How Krishna’s analysis of knowledge in the three modes matters for Arjuna
Krishna’s discussion with Arjuna was meant to help him choose wisely. What factors could aid him in choosing wisely? A key factor is knowledge, wherein [...]
Isn’t life too complex to have a manual?
Sometimes, the Bhagavad-gita is commended as the manual for living. This raises questions among thoughtful people, “Isn’t life way too complex to ever have a [...]
Gita 06.35 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya 33-37: Dealing with the mind, the [...]
We are bound to act according to our nature — what does this mean?
Does Krishna’s statement (18.60) that we are bound to act according to our nature leave any scope for free will? If it didn’t, why would [...]
Why Krishna urges Arjuna to stick to his natural duty
In the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna tells Arjuna twice (03.35 & 18.47) that it is far better to act according to one’s own nature than according to [...]
How to focus the mind
We live in an age of unprecedented distraction. When our mind is being so fiercely targeted, how can we focus it? Here are two time-tested [...]
Gita 08.05 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Now Sri Krishna is answering [...]
Gita 15.18 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Then after that Krishna says [...]
How detachment protects us from negativity
Suppose we are walking on a narrow path that slopes unpredictably and has ditches on both sides. We could walk much more steadily if the [...]
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 [...]
Why Krishna states contrasting brahmana and kshatriya virtues in successive verses
When Krishna describes the virtues and duties of various social classes in the Bhagavad-gita (18.41-44), he mentions a specific virtue that characterizes brahmanas: forgiving (18.42), [...]
Gita18.01 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Bg 18.1 arjuna uvāca sannyāsasya [...]
Gita 10.18 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Bg 10.18 vistareṇātmano yogaṁ vibhūtiṁ [...]
Gita 18.19 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Bg 18.19 jñānaṁ karma ca [...]
Arjuna’s seventeenth question
At the start of the Bhagavad-gita’s final chapter (18.01), Arjuna asks a question that may be puzzling in both content and context. Content because [...]
How the third-person and first-person references point to an evolving understanding of divinity
A puzzling feature of the Bhagavad-gita is Krishna’s referring to himself sometimes in the third person. One way to make sense of such references is [...]
Why is it so difficult to focus?
When we want to do anything important, why do we often find it so difficult to focus? Due to the combined consequence of three forceful [...]
Krishna’s intriguing third-person references to himself
In the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna sometimes refers to himself in the third person. Why? To better understand, let’s consider a specific example. In the eighteenth chapter, [...]
Why does Krishna discuss the modes so much?
Krishna mentions the modes throughout the Bhagavad-gita; devotes the entire fourteenth chapter to explaining what they are and how they function; and uses them to [...]
Why what we remember at the time of death matters so much
In the Bhagavad-gita’s eighth chapter, Krishna states that whatever we remember at the time of death, we will attain the corresponding state in our next [...]
Gita 08.06 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Now Sri Krishna will give [...]