The less we identify with our thoughts the less we act thoughtlessly
Whenever we do something regrettable, we wonder, “Why did I act so thoughtlessly?” First, we are never literally thoughtless, for we are never without thoughts. [...]
If Krishna takes away the things that can take us away from him don’t go away from him
We usually approach God when we need something. If we get it by praying to him, we feel our faith vindicated. But suppose the opposite [...]
The stronger the hold of problems on our mind the weaker becomes our hold on ourselves
Suppose we see a friend getting rattled when facing problems. We may tell them, “Get a hold on yourself.” This common usage suggests that we [...]
The Gita equips the thoughtful to become more faithful and the faithful to become more thoughtful
Some people say, “Thoughtfulness and faithfulness don’t go well together. If someone thinks too deeply, many of the things they are called to believe will [...]
The mind makes the uncomfortable seem unbearable and then makes us do the unconscionable
The mind makes the uncomfortable seem unbearable and then makes us do the unconscionable Suppose someone lives in a place with uncomfortably hot weather. If [...]
Don’t be so afraid of the irrational as to deny the possibility of the transrational
Don’t be so afraid of the irrational as to deny the possibility of the transrational We live in an age that prides itself on its [...]
God focuses not on what wrongs we have committed but on where our heart is committed
God focuses not on what wrongs we have committed but on where our heart is committed Suppose we strive to practice bhakti and live purely, [...]
Manifesting our individuality should fill our heart not empty our pocket
“Be yourself.” This is an oft-repeated mantra nowadays. While the call to be true to oneself is enriching, the path to self-expression, as charted by [...]
Just because it’s not up to you doesn’t mean that you are not up to it
Just because it's not up to you doesn't mean that you are not up to it When we are asked to do something challenging, especially [...]
Gita 09.06 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Now after describing this Krishna [...]
Destiny may determine the complexion of our face but we determine the expression on our face
Destiny may determine the complexion of our face but we determine the expression on our face “Is everything destined?” We may ask when factors beyond [...]
Contemplation is the foundation of action; without contemplation, what we do is not action but reaction
Some people view contemplation and action as opposites: “If we are contemplative, we can’t be active.” To substantiate their view, they point to the classification [...]
When a long-awaited good thing happens be grateful that it happened not resentful that it happened so late
When a long-awaited good thing happens be grateful that it happened not resentful that it happened so late Suppose someone who had a longstanding disagreement [...]
The mind is not afraid to interrupt us don’t be afraid to interrupt it
Suppose we are working in a team with someone who keeps interrupting us. And what they suggest is mostly distracting at best and disastrous at [...]
God loves us as we are, but he loves us too much to let us stay as we are
God loves us as we are but he loves us too much to let us stay as we are Some people ask, “Why doesn't God [...]
Better to endure cravings that seem unbearable than to endure consequences that are unbearable
Suppose someone is trying to recover from alcoholism. They may still be subjected to strong cravings to drink. Suppose they feel that those cravings are [...]
The mind is a persecutor who pretends to be the persecuted
Few things stimulate human sympathy as much as the sight of someone being persecuted. We naturally want to do what we can to stop the [...]
Happiness is found not in collecting and consuming, but in connecting and contributing
Today’s corporate-controlled consumerist culture makes us believe that our success and happiness are defined by how much we collect and how much we consume: how [...]
Gita 07.21 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya So let us look at the [...]
The more we are aimless, the more we become shameless
The more we are aimless the more we become shameless Suppose a student is on vacation, with nothing specific to do. They may spend days [...]
Gita 06.47 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya 46-47: The topmost yogi fixes his [...]