To believe whatever we see is to live like an animal
To believe whatever we see is to live like an animal Some people assert, “Seeing is believing.” Their intent in making this assertion may be [...]
The test of success in bhakti is taste for bhakti
The test of success in bhakti is taste for bhakti When we practice bhakti, we may wonder, “How do I know if I am progressing [...]
Ritualists see hierarchy above equality spiritualists see equality above hierarchy
Ritualists see hierarchy above equality spiritualists see equality above hierarchy We cherish equality; we don’t want anyone to be discriminated against. Simultaneously, our hard-nosed side [...]
We may forget gravity but gravity won’t forget us
We may forget gravity but gravity won’t forget us Suppose an intoxicated person forgets about gravity and steps off a ten-story building. Gravity won’t forget [...]
Materialism reduces organism to mechanism
Materialism reduces organism to mechanism Materialism is the ideology that matter is all that exists. Mechanism is a material system that works according to material [...]
We are in illusion but we are not an illusion
We are in illusion but we are not an illusion Suppose someone we trusted implicitly betrays us totally. Being devastated, we may ask ourselves: “What [...]
Our longing for equality points to our spirituality
Our longing for equality points to our spirituality In today’s world, equality is among the most cherished values. Few things provoke as much indignation as [...]
The appreciation we get for our service is not as consequential as the absorption we get in our service
The appreciation we get for our service is not as consequential as the absorption we get in our service Whenever we do anything, we usually [...]
See Krishna’s reciprocation more in spiritual absorption than in material protection
See Krishna’s reciprocation more in spiritual absorption than in material protection While practicing bhakti, suppose we face problems and pray to Krishna for help. If [...]
Krishna retains his divine position even while he reclines in a supine position
Krishna retains his divine position even while he reclines in a supine position Those who see Krishna’s pastimes as a child sometimes wonder: “How can [...]
Humility is the pathway to Krishna not the password to position in a power structure
Humility is the pathway to Krishna not the password to position in a power structure Some people are humble and submissive in front of their [...]
What we see depends on what we want to see
What we see depends on what we want to see Suppose an alcoholic visits a new city. Though the city may have many attractive sights, [...]
God is the ultimate source and the ultimate resource
How we function in the world depends primarily on two factors: what brings us to the world and what we bring to the world. What [...]
Spirituality stills the mind and fills the soul
When starting spiritual life, we may expect different things. Some people expect to levitate; some, to see a mystical light, some, to acquire an aura. [...]
The search for security is ultimately the search for spirituality
Some people say, “I am not interested in any spiritual stuff.” They feel uninterested because often they don’t understand what spirituality is. In today’s culture, [...]
The cure for ritualism is not the rejection of ritual but the infusion of emotion into ritual
Some people criticize religious rituals as mindless performances and campaign for their rejection. However, rituals are present in every walk of life. For example, when [...]
Fate is not a matter of faith, but our faith matters in determining our fate
The word fate connotes a trans-human shaper of results (Why is fate against me?) as well as the future that will result (Who knows what [...]
To see the big picture, ask the big questions
When life’s problems start overwhelming us, seeing the big picture can help us put first things first. However, we can’t even seek the big picture [...]
Information doesn’t have to be new to be helpful – it just has to be timely
We live in a culture where the new is incessantly glamorized – new gadgets, new fashions, new data, new news. But we don’t always need new information – what we need is timely access to the known. If students have prepared for an exam, they don’t need any new information at the time of the exam – they just need to recollect what they already know.
Use self-control to commit the self to the control of the supreme self
Suppose a person has a severe digestive disorder that requires not just dietary regulation but also medical treatment. The patient’s self-control in eating is beneficial [...]