Three meanings of ‘fire’ and how they apply to our inner world
The word fire has multiple meanings: a natural force that burns, the dismissal of someone from their job, and an energizing enthusiasm or motivation (as [...]
Let me take the war against temptation seriously (2.68)
Let me take the war against temptation seriously Bhagavad Gita 2.68 tasmād yasya mahā-bāho nigṛhītāni sarvaśaḥ indriyāṇīndriyārthebhyas tasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā "Therefore, O mighty-armed, be [...]
The inner weak link in our battle against temptation
As long as our mind remains unpersuaded about the dangers of temptation, we remain unprotected from it. We are all engaged in a war with [...]
Our inner war against temptation is far bigger than we think
Whenever we strive for self-improvement, particularly in resisting self-sabotaging indulgences, we may perceive this battle as a personal affair with minimal consequences. This mindset can [...]
Do we need to flee from temptation to be free from temptation?
In the Bible, it is said that we should flee from temptation. Some people may object to such an idea, saying that such fleeing sentences [...]
Temptations are like precision-guided missiles
In a war, the enemy is not just passively waiting to be attacked by us, nor is it hyper-angrily racing to attack us. If the [...]
Creating safe zones in our war against temptation
Soldiers in a war zone can get burned out due to the stress of always being on high alert. To reduce such burnout, they need [...]
What temptation can do — and what it can’t
Whenever we resolve to discipline ourselves for some worthwhile purpose, we will, sooner or later, feel tempted. To deal with such temptation, we need to [...]
How desire takes control of our life — Desire management series 1
How desire takes control of our life — Desire management series 1 - Suppose we get into a car and start it to go somewhere. [...]
How desires differ from emotions — and why the difference matters
How desires differ from emotions — and why the difference matters - When we make resolutions for self-mastery, we are often thwarted by our emotions [...]
Hyper-stimulation leads to desensitization
Indulgence in porn has become rampant nowadays, largely because of unfiltered net access becoming widely available through portable, concealable gadgets such as smartphones. Sociological surveys [...]
Not everything that comes in our vision is worth our attention
Suppose we are driving a car. In the path of our vision come so many objects: trees, houses, passers-by, billboards and landmarks. If we pay [...]
Don’t let device aggravate vice
We all have our vices that if given a free run can harm others and harm us too. Keeping such vices under control has been [...]
Are we living our life at the center or at the periphery?
In our life, we presume that we are the choosers and the doers, the central protagonists in an ongoing, unfolding drama. But are we, really? [...]