Being realistic and optimistic
To be optimistic without being realistic sets us up for unnecessary pain. To be realistic without being optimistic keeps us in unnecessary pain. When we [...]
Being successful
To be successful, we need to be both optimistic and realistic. Whenever we strive to achieve something difficult, we need to be optimistic about our [...]
To guide effectively, focus on others’ potentials, not their problems
To help others, focus on their potentials, not their problems. Whenever we are in a position of guiding others, it is natural that we will [...]
Gita 18.48 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan So Krishan will give examples [...]
Should we expose things that don’t work?
Suppose we have a sense of social responsibility and a zeal for social reform — we will naturally observe things in the world around us [...]
How Krishna prepares Arjuna for his difficult duty
When we have to do something difficult, it’s helpful if we are prepared for it. Suppose we have to lift a heavy suitcase, a timely [...]
Do the ends justify the means? (Beyond black and white conceptions series 5)
Suppose someone is driving a heart attack victim to a hospital. Naturally, they will try to drive as fast as possible. Even if they drive [...]
Should education be realistic or idealistic?
Suppose schools started teaching kids, “The world is such a terrible place that you can’t even survive unless you learn to lie.” When parents express [...]
Justice or just is?
Suppose a ship with three hundred people is hit by an iceberg and starts sinking. Suppose further that it only has life-saving equipment for a [...]
Perfectionism is a serial killer in high heels
When we try to improve ourselves, we often desire to become perfect in that area. Such perfectionism or obsession with perfection is a deceptive and [...]
Learn to like the things we need to do to do the things we like to do
We all have preferences (things we like to do) and obligations (things we need to do). Among our biggest obligations is our profession. Even if [...]
Don’t try to be too good for your own good
We may sometimes become impractically idealistic, “I will never do anything wrong in my life.” Such an aspiration is good, but it needs to be [...]
Forgive the unavoidable, avoid the unforgivable
Gita wisdom is eminently practical. It reveals lofty levels of devotional consciousness as our ultimate goal, but also outlines a down-to-earthpath for getting there. Let’s [...]