God is watching us
God is watching us, not just to see through us, but also to see us through. Whenever we are told that God is always watching [...]
Gita 10.11 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Now Krishna said I will [...]
10.11 How knowledge relates with devotion (Chatur-Shloki Gita analysis 13)
The Chatur-Shloki Gita offers a nuanced understanding of the relationship between knowledge and devotion. Let’s try to understand that relationship by considering a metaphor of [...]
10.11 How knowledge manifests in devotion (Chatur Shloki Gita analysis 12)
Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya “Move from darkness to light.” This well-known saying from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad succinctly conveys the essential purpose of human existence. Drawing [...]
Three practical benefits of remembering Krishna
The Bhagavad-gita repeatedly recommends that we remember the ultimate reality, Krishna. Let’s consider three practical benefits of such remembrance: Clarity: Our inner world is often [...]
God can transform flashlights into floodlights, just stay in his light
Suppose we are walking on a road and suddenly the power goes off. Though we might initially groan or rant, we will soon pull out [...]
The devoted shine like sapphire when they go through the sadhana fire
The soul is like a jewel. It is an effulgent spark of consciousness, being a part of the supremely effulgent ultimate reality, Krishna. Presently however, [...]
Don’t just take in the diagnosis – take the prescription too
Suppose a person, during a routine medical checkup, finds that they have a dangerous disease. If the disease is also complex to understand, their head [...]
Just because we can’t light the world doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t light our corner of the world
Suppose suddenly the power goes off all over our city. We don’t think, “Everywhere, there is darkness; what difference is lighting my small corner going [...]
Devotion makes the head clear and the heart pure
Devotion is essentially the disposition of our heart to love and serve Krishna. And from that devotional desire, all auspiciousness emerges, as the Bhagavad-gita indicates [...]
Bhakti redefines desires as doorways to the divine
Desires are recognized in spiritual circles as dangerous – they can drag seekers into the darkness of illusion in the vain pursuit of worldly pleasures [...]
See Krishna’s mercy not just in devotional flights but also in philosophical insights
“How can I perceive Krishna’s mercy?” We as devotee-seekers may get this question because we know how important his mercy is for our spiritual growth. [...]
Krishna lights the world without and the world within
When we are caught in darkness and are struggling to find our way, if someone provides light to show the way, we naturally want to [...]
The illumination of devotion is the best protection from illusion
Illusion constantly tempts and torments us spiritual seekers, by making us imagine that pleasure is found – and found in abundance – in worldly things. [...]
Ignite the light that makes the inner world bright and right
Whenever power goes off, the darkness makes us tentative, insecure, even paralytic. No wonder we constantly strive to keep our outer world well lit. Yet [...]
Devotional service is the arena to become lost and found
Most people want to get lost in something. They find life routine and monotonous. Few things appear exciting enough to attract their full attention. Even [...]
Mirrors make us self-conscious; the Gita makes us conscious of the self
Few things make us as self-conscious as a mirror. The sight of a mirror often makes us involuntarily check and adjust our hair, our dress [...]
The Light that brings Lightness
Many of us may sometimes feel burdened by the various problems and anxieties that life brings our way. This mental burden often debilitates and disorients [...]