Two kinds of extremism
Extremism can be in thought and in action. Extremism in thought is often called as exclusivism: where people believe, for example, if they are religious, [...]
How not to approach religious differences?
When two people have difference of opinion over some issue of faith, be they of the same religious tradition or of different religious traditions – [...]
Two kinds of extremism
Two kinds of extremism: Extremism can be in thought and in action. Extremism in thought is often called exclusivism, where people believe, for example, if [...]
What tolerance implies and what it doesn’t (Religious tolerance series 3)
When we cultivate tolerance, we accept others’ right to beliefs and behaviors different from ours. By such tolerance, we harmonize with the way God has [...]
Is the dark side stronger than the bright side?
We all have inside us a divine side and a demonic side, or phrased metaphorically, a bright side and a dark side. The bright side [...]
Why champions of good causes are sometimes so intolerant (Thoughts on cancel culture)
Why champions of good causes are sometimes so intolerant - Suppose someone champions a good cause such as making society more equitable. Yet if anyone [...]
Eventual defeat doesn’t justify immediate defeat
When we strive to live a principle-centered life by resisting temptations, we may find some temptation irresistible and feel, “Since I will indulge eventually, why [...]
We can’t eliminate fire, but we can become firefighters
When a fire starts off, civilians often become panicky and run here and there, making things worse. But seasoned firefighters quickly spring into action – [...]
Tolerance fosters not impotence but perseverance
In spiritual life, tolerance is an important virtue. Internalizing this virtue may present us a dilemma: “If I just tolerate the things that happen to [...]
Imprisoned by circumstances, liberated by consciousness
Sometimes life pushes us into a tight corner from which we just can’t wiggle out. We feel imprisoned by our circumstances. Such imprisonment is an [...]
Bad times test our faith – and so do good times
Bad times test our faith. They raise the question: “When I am serving Krishna, why is he not protecting me?” Gita wisdom answers that Krishna [...]
The way to transcendence is through tolerance not indulgence
All of us periodically battle urges that damn us: urges born of lust, anger and greed, for example. We want to be free from these [...]