Would an infinite causal chain rule God out?
When God is postulated as the cause of all causes, as asserted in the Bhagavad-gita (10.08), some people object to it by postulating an infinite [...]
Was Krishna a warmonger?
Some people allege that Krishna was a warmonger who goaded Arjuna into fighting. If Krishna had been a warmonger, why would he have personally gone [...]
Does Krishna teach Arjuna that all paths lead to the same goal? – part 1
[This is now the first part of what was previously written as a single article. On the request of readers for greater elaboration of the [...]
Two ways the Gita refers to the modes of material nature
One of the Bhagavad-gita’s most intriguing teachings centers on the modes of material nature (gunas). The modes are threefold: sattva (goodness), rajas (passion) and tamas [...]
The Gita’s two approaches to oneness
Oneness is a common theme associated with spirituality. Let’s consider two ways the Gita approaches oneness: As a spiritual foundation (09.15): The Gita lists oneness [...]
How Krishna’s love is seen in his repetition — and in the variation in his repetition
As Krishna nears the conclusion of his message, he repeats a verse (18.65) that he has spoken earlier (09.34). Why does Krishna repeat himself? Let’s [...]
Krishna demonstrates how there’s no force in love
Toward the conclusion of the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna tells Arjuna to deliberate on his words and then do as he desires (18.63). This statement reveals how [...]
Gita 18.71 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan And if can’t study then [...]
Does Krishna contradict himself in the Gita’s conclusion?
As Krishna approaches the conclusion of his message (18.63-72), he respects Arjuna’s independence by leaving the final decision to him (18.63). Yet he soon makes [...]
Gita 01.39- Explanation from Bhakti Shastri Class
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Bg 1.39 kula-kṣaye praṇaśyanti kula-dharmāḥ [...]
Gita 18.72 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan So in next statement we [...]
Why does the Gita begin with Dhritarashtra’s words not Krishna’s or Arjuna’s?
The Bhagavad-gita is the song of God, or more precisely, Krishna’s poetic words of philosophical wisdom to Arjuna. Yet it’s noteworthy that the Gita begins [...]
Gita 04.18 explained
Bg 4.18 karmaṇy akarma yaḥ paśyed akarmaṇi ca karma yaḥ sa buddhimān manuṣyeṣu sa yuktaḥ kṛtsna-karma-kṛt Synonyms: karmaṇi — in action; akarma — inaction; yaḥ — one who; paśyet — observes; akarmaṇi — in [...]
Krishna’s first assertion of his relationship with us (Exploring the Gita chaper 4 series – 6)
Krishna’s first assertion of his relationship with us - In the Bhagavad-gita (04.35), Krishna describes the fruit of acquiring spiritual knowledge. First, he assures [...]
How to counter spiritual reductionism (Ethics & devotion series 6)
How to counter spiritual reductionism - Spiritual reductionism refers to the tendency to reduce spirituality to some specific parameters that are deemed vital and to [...]
When does devotion exempt us from karmic consequences? (Ethics & devotion series 4)
When does devotion exempt us from karmic consequences? - Does the Bhagavad-gita’s concluding verse (18.66) — the surrendered are protected from karmic consequences — license [...]
Why is Gita wisdom told to be both distributed and hidden?
Why does the Bhagavad-gita call to not share its message with some people (18.67) when in the very next verses (18.68-69) it glorifies those who [...]