help Arjuna choose wisely, Krishna analyzes in terms of the three modes the various elements of decision-making, including the intelligence (18.30-32). How is intelligence [...]
Mindlessly mindful?
Mindfulness is often equated with greater awareness of both our outer and inner worlds. Still, not every detail of the outer world needs attention, and [...]
How are fear and education related?
Suppose some small children are afraid of the dark. As they grow up and become more educated about the nature of reality, they will no [...]
When is fearlessness a facade for foolishness?
Suppose a child goes dangerously close to the parapet of a skyscraper. When his mother warns him, “Move away or you will fall down,” he [...]
How to improve our relationships
A major challenge in relationships is dealing with differences of opinion: “When do we stick to our stand? When do we listen to others?” To [...]
“Why don’t you enjoy the things God has provided?”
Some people oppose the principle of forbidding anything: “If God didn’t want us to take intoxicants, why did he create intoxicating substances in nature? And [...]
Intelligence vs intellect
Intelligence and intellect are sometimes considered synonyms. However, they differ significantly. Before going into their specific meanings, let’s consider the underlying concepts. We all have [...]
Screen your inner screen
Our mind is like an inner screen. On it appear sensory stimuli from the outer world as well as recollections arising from past impressions in [...]
Intelligence is seen not just through aptitude, but also through activity
Nowadays, if we want to know how intelligent someone is, we often check their IQ score. IQ tests primarily measure people’s information processing ability – [...]
Intelligence means to know which thoughts to contemplate and which to neglect
Intelligence is essentially the ability to make good choices. For example, IQ tests often assess students’ intelligence based on their ability to choose the right [...]
Don’t discriminate against discrimination
The word “discrimination” has nowadays acquired a strong negative connotation, as in caste discrimination or racial discrimination. While such discrimination is distasteful, it needn’t make [...]
Guard against the impulse of the senses with the vigilance of the intelligence
Why do we sometimes do things that we didn’t intend to do, things that we in fact had resolved not to do? For explaining the [...]
Everything attractive comes from Krishna, but everything attractive doesn’t take us to Krishna
The Bhagavad-gita repeatedly urges us to not become attracted by sense objects. Yet the same Gita (10.41) asserts that the attractiveness of everything attractive comes [...]