What is non-negotiable for us?
If we make everything negotiable, then we ourselves end up becoming negotiable. Life often requires negotiations, but if we don't have anything that is non-negotiable, [...]
Gita 02.60 explained
BG 2.60 yatato hy api kaunteya purushasya vipascitah indriyani pramathini haranti prasabham manah SYNONYMS yatatah -- while endeavoring; hi -- certainly; api -- in spite [...]
Four stages in self-transformation
How can we assess our progress toward self-transformation? By noting the process we go through before making choices, both healthy and unhealthy. If we identify [...]
How to overcome unhealthy habits?
Many people nowadays are addicted not just to harmful substances such as drugs but also to harmful behaviors such as net addiction. Even if we [...]
We relapse not because we are witless or will-less, but because we are weapon-less
When we make resolutions to give up some unhealthy indulgence, we often relapse. On succumbing thus, we may berate ourselves for being witless: “How could [...]
Friendly snakes are still snakes – beware of the snake-like senses
Suppose someone adopts a poisonous snake as a pet. Even if that snake appears friendly, it can still bite venomously at any moment. Snake-owners need [...]
For the godly, illusion is occasional; for the ungodly, illumination is occasional
We live in a world where illusion reigns. The Bhagavad-gita (02.60) states that illusion can snare even the godly, even those who are discerning and [...]
When we resolve, “I will not do this,” the mind erases the “not”
We all have certain unhealthy habits that we resolve to give up. Yet, we frequently find ourselves relapsing. Why does this happen? Because negative resolutions [...]
The difference between confidence and overconfidence is vigilance
Suppose some soldiers are guarding the national boundary from infiltration by terrorists. If the soldiers are diffident that too many terrorists may attack, they may [...]
Don’t resolve what you will not fall for – resolve what you will stand for
When we succumb to a temptation, we may resolve, “Never again will I fall for that temptation.” While such a resolve is well-intentioned, it is [...]
Yesterday’s victory doesn’t protect us today
In a series of matches, a team may have won a match yesterday, but that victory doesn’t guarantee victory today. True, the previous win can [...]
To go beyond thinking wisely and acting foolishly, strive for purification through devotion
“I knew that doing that would be stupid, still I ended up doing it. Why?” This exasperating question often confronts us when we succumb to [...]