Why the mind automates repeated actions
Our mind tends to make the repetition of frequently performed actions easier. For example, when we are learning to drive, we may be told to [...]
Two functions of the mind – and its two malfunctions
There is much mystery associated with the mind: what it exactly is and what it exactly does. The Bhagavad-gita's teachings offer us a three-level model [...]
The transformative power of deep listening
When we are conversing with someone about a subject close to their heart, we can connect better with them through deep listening. Such listening enables [...]
Humility in the inner war
When we strive to discipline ourselves by breaking free from our self-sabotaging cravings, we are essentially launching a war against them. Underscoring the reality and [...]
Three kinds of misdeeds
When we commit a wrong, especially after resolving not to, we can become disturbed and discouraged. To atone for our errors and prevent their recurrence, [...]
The difference between consciousness and conscience
Consciousness is the fundamental energy of the soul. The Sanskrit word for it is chetana. If we compare the soul to a flashlight, consciousness is [...]
Two kinds of contentment — and how they are opposite
The sentiment of contentment is sometimes seen negatively. Some people think of it as the symptom of laziness and the cause of stagnation — they [...]
How to deal with trauma
There has been an alarming increase in the number of people, especially war veterans, suffering from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). The cause of PTSD is [...]
How to make judgments without being judgmental
Making judgments is a functional necessity in life. We need to make judgments about the kind of people we want to befriend, the habits or [...]
Why self-discipline is essential nowadays …
Our society offers us many avenues for self-destruction. Multiple technological developments have made the exercise of individual freedom much easier. Unfortunately, they have also made [...]
Feeling mad — when it’s ok and when it isn’t
Feeling mad in terms of feeling angry is a natural human emotion that arises when we see things around us going wrong or being done [...]
Might mindfulness be more than just awareness?
Mindfulness is often thought of as living in the present: being aware of the various stimuli around us and experiencing life fully. And being present [...]
Forcing ourselves to be grateful?
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is primarily an internal endeavor, wherein we try to change the default direction of our thoughts. Still, such cultivation can [...]
A mindful autopilot mode?
We often go into an autopilot mode when the things we do during our daily routines don’t require much of our conscious attention — things [...]
Three steps to mindfulness
We may want to become mindful, but may not know clearly how to do so. Here are three tangible steps that we all can adopt [...]
Gratitude for the past
If we want to cultivate gratitude, we need to review not just the way we look at our present, but also the way we look [...]
Grab opportunities to express gratitude
Most of us understand the importance of expressing thanks to those who have helped us. And in the long journey of life, there are many [...]
What is self-realization?
When we gain a realization, that essentially means we understand and accept as a reality that which is already a reality. By extension, when we [...]
How to deal with our emotions
We all are prone to be swept away by our emotions, thereby acting self-destructively. How can we protect ourselves from this danger? Some people try [...]
Gita 02.61 explained
Now Krishna will describe in next verse how one can practice spiritual life, how can one get higher taste, till now He said that [...]
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 [...]