Unhappy Pleasure Seeking and the Antidote
The conclusion of When Rites Go Wrong “To those attached to enjoyment and power, whose thought is stolen away by this kind of talk, resolute insight in meditation is not granted” (Bhagavad Gita 2:44). Prabhavananda: “Those whose discrimination is stolen away by such talk grow … Continue reading
When Rites Go Wrong
“Addicted to many specific rites aimed at the goal of enjoyment and power.” Bhagavad Gita 2:40 Lord Krishna in the Gita is not speaking only of the people outside India. Throughout the subcontinent right now millions are streaming in and out of temples, paying money … Continue reading
How to Avoid Ignorance Disguised as Wisdom
A continuation of Fool’s Gold in Religion, about how to discern between wisdom and ignorance in religion. A profile of ignorance Krishna has already told us that the sole purpose of yoga is the realization of the Self and the liberation that produces. It is not … Continue reading
Fool’s Gold in Religion
Seeing should not always be believing “All that glitters is not gold” is especially true in the realm of religion. I can never hear that adage without remembering a walk I once took with the Russian Orthodox (OCA) Archbishop of Chicago. We were just wandering … Continue reading
The Safe Path of Yoga
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna continues to amaze us. After speaking of Psychological Yoga, he states: “Here [in this yoga] no effort is lost, nor is any loss of progress found. Even a little of this discipline [dharma] protects one from great danger” (2:40). All … Continue reading
The Unholy Trinity of Yoga
Two of the most important words in analyzing the dilemma of the human condition are Raga and Dwesha–the powerful duo that motivate virtually all human endeavor. Buddha, in common with all philosophers of India, continually refers to them, so an understanding of their import is … Continue reading