How perception is an ethical act
How perception is an ethical act - We usually think of perception as a merely mechanical act; when some object comes within our visual range, [...]
When form and substance are different — and when they aren’t
When form and substance are different — and when they aren’t - All that glitters is not gold. Such sayings which are present in almost [...]
Does the Gita discourage material solutions to problems?
Does the Gita discourage material solutions to problems? - Some people ask, “When the Bhagavad-gita (08.15) states that the world is a place of misery, [...]
Is the world really a place of misery?
Is the world really a place of misery? - Sometimes, the Bhagavad-gita statement that the world is a place of misery (08.15) is seen as [...]
How to gain insight into complicated situations?
How to gain insight into complicated situations? - When confronted with complicated situations, we can gain insight into them by using two principles. Let’s apply [...]
How intelligence and scripture may increase our illusions
How intelligence and scripture may increase our illusions - The Bhagavad-gita (02.53) cautions that our intelligence can get lost in the forest of illusion created [...]
How the Gita demonstrates its teaching
How the Gita demonstrates its teaching - The Bhagavad-gita concludes, in one sense, with Arjuna agreeing to do Krishna’s will (18.73). Yet the Gita continues [...]
What does it mean to know Krishna?
What does it mean to know Krishna? - The Bhagavad-gita repeatedly talks about knowing Krishna — those who know him attain his abode (04.09). What [...]
Are scriptural descriptions of Krishna literal?
Are scriptural descriptions of Krishna literal? - When we hear the descriptions of Krishna given in scripture — for example, his complexion is bluish-black — [...]
To perceive God, we don’t need any instrument; we only need to become his instrument
On seeing impressive scientific instruments, we may wonder, “Can science develop an instrument sophisticated enough to perceive God?” That’s like asking: will a future telescope [...]
Evil has no independent power, yet it is incredibly powerful
When people do horrible things, we may wonder, “Where does such evil come from? Are some people innately evil? Or are they impelled to evil [...]
The Gita equips the thoughtful to become more faithful and the faithful to become more thoughtful
Some people say, “Thoughtfulness and faithfulness don’t go well together. If someone thinks too deeply, many of the things they are called to believe will [...]
Doubt is a disease that makes the patient believe the doctor is sick
Doubt is a disease that makes the patient believe the doctor is sick Suppose a patient rejects a doctor’s advice, arguing that it is the [...]
Don’t reduce scripture to your conceptions of what scripture should be teaching, expand your conceptions to understand what scripture is actually teaching
Don’t reduce scripture to your conceptions of what scripture should be teaching expand your conceptions to understand what scripture is actually teaching When we study [...]
Even if we fare well in life, we still have to say farewell to life
Even if we fare well in life we still have to say farewell to life We all wish to fare well in life; we seek [...]
To forget that the world is a hurtful place is to place ourselves on a path full of hurts
To forget that the world is a hurtful place is to place ourselves on a path full of hurts Suppose we walk out on a [...]
Choose the good when it protects you from the bad, but not when it deprives you of the best
Choose the good when it protects you from the bad but not when it deprives you of the best Suppose we had to choose between [...]
Analyzing a spiritual text without applying it is like examining food without eating it
Analyzing a spiritual text without applying it is like examining food without eating it Suppose someone is starving. If they are given food and they [...]
Be not self-seeking be seekers of the self
Be not self-seeking be seekers of the self Self-seeking people care for their own pleasures, without caring for anyone else. Such people can’t be seekers [...]
A God who pretended we had no shortcomings would be a God who did not take our potential seriously
A God who pretended we had no shortcomings would be a God who did not take our potential seriously Suppose a coach tells a trainee-athlete, [...]
When the part offers its whole to the Whole the Whole makes the part whole
When the part offers its whole to the Whole the Whole makes the part whole We often feel a sense of incompleteness, a feeling that [...]