Intelligent mind management
Intelligence means to focus on not just the thoughts that are maximized by the mind but also the thoughts that are minimized by the mind. [...]
The higher taste is not smaller it is subtler
When we strive to practice spirituality and gain the higher taste of spiritual happiness, we sometimes feel that this happiness is much smaller than the [...]
Emotions: not commanded but cultivated
Even though emotions can't be commanded, they can still be cultivated. Suppose someone is feeling cold. We can't command them not to feel cold. But [...]
Two ways to avoid agitation
Whenever something happens in the world, which is agitating, be it in the form of some temptation or some trouble coming upon us, how can [...]
The cure for dissatisfaction
Whenever we feel dissatisfied, we often attribute it to some external cause: 'I don't have this house. I don't have this car. I don't have [...]
How to stop worrying about problems
Whenever we are faced with problems, it is natural that we may start worrying about how to drive those problems away. But sometimes, those problems [...]
Peace in the presence of disturbance
Whenever we are disturbed and we are seeking peace, how do we go about doing that? Often, we seek to drive the disturbance away. If [...]
Purification is inner empowerment
We may think of purification to be something religious or sacred and not very relevant in our daily lives. However, purification empowers us internally. When [...]
Can’t hold the mind still?
Even if we can't hold our mind still, we can still hold ourselves still. Suppose a mother is trying to get her child to sit [...]
Dealing with our inner demons
We are all sometimes urged by impurities, by dark impressions within us. These are colloquially referred to as our 'inner demons.' Sometimes, when trying to [...]
The tension between the present me & the potential me
Inside us, there is the "present me," which refers to the person as we are right now, with our needs, cravings, comforts, and indulgences. The [...]
Misdirected Attention – Why? What to do?
Why does our attention sometimes get misdirected toward things that are unimportant while straying away from the things that are important? Sometimes a traffic accident [...]
Peace for a bigger war or war for a bigger peace?
Some people think that fighting is bad and seeking peace is good. While that's generally true, why somebody is fighting or seeking peace also matters. [...]
The capacity to appreciate our blessings
The capacity to appreciate our blessings is the greatest blessing. We are all surrounded by blessings in our lives, be they small or big. Yet [...]
Frustration and renunciation differentiated
Externally, frustration and renunciation may both look similar because in both a person is not endeavoring to go towards and gain and enjoy tempting sense [...]
When our mind doesn’t cooperate what can we do?
Suppose we are working on an important project, and we have a clear vision of how that project will be executed most efficiently and effectively. [...]
Fight today’s battles not yesterday’s battles
Life in this world is characterized by constant change. Functioning effectively in such a world, therefore, demands a dynamic approach to life. The need for [...]
Taking things positively vs taking things nonchalantly
Suppose something bad happens, be it due to our own mistakes or due to factors beyond our control, or due to a combination of both, [...]
Taking responsibility for the effects of our speech
When a doctor gives a medicine to a patient, the doctor's intent may be good: to help the patient heal. Though the doctor may carefully [...]
Why sensitivity in speech is especially needed in the internet age
The Bhagavad-gita (17.15) urges us to speak the truth sensitively — that is, in a manner which is non-agitating at the very least and pleasing [...]
Worrying about imaginary problems can be a real problem
Uncertainty is an undeniable fact of existence — life often requires us to tackle complex situations, in which many factors are beyond our control. Faced [...]