Gita Daily

When things are unsettled When things around us are unsettled, it is natural that our thoughts also get unsettled. We feel worried, and we hope and wait for things to settle down. But what if they don’t? We need to be able to move on. We need to be able to get our thoughts to settle down, and that power to get our thoughts to settle down, even when things have not settled down, comes from devotion, from remembrance of Krishna, specifically from remembrance that Krishna is always our greatest well-wisher—suhṛdaṁ sarva-bhūtānāṁ (BG 5.29)—that he has our best interests at heart. The more we can remember Krishna in this way, the more our thoughts will settle down, even if things don’t settle down. (Inspired by Bhagavad-gita 05.29) From: https://gitadaily.com/when-things-are-unsettled/ Watch this content at: When things are unsettled To get short articles daily on the practical application of the Bhagavad Gita now on telegram, join the channel via this connecting link Gita Daily https://t.me/gitadailyCCP

Peace in the presence of disturbance Whenever we are disturbed and we are seeking peace, how do we go about doing that? Often, we seek to drive the disturbance away. If our peace depends only on the absence of disturbance, then that peace will be very fickle because the world is a place where disturbances will occur and recur. The Bhagavad Gita offers us a different way to peace. Not by the absence of disturbance, but by the presence of transcendence. When we raise our consciousness by the practice of bhakti to link with the transcendental lord who is within our hearts, then that connection provides us peace even if disturbance is present. That peace is sublime, unshakable, and eternal. (Inspired by Bhagavad-gita 06.27) From: https://gitadaily.com/peace-in-the-presence-of-disturbance/ Watch this content at: Peace in the presence of disturbance To get short articles daily on the practical application of the Bhagavad Gita now on telegram, join the channel via this connecting link Gita Daily https://t.me/gitadailyCCP

Purification is inner empowerment We may think of purification to be something religious or sacred and not very relevant in our daily lives. However, purification empowers us internally. When we have impurities within us, they are like huge burdens and blocks inside us that obstruct us and dissipate our energies. Suppose we were driving a car in front of which a huge, heavy block of metal was attached to the car. So much of the fuel of the car would be wasted in pushing on with that block. If that could be removed, the car could move so much faster. Similarly, when our impurities are removed, we can move so much faster toward fulfilling our potentials and doing justice to our God-given talents. (Inspired by Bhagavad-gita 06.05) From: https://gitadaily.com/purification-is-inner-empowerment/ Watch this content at: Purification is inner empowerment To get short articles daily on the practical application of the Bhagavad Gita now on telegram, join the channel via this connecting link Gita Daily https://t.me/gitadailyCCP

Be faithful not fearful When we face great imminent dangers in our life, when our prayers seem to be going unanswered, at that time, we may become gripped by fear, and we may start wondering: Does God even care for me? He does indeed care. The evidence of his care is that we are alive now and that we are evolving. If we consider how dangerous the world is, how fragile our own body is, any number of things could have gone wrong in our life? And the very fact that we survived so many dangers in the past means that it was not just our own doing, but God was guiding us through. The same God who guided us through the past dangers will guide us now through the present dangers also. He has not brought us this far to abandon us now. From: https://gitadaily.com/be-faithful-not-fearful/ (Inspired by Bhagavad-gita 18.58) Watch this content at: Be faithful not fearful To get short articles daily on the practical application of the Bhagavad Gita now on telegram, join the channel via this connecting link Gita Daily https://t.me/gitadailyCCP

Might we be fanatics? We may think of fanatics to be scary-looking monstrous people who self-righteously destroy anyone who opposes them. While that is indeed fanaticism in activity there is also fanaticism in mentality. And that may be something which may be present even in our own hearts, although we may never be fanatical in our activity in terms of being violent or destructive. What is this fanatical mentality? It is the belief that what works for me is the only thing that can ever work for anyone else. And therefore if somebody is doing something different from what I am doing, they are wrong — not just wrong but wrong-headed. They are evil for doing that wrong thing; they are misleading others and therefore they need to be destroyed. From: https://gitadaily.com/might-we-be-fanatics/ (Inspired by Bhagavad-gita 12.13) Watch this content at: Might we be fanatics? To get short articles daily on the practical application of the Bhagavad Gita now on telegram, join the channel via this connecting link Gita Daily https://t.me/gitadailyCCP

The determination to fight against addiction When someone is subjected to an addiction, they experience it to be like an unbearable itch. They feel that the only way to get relief from that tormenting itch is by scratching it. And scratching does provide relief, but after that, it leads to much greater aggravation. Unfortunately, when the itch comes again, we remember only the instant relief by scratching, not the eventual aggravation. If we can consciously and conscientiously remind ourselves of the eventual greater pain that comes from scratching the itch, then we will get the determination to resist the urge to scratch it, even if that resistance is difficult. So conviction comes from the determination. (Inspired by Bhagavad-gita 03.39) From: https://gitadaily.com/the-determination-to-fight-against-addiction/ Watch this content at: The determination to fight against addiction To get short articles daily on the practical application of the Bhagavad Gita now on telegram, join the channel via this connecting link Gita Daily https://t.me/gitadailyCCP

How to see addiction with compassion Whenever we see somebody suffering from addiction, unable to give up some indulgence, even when it is harmful to them—harmful to their loved ones—it will be harmful to us. We may tend to condemn them. But if we had a vision of their inner world, we could see that they are suffering from an itch. An itch which is so terrible that if they don’t scratch it, it feels like that itch is killing them, and when they do scratch it, the scratching causes pain, as if it is killing them. When we see them to be trapped in such a terrible situation, then we can extend a vision and a hand of compassion and equip them with the spiritual wisdom to face that addiction. (Inspired by Bhagavad-gita 03.36) From: https://gitadaily.com/how-to-see-addiction-with-compassion/ Watch this content at: How to see addiction with compassion To get short articles daily on the practical application of the Bhagavad Gita now on telegram, join the channel via this connecting link Gita Daily https://t.me/gitadailyCCP

Can’t hold the mind still? Even if we can’t hold our mind still, we can still hold ourselves still. Suppose a mother is trying to get her child to sit peacefully during a serious occasion. The child may be restless, but that does not mean that the mother has to become restless. The mother can gently but firmly get the child to become calm. Similarly, our mind, when it acts like a restless child, we can become like the responsible mother. Instead of thinking that we are powerless because our mind is restless, we can calmly and firmly refocus the mind wherever and whenever it wanders, as recommended in the Bhagavad Gita 6.26 From: https://gitadaily.com/cant-hold-the-mind-still/ Watch this content at: Can’t hold the mind still? To get short articles daily on the practical application of the Bhagavad Gita now on telegram, join the channel via this connecting link Gita Daily https://t.me/gitadailyCCP

What is emotional maturity? Sometimes when a person starts crying or lamenting or wallowing in self-pity when something goes wrong with them, when something they need or want doesn’t work out, then on seeing such emotional outbursts, others might say, “Grow up, be mature, don’t overreact.” This statement can sometimes seem harsh, but it actually reflects a hard reality of life. Maturity means recognizing the reality that no one is obliged to fulfill our needs. We have to take responsibility for fulfilling those needs ourselves. Just as a child may cry, and the parents may provide them food, but when the parent cries, they have to arrange for food. That is their physical maturity, and similarly, emotional maturity means we have to fulfill our needs and take the responsibility for doing so. (Inspired by Bhagavad-gita 06.22) From: https://gitadaily.com/what-is-emotional-maturity/ Watch this content at: What is emotional maturity? To get short articles daily on the practical application of the Bhagavad Gita now on telegram, join the channel via this connecting link Gita Daily https://t.me/gitadailyCCP

Dealing with our inner demons We are all sometimes urged by impurities, by dark impressions within us. These are colloquially referred to as our ‘inner demons.’ Sometimes, when trying to deal with these demons, we think that we have to fight against them and overpower them. And when we fail, we become disheartened, thinking that we are stuck with them forever. However, the way to deal with our inner demons is not to fight against them but to strive to connect ourselves with our inner angels, with our healthy habits and virtues, and let them battle our inner demons. (Inspired by Bhagavad-gita 16.01) From: https://gitadaily.com/dealing-with-our-inner-demons/ Watch this content at: Dealing with our inner demons To get short articles daily on the practical application of the Bhagavad Gita now on telegram, join the channel via this connecting link Gita Daily https://t.me/gitadailyCCP

The tension between the present me & the potential me Inside us, there is the “present me,” which refers to the person as we are right now, with our needs, cravings, comforts, and indulgences. The “potential me” refers to the talents and virtues that are inherent within us and could be developed through discipline and training. If we cater to the “present me” at the expense of the “future me,” we underutilize our potential and may eventually embark on a path of self-destruction. On the other hand, if we solely focus on the “future me” and neglect the legitimate needs of the present, we may end up suffocating ourselves. Finding the balance between the two is the art of self-actualization. (Inspired by Bhagavad-gita 03.39) From: https://gitadaily.com/the-tension-between-the-present-me-the-potential-me/ Watch this content at: The tension between the present me & the potential me To get short articles daily on the practical application of the Bhagavad Gita now on telegram, join the channel via this connecting link Gita Daily https://t.me/gitadailyCCP

Why humility is a vital ability Humility is the ability to ensure that our ability doesn’t take over our identity. When someone possesses an extraordinary ability, they can very easily become proud of it and start thinking of themselves solely in terms of how they have that ability in such an extraordinary quantity, and how others who don’t have any similar ability are considered inferior or even insignificant. It is humility that is the ability that helps us recognize that while we may be good, even extraordinarily good at one thing, there are many other things at which we may not excel, and that we need to respect others for their various abilities and connect with them appropriately. (Inspired by Bhagavad-gita 13.08) From: https://gitadaily.com/why-humility-is-a-vital-ability/ Watch this content at: Why humility is a vital ability To get short articles daily on the practical application of the Bhagavad Gita now on telegram, join the channel via this connecting link Gita Daily https://t.me/gitadailyCCP

Casual attitude There isn’t much value in thinking about how not to do something; that will only create fear. If I am driving, thinking about how not to cause an accident should not be the focus. Instead, how do I drive safely should be the focus. My focus is on driving safely, and then accidents will not happen automatically. It’s like when you’re speaking; if you don’t worry about saying foul words, you focus on what you want to say, and foul words will not come automatically. Similarly, if you are clear about why you are in the association of devotees— to learn how to serve Krishna and how to love Krishna— and you just focus on that, a casual attitude will automatically decrease. By living in the association of devotees and regularly hearing, that gravitas will also be there, indicating that this is not a social club; it’s a spiritual movement. (Inspired by Bhagavad-gita 03.39) From: https://gitadaily.com/casual-attitude/ Watch this content at: Casual attitude To get short articles daily on the practical application of the Bhagavad Gita now on telegram, join the channel via this connecting link Gita Daily https://t.me/gitadailyCCP

Misdirected Attention – Why? What to do? Why does our attention sometimes get misdirected toward things that are unimportant while straying away from the things that are important? Sometimes a traffic accident occurs when a person is looking at a phone SMS instead of looking straight ahead at the road. Such tragic misdirection of attention happens because we tend to let our mind control us from within. Our mind is impulsive and short-sighted. It rushes to other things that look good or feel good. Fortunately, within us we also have our intelligence which is reflective. It evaluates things based on how they matter, not how they appear. And by studying the Bhagavad-gita, we can empower our intelligence thereby equipping ourselves to [take wise decisions and] pay attention to the things that really matter for us. (Inspired by Bhagavad-gita 06.25) From: https://gitadaily.com/misdirected-attention-why-what-to-do/ Watch this content at: Misdirected Attention – Why? What to do? https://youtube.com/shorts/DljSKsuLJz0 To get short articles daily on the practical application of the Bhagavad Gita now on telegram, join the channel via this connecting link Gita Daily https://t.me/gitadailyCCP

Peace for a bigger war or war for a bigger peace? Some people think that fighting is bad and seeking peace is good. While that’s generally true, why somebody is fighting or seeking peace also matters. Sometimes there are ungodly or vicious people who seek peace, especially when they are losing a war, so that they can regroup and then launch a bigger war and cause greater destruction. On the other hand, sometimes people who are good may seek to fight because they have exhausted all options for a peaceful resolution against an adamant enemy. And then they fight to establish a bigger peace. Such was the war and the Pandavas fought at Kurukshetra against the Kauravas. (Inspired by Bhagavad-gita 05.29) From: https://gitadaily.com/peace-for-a-bigger-war-or-war-for-a-bigger-peace/ Watch this content at: Peace for a bigger war or war for a bigger peace? https://youtube.com/shorts/qf4Ljj0zwJ4 To get short articles daily on the practical application of the Bhagavad Gita now on telegram, join the channel via this connecting link Gita Daily https://t.me/gitadailyCCP

Pray to gain purpose, not pleasure Pray to God—not for pleasure, but for purpose. When we approach God through prayers, we often seek pleasure or, more specifically, the objects that we believe will give us pleasure. However, outer objects, even if obtained, provide us with pleasure that is very external and perishable. What will give us much more substantial and profound happiness is our purpose. When we pray to God, He can infuse us with the conviction that our existence matters, that we have a purpose in His grand plan for the world, and pursuing that purpose is the pathway to enduring happiness. From: https://gitadaily.com/pray-to-gain-purpose-not-pleasure/ (Inspired by Bhagavad-gita 18.58) Watch this content at: Pray to gain purpose, not pleasure https://youtube.com/shorts/WkrM5alpj9I?feature=share To get short articles daily on the practical application of the Bhagavad Gita now on telegram, join the channel via this connecting link Gita Daily https://t.me/gitadailyCCP

The right to be unhappy Just because we have a right to be unhappy does not mean that we are right to be unhappy. Sometimes, such terrible things may happen in our life that we naturally start feeling unhappy, morose, dejected, and defeated. In such times, we may feel that we have a right to be unhappy. Even if that were a right, still, that does not make it right. By wallowing in our unhappiness, we only worsen the unhappiness. Instead, if we try to do something meaningful and positive amid that unhappiness, we can find a path out of that unhappiness toward a higher purpose, meaning, and ultimately, happiness. (Inspired by Bhagavad-gita 18.35) Watch this content at: https://youtube.com/shorts/D1td6qXIvUY?feature=share To get short articles daily on the practical application of the Bhagavad Gita now on telegram, join the channel via this connecting link Gita Daily https://t.me/gitadailyCCP

Receptive + Submissive = Pathway to wisdom To grow in knowledge, we need to be not just receptive, but also submissive. When we learn from someone who is an expert, at that time we need to be receptive to them. That means if we consider our heart to be like a bowl, it needs to be open so that the wisdom that they are sharing will fill the bowl of our heart. Simultaneously, we also need to be submissive. If we consider our heart to be like a pot of clay, it needs to be reshaped so that our life can be transformed. Real knowledge is not just informational but also transformational. Our receptivity can help us gain the information, but it is our submissiveness that enables us to gain transformation. (Inspired by Bhagavad-gita 04.34) From: https://gitadaily.com/receptive-submissive-pathway-to-wisdom/ Watch this content at: Receptive + Submissive = Pathway to wisdom https://youtube.com/shorts/btzmLaJqjNw?feature=share To get short articles daily on the practical application of the Bhagavad Gita now on telegram, join the channel via this connecting link Gita Daily https://t.me/gitadailyCCP

Curiosity & humility: an empowering combination Curiosity is often recommended and even celebrated as a great virtue for those who wish to keep learning and growing in their lives. Curiosity ensures that we are open to the universe of possibilities and insights that exists beyond the circle of what we know. Simultaneously, however, we also need to revise and refine what we already know. And to acknowledge that our present knowledge itself may not be correct requires humanity. Curiosity helps us to expand what we know, whereas humility ensures that we revise and refine what we think we already know. (Inspired by Bhagavad-gita 13.08) From: https://gitadaily.com/curiosity-humility-an-empowering-combination/ Watch this content at: Curiosity & humility: an empowering combination https://youtube.com/shorts/Po1LhXdGH44?feature=share To get short articles daily on the practical application of the Bhagavad Gita now on telegram, join the channel via this connecting link Gita Daily https://t.me/gitadailyCCP

The capacity to appreciate our blessings The capacity to appreciate our blessings is the greatest blessing. We are all surrounded by blessings in our lives, be they small or big. Yet our mind keeps looking away from those blessings towards the problems in our life. Such a mind is like a curse — it is the cause of great unhappiness. Fortunately, by the practice of bhakti-yoga, such a mind can become transformed whereby it starts looking away from problems towards blessings. It starts valuing and cherishing and relishing those blessings, thereby propelling us toward happiness. Such a mind is itself the greatest blessing. (Inspired by Bhagavad-gita 17.16) From: https://gitadaily.com/the-capacity-to-appreciate-our-blessings/ Watch this content at: The capacity to appreciate our blessings https://youtube.com/shorts/GbT4AnNcbKw?feature=share To get short articles daily on the practical application of the Bhagavad Gita now on telegram, join the channel via this connecting link Gita Daily https://t.me/gitadailyCCP