Gita 04.17 explained
Bg 4.17 karmaṇo hy api boddhavyaṁ boddhavyaṁ ca vikarmaṇaḥ akarmaṇaś ca boddhavyaṁ gahanā karmaṇo gatiḥ Synonyms: karmaṇaḥ — of work; hi — certainly; api — also; boddhavyam — should be understood; boddhavyam — should [...]
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 [...]
Is our need to nurture aiding or impeding those whom we nurture?
We living beings have a deep need to nurture. That noble need is what inspires us to become parents, even if caring for infants sometimes involves sleepless [...]
Gita 02.59 explained
In next verse He says but this alone is not enough. BG 2.59 vishaya vinivartante niraharasya dehinah rasa-varjam raso 'py asya param drishtva nivartate [...]
Gita 5.23 explained
Now Arjuna gets a question at this point, yes I know, even if I agree that material enjoyment leads to misery but still by knowing [...]
When we can’t give up an unhealthy habit …
If an unhealthy habit keeps recurring despite our best efforts, how can we progress in self-transformation? By changing our attitude toward that habit: we can [...]
Gita 02.58 explained
Now Krishna starting to describe in next verse how such a person sits. Kim Asita (seating, how he restrain his senses 58 to 63) [...]
How can we admire without craving to acquire?
Whenever we see something attractive, we usually appreciate, even admire it. But when someone else has that attractive thing and we don’t, we often crave [...]
How to be detached in our relationships
We are social creatures who need relationships to be emotionally nourished. Yet many traditions emphasize detachment as a primary requirement for spiritual growth. For example, [...]
Gita 02.70 explained
Next verse Krishna will describe how we can have inner happiness how we can move from lower level of happiness to higher level of [...]
What avoiding sense objects doesn’t mean
When the Bhagavad-gita recommends that those striving for self-discipline should withdraw their senses from sense objects (02.58), this recommendation can be misunderstood in two ways. [...]
Gita chapter 2 summary – part 2
Raising Arjuna’s vision above material profit-loss considerations (02.38), Krishna explains that spiritual knowledge needs to be translated into a state of spiritual connectedness (02.39). The [...]
Gita 02.54 explained
Overview of second chapter (5 sections): 1-10 Arjuna’s question and further surrender. 11-30: Atma Jnana: Fight: As the soul is eternal, compassion for the [...]
Why be bothered by dishonor? (Understanding Gita 02.34 – 1)
Why be bothered by dishonor? - The Bhagavad-gita (02.34) declares that for those who have been honored, dishonor is worse than death. This verse raises [...]
Gita 02.44 explained
And after that Krishna describes give up that attachment. BG 2.44 bhogaisvarya-prasaktanam tayapahrita-cetasam vyavasayatmika buddhih samadhau na vidhiyate SYNONYMS bhoga -- to material enjoyment; [...]
Gita 5.25 explained
# BG 5.25 Last portion of the 5th Chapter! In the last section Sri Krishna told how a yogi can attain liberation by [...]
Gita 02.15 – Explanation from Bhakti Shastri Class
2.11-2.30: counters first argument – compassion – by Jayana Krishna takes it further and says that actually there are two natures. So we will [...]
Does devotion result in renunciation?
Does devotion result in renunciation? - The bhakti tradition features sterling examples of great saints who became so devoted to Krishna as to completely renounce [...]
How to cultivate equanimity?
In today’s fast-paced world characterized by sudden and massive changes, we often appreciate people who stay cool-headed. How can we too develop such equanimity? Do [...]
From applause to absorption
We live in a culture that makes us crave for external validation, all the more so with the advent of social media. Therein, every post [...]
How can we become immune to temptation?
Suppose someone is living in a pandemic area. If they have developed immunity to that disease, they may think they are safe. However, if they [...]