Krishna is our source not chronologically, but ontologically
Some people ask: “If we souls are eternal, as is Krishna, then how can he be our source?” The Bhagavad-gita itself presents both viewpoints before [...]
The fruit of meditation is taste for meditation
In worldly life, we usually do an action for some fruit other than that action – we may work not because we love the work [...]
The self-evident is not always evident to the self
The sun is self-luminous, yet those who are under a cloud can’t see it. The words of the Bhagavad-gita, especially its repeated proclamations of the [...]
The point of the world is to point beyond the world
When we see the distress, destruction and death that characterize this world, we may get the question: “What is the point of it all?” But [...]
Krishna is better than the best that the world can offer
“I will miss so much pleasure if I devote myself to Krishna.” This feeling may check us while practicing spiritual life, especially its regulative principles. [...]
Krishna is not doing things to us; he is doing things for us
“Why is Krishna doing this to me?” We may get this question when we are faced with problems and have some nominal faith in Krishna [...]
To hear Krishna accurately, first hear about Krishna attentively
“Can we hear Krishna speaking to us from within?” We may get this question when we come to know from the Bhagavad-gita that Krishna resides [...]
Don’t treat Krishna as a showpiece; let him show how to put the pieces of life together
We tend to lead our life in pieces – a piece for our career, a piece for our family, maybe a piece for society. And [...]
Bhakti is not a part of life; life is a part of bhakti
Many people treat bhakti as an optional part of life: “You like bhakti, you practice it. I don’t like it, so I won’t practice it.” [...]
Krishna is the best enjoyer – and the best source of enjoyment
“If I start practicing spiritual life with all its rules, no enjoyment will be left in my life.” Such apprehensions often check potential spiritual seekers. [...]
Bring the momentum of emotion into the moment of meditation
Emotions bring a natural momentum to our inner life. If we feel strongly about something, we can think about iteasily and quickly. Of course, we [...]
Are we seeking counsel from our fears instead of from Krishna?
Suppose in a boxing match a boxer gets knocked down by his opponent. Disheartened by the power of the opponent, the fallen boxer starts doubting [...]
Increasing willpower – The only way and the best way
When we fall short while doing something challenging, we often wonder: how can I increase my willpower? The factors that determine our present level of [...]
Krishna is not just God; he is my God
The belief that God exists is good. But much higher is the recognition that Krishna is God in his highest manifestation. Still higher is Krishna’s [...]
Trust not just Krishna’s omnipotence – trust also his omniscience
When faced with a problem, we may pray to Krishna to solve it. On finding that the solution is not forthcoming, we may start doubting: [...]
Let Krishna permeate, pervade and possess our heart
Devotional advancement essentially means letting Krishna enter and rule our heart. This may happen in the following three progressive stages: 1. Permeation: Just as water from [...]
Contemplation on Krishna brings illumination
Some people question the spiritual recommendation to think about Krishna at all times and especially in times of distress: “What is its benefit? How is [...]
Place Krishna at the center of your secret life
All of us have a public life where we interact with the world and a personal life where we interact with our loved ones. Additionally, [...]
Devotion is Krishna’s appetizer
Some people ask, “God is complete and doesn’t need anything. As he never feels hungry, what is the need to offer him food?” This question [...]
Humility means to accept but not expect respect
We may sometimes wonder, “How can I stay humble amidst the devotional culture of respectfulness? If nobody would notice me, it would be easier to [...]
What went wrong with the great materialist dream?
The great materialist dream is that happiness is found in material things:money, sex, TV, video games, 4G net connections. But today this dream finds itself [...]