In the Bhagavad-gita’s sixth chapter, Krishna addresses Arjuna’s concerns about the mind’s restlessness (06.33-34) by assuring him that practice will bring perfection (06.35-36). Krishna’s answer [...]
In the Bhagavad-gita’s sixth chapter, Krishna outlines the process of dhyana-yoga, which centers largely on maintaining equanimity of mind. In fact, serious dhyana-yoga begins with [...]
In the Bhagavad-gita’s conclusion, Krishna reveals his love for Arjuna (18.64-66). Krishna’s declaration is astonishing, riveting, inspiring. Yet it may raise a question, “Is such [...]
Toward the Bhagavad-gita’s conclusion, Krishna opens his heart in a stirring declaration of love. 18.65 and 18.66 are often celebrated as moving outpourings of Krishna’s [...]
Krishna states repeatedly in the Bhagavad-gita that if Arjuna works without attachment to the results of his work, he won’t be entangled. How exactly does [...]
In the Bhagavad-gita (18.46), Krishna urges Arjuna to worship the Lord through his work. What does this mean? For work to be worship, it needs [...]
In one of his oft-quoted statements, (03.27), Krishna tells Arjuna that the deluded think they are the doers of things that are actually done by [...]
The Bhagavad-gita is often seen as a philosophical treatise that contains many profound truths. While the Gita is certainly philosophical, it is simultaneously conversational. And [...]
Let’s consider three possible endings of Krishna’s message to Arjuna. Analytical ending (18.63): Though Krishna speaks nine more verses after this verse, this verse sounds [...]
While guiding Arjuna to act wisely (18.19-40), Krishna analyzes various elements of action in succession. One such element is determination (18.33-35), which essentially refers to [...]
Toward the end of the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna promises Arjuna of protection if he becomes devotionally conscious (18.58). What does this promise signify? To understand, let’s [...]
In the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna addresses Arjuna’s concern: Won’t work entangle me in the world? After outlining various processes for spiritual growth, Krishna recommends bhakti-yoga, or [...]
At first glance, the Bhagavad-gita might seem like a philosophical justification for war; Krishna speaks when Arjuna refuses to fight (02.09). Because our modern psyche [...]
To help Arjuna choose wisely, Krishna analyzes in terms of the three modes the various elements of decision-making, including the intelligence (18.30-32). How is intelligence [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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), [...]
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 he [...]
