Even if bhakti is not joyful, it is still fruitful
When we hear scriptural descriptions about the immense, intense bliss of bhakti, we may get the question, “Is this for real?” This question may become [...]
Let dreams be a spur for action, not a substitute for them
We often dream of improving things. Among all species, we humans have the distinctive, even unique, capacity to dream of a better future and then [...]
Bhakti is the treatment that transforms into a treat
When we are sick, we accept the prescribed treatment as an austerity necessary for our recovery. And we often dream about the various treats we [...]
Don’t go through the motions – go through to the emotions
Going through the motions refers to doing things superficially, perfunctorily, mechanically – akin to the way a machine moves, without any emotional involvement. Bhakti is [...]
Freedom to do what we like is not necessarily freedom – freedom to do what we should is
Consider alcoholics who want to break free from their addiction. They often place themselves voluntarily in rehabilitation clinics whose monitored environment takes away their freedom [...]
We can’t fly in the sky without breaking our shell
When a baby bird tries to come out of its shell, it has to strain and stretch to crack the shell. When its wing comes [...]
Let intelligence take from the poison phase to the nectar phase
When we practice spiritual life, our mind holds us back by making us feel that the effort is too much and the reward too little. [...]
Expect meditation to be challenging before it becomes comforting
Seekers often ask, “Meditation is supposed to be rejuvenating, but I sometimes find it boring, even tiring. Why is that?” Because our misdirected mind distracts [...]
Mantra meditation is like a workout that becomes a massage
Seekers sometimes ask: “I was told that mantra meditation will de-stress and relax me. But I find that meditation itself is a demanding exercise. What’s [...]
Are we drinking poison to quench thirst?
When infants feel thirsty, they cry, not knowing what’s wrong. Mothers understand and give their babies water. As the toddlers grow up, they too understand [...]
Be cruel to be kind
Suppose we are sick and need a painful treatment. If we undergo that treatment, it may appear as if we are being cruel to ourselves. [...]
Conviction and purification take us from the poison to the nectar
As devotees who wish to rise from the material level to the spiritual level, we often face the question, “How do I sustain myself during [...]
Lack of devotional appetite is natural yet unnatural
As spiritual seekers, we may at times feel apathetic or averse to the spiritual practices like meditation or prayer that connect us with Krishna and [...]
The Secret of Enlightened Enjoyment
“I want enlightenment, but I can’t give up enjoyment. What should I do?” This is the predicament of many of us as aspiring devotees who [...]