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 [...]
In pursuing self-discipline is our imagination working for us or against us?
Whenever we decide to discipline ourselves, we are often jolted into action by external situations. For instance, we may notice how much weight we have [...]
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 [...]
How purification and willpower relate with self-transformation
Whenever we try to change ourselves for the better, we often feel that we need willpower. And we may think of purification as something other-worldly, [...]
How to assist our intelligence to support our endeavors for self-discipline
The Bhagavad-gita (18.38) outlines a vital life-truth: things that taste like nectar initially will taste like poison eventually. For example, when we eat fatty food, [...]
Educated about desires or educated for desires? — Desire management series 7
Educated about desires or educated for desires? — Desire management series 7 - Suppose we come to know that a pulmonologist died due to chain [...]
Why self-awareness matters more than self-discipline — Desire management series 3
Why self-awareness matters more than self-discipline — Desire management series 3 - Whenever a desire drives us into doing something regrettable, we may think that [...]
If we lack freedom or willpower what can we do?
If we lack freedom or willpower what can we do? - When we try to do something worthwhile, if external situations hamper us, we may [...]
The mind will dissolve our resolve unless we evolve
The mind will dissolve our resolve unless we evolve Suppose we had a valuable object that was soluble in water. If kept in a humid [...]
Our willingness is more important than our willpower
When we strive to lead a principle-centered life, but falter and fail, we may lament, “I don’t have willpower.” Such feelings are natural and understandable. [...]
Anger can be an expression of love – and so can be the determination to control anger
Anger often makes us speak and do things that hurt others, things that we regret later. Aptly, the Bhagavad-gita (16.21) deems anger one of the [...]