The world is a resource to take us to the source
During our reflective moments, we may wonder, “What is the purpose of this world?” Materialists answer that the world is a place for our enjoyment. [...]
We can’t deprive others of their right to be wrong, but we can empower them to use that right rightly
If we see someone ignorantly walking towards the edge of a dangerous cliff, we will naturally warn them, “Don’t go there.” Usually, they will heed [...]
Love is the limiter of freedom – and its fulfiller too
We long to be free. And we long for love. Yet love and freedom don’t seem to go together. Why? Because love apparently restricts freedom. [...]
When nothing is worth fighting for, anything can provoke a fight
If we see two people fighting over something trivial, we would naturally wonder: Why are they making such a big issue of this? People fight [...]
Living resentfully is like driving with the brake pressed
Suppose we see someone pressing the brake of their car and also trying to drive the car ahead. We will consider their actions absurd. Sadly, [...]
We are bound by our nature, but we are not bound to our nature
We all have particular qualities, abilities and interests – all of which can be collectively referred to as our nature. Different frames of reference can [...]
Devotion needs to be expressed to be experienced and enriched
Some people say, “Devotion is a matter of the heart. Why exhibit it to the world?” Yes, devotion needn’t be exhibited, but it needs to [...]
Before Krishna can entrance our consciousness, he needs an entrance to our consciousness
In its conclusion (18.67), the Bhagavad-gita urges us to not speak its confidential message to anyone and everyone. Why this restriction? Because Gita wisdom needs [...]
We need to forgive ourselves to give ourselves to Krishna
When we commit some serious mistakes, we may beat ourselves down with guilt, “Why did I do such a thing?” Certainly, we need to take [...]
If you get the thought that you can never resist temptation, treat that thought as a temptation and resist it
Suppose an invading army infiltrates a defending army with a spy. And that spy disheartens the defending soldiers, telling them that their forces are too [...]
From your place, at your pace, access the grace
Suppose a wealthy person gives charity abundantly. Still, to receive that charity, we would have to go to their place. If they came to our [...]
The Gita’s purpose is not to proclaim God’s position, but to transform man’s disposition
The Bhagavad-gita concludes with a proclamation: “Wherever there is Krishna and Arjuna, there will be victory.” This prophetic proclamation aptly climaxes the Gita’s revelation of [...]
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 – [...]
To treat our emotions as the only reality is to live in unreality
Suppose we are driving a car, and suddenly the car lurches. We will experience the lurch as a physical sensation. But that lurch may trigger [...]
Don’t give up because of illusion – give up to come out of illusion
Some people adopt renunciation because of frustration. They want some worldly thing that they believe is enjoyable, but on failing to get it, they adopt [...]
Don’t just be forceful – first be resourceful
When we are in a responsible position where we need to get things done, we may have to push people. However, while pushing them, we [...]
Freedom is not just an opportunity – it is also a responsibility
Our culture celebrates freedom, yet it doesn’t give the freedom to drive to those below the legal driving age. Why not? Because they may not [...]
Sensual pleasure feels fine, but it comes with a fine
Youths often like to drive their bikes superfast, way above the speed limit. They get a thrill when they feel the wind whistling through their [...]
Renunciation is an expensive business
Some people think that renunciation is a cheap business: just as even those without much capital can start a cheap business, similarly, those without much [...]
Protecting cows protects the cow protectors from greed
Some people ask, “Why does bhakti culture stress cow protection?” Multiple reasons. The cow is a gentle animal that gives us the same life-sustaining gift [...]
Even if we lose hope with ourselves, Krishna doesn’t
We often face difficulties because of outer conditions or inner conditionings or both. If these difficulties seem unresolvable, we may lose hope. Thankfully however, even [...]