3.35 Let fear inform our choices, not deform our values
Fear isn’t always bad. Sometimes it warns us of real dangers to avoid. The Bhagavad Gita (3.35) points to such healthy fear, teaching that choices [...]
The under-explored relationship between morality and meaning
Morality often carries associations with religious moralizing, conjuring stereotypical images of outdated codes of conduct dictated long ago. These are frequently dismissed as being regressive [...]
17.15 When speaking, don’t just be truthful, be helpful
Have you ever wondered whether telling the whole truth is always the best approach, especially if it might cause unnecessary hurt? Or have you noticed [...]
5.18 An Identity Beyond Identity Politics — The Gita’s Deeper Vision
In today’s political discourse especially in the West, there's a lot of focus on identity— race, gender, orientation. In India, there's a similar focus on [...]
Let my sense of honor inspire me to do what is honorable (2.34)
Bhagavad Gita 2.34 akīrtiṁ cāpi bhūtāni kathayiṣyanti te ’vyayām saṁbhāvitasya cākīrtir maraṇād atiricyate "Infamy will forever stain your name, People will speak of your [...]
How accountability can save us from humiliation
How accountability can save us from humiliation We all may have some unhealthy habits that we grapple with. We may overcome them temporarily, but eventually [...]
How morality and moralizing affect our spiritual growth differently
We all need morality as a behavioral safeguard. If we indulge in some unhealthy pleasure indiscriminately and repeatedly, we become attached, even addicted. Over time, [...]
How is the concept of dharma universal?
Suppose a person is driving a car on the road — then they are belonging to a whole bigger than themselves: the road transport system. [...]
How can we identify evil?
We often operate with certain stereotypical conceptions of things. For example, in most traditions, evil is depicted as an ugly, grotesque being, maybe with horns [...]
How to be moral without becoming judgmental
How to be moral without becoming judgmental Morality essentially centers on discerning which activities are acceptable and which aren't. If we can’t or don’t make [...]
From mean actions to the meaning of actions
From mean actions to the meaning of actions We sometimes succumb to unhealthy behaviors such as overeating, excessive net surfing or even much more injurious [...]
Some people use yoga to stretch their bodies; others to stretch the truth
Some people use yoga to stretch their bodies; others to stretch the truth Yoga has become immensely popular in today's world. Millions practice yoga as [...]
Gita 16.10 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Bg 16.10 kāmam āśritya duṣpūraṁ [...]
If saving lives means something more than delaying death then we all have the opportunity to save lives
If saving lives means something more than delaying death then we all have the opportunity to save lives During a pandemic, the medical care providers [...]
When dealing with the distressed focus not on their karma; focus on your dharma
When dealing with the distressed focus not on their karma; focus on your dharma Suppose a newborn baby is crying. Should the mother neglect the [...]
Regret for wrongdoing reforms regret for only the consequence of wrongdoing deforms
Regret for wrongdoing reforms regret for only the consequence of wrongdoing deforms Suppose a teenager drives beyond the speed limit just for the thrill of [...]
The more we are aimless, the more we become shameless
The more we are aimless the more we become shameless Suppose a student is on vacation, with nothing specific to do. They may spend days [...]
Moral relativism makes wrongdoing tough to identify, tougher to rectify and toughest to purify
Moral relativism makes wrongdoing tough to identify tougher to rectify and toughest to purify Many people nowadays argue for moral relativism: “What is wrong and [...]
If we are tormented by strong conscience and weak willpower, the solution is strengthening willpower, not weakening conscience
If we are tormented by strong conscience and weak willpower the solution is strengthening willpower not weakening conscience We all face situations in our life [...]
An impurity censor makes no sense to those who don’t have even an impurity sensor
An impurity censor makes no sense to those who don't have even an impurity sensor An impurity censor refers to some regulator that filters out [...]
With God, everyone is accepted, but everything isn’t acceptable
With God everyone is accepted but everything isn’t acceptable Some people ask, “If God is all-loving, why does he prescribe so many do’s and don’ts? [...]