Failing to learn from our failures?
Suppose we try to do something important and make a mistake that leads to our failure. But that failure, no matter how severe, won’t ruin [...]
How to face overwhelming problems
When we face a huge problem, we may feel overwhelmed: “How can I ever tackle this?” What makes a problem seem overwhelming? Frequently, our perception [...]
When life seems to say ‘no’ to us
Suppose we invest a lot of effort in actualizing a particular aspiration — be it a career or a relationship or a calling — but [...]
Why arrogance is worse than the mere absence of humility
The Mahabharata describes how Duryodhana had lived lifelong with habitual hubris, neglecting or rejecting the counsel of wise elders, and choosing to pursue his own [...]
Aiming to be trouble-free? Think again
We don’t like trouble. To try to avoid problems reflects not only a sound survival instinct, but also an alert intelligence. For example, if we [...]
Are we treating our beliefs and our doubts equally?
Suppose we grew up in an environment that fostered belief in things such as the teachings of sacred texts like the Bhagavad-gita. Over time, we [...]
Might we all be bound by something worse than ropes?
If we saw someone being dragged around bound by a rope, we would be appalled. Yet millions of us are bound by attachments that bind [...]
From renouncing possession to renouncing illusion
Suppose we visit the house of a wealthy friend. During our stay, we get attached to the luxuries there. When we leave that house, suppose [...]
Dealing with the fog of emotions
Suppose we are driving full speed along a road and suddenly thick fog envelopes us. Even if we turn our car lights fully on, the [...]
What is karma meant for
The Bhagavad-gita (04.17) states that the workings of karma can be incomprehensible. This speaks to our experience – we all are sometimes faced with adversities [...]
From what’s on loan to what’s our own
Suppose we inherit a huge fortune: we may start splurging recklessly. But suppose we learn that the money we have is on loan: we will [...]
Slaying the enemy of self-doubt
Whenever we try to do anything worthwhile, be it external or internal, we are often confronted by some people who doubt us: “You won’t be [...]
Spitting at destiny? Bad idea
Suppose we are walking peacefully on a road and are suddenly hit by a hailstone. Suppose we get angry at the sky and decide to [...]
Dealing with temptation — a positive approach
When dealing with temptation, we often focus on saying no to it; we may even define our self-worth by our success in resisting it. Thereafter, [...]
Why we fall to temptation — a deeper analysis
Suppose we resolve repeatedly to give up some temptation, but still succumb again and again. Becoming dejected, we may conclude, “This temptation is too strong; [...]
The problem with doing whatever we like
Suppose we are studying for an important exam the next day. Suppose further that success in this exam can launch our career in a field [...]
Are you someone you would want to live with lifelong?
If our partner is someone we can’t live with, that would make our life miserable. How much greater would be our misery if we had [...]
When the mind’s greed masquerades as the body’s need …
Suppose our car fuel indicator alerted us that our gas tank was becoming empty. We would naturally seek a gas station. But suppose we noticed [...]
How to boost our self-esteem
Suppose a person is suffering from a disease and is feeling gloomy. Suppose they assure themselves, “I am alright.” Such words may trigger some positive [...]
Might we be infected by a parasitic mentality?
Parasites are organisms that grow at the expense of their hosts. When parasites infect our body, they suck our energy and sap our health, leaving [...]
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Suppose we are living with a moody person who has extreme negative mood swings — during those dark moods, they tend to be both deceptive [...]