Messiahs vs. Avatars
Q: What is meant by “messiah” versus “avatar”? How are Jesus and Krisna similar and how are they different? Are they both Messiahs? Are they Avatars? “Messiah” is a Hebrew word meaning “anointed one” as does the Greek word Christos from which “Christ” is derived. Almost … Continue reading
15 Tips on Spiritual Practice from a Remarkable Saint
A continuation of the Aphorisms of Sri Brahma Chaitanya (Gondawali Baba) begun with 15 Illuminating Sayings of Sri Brahma Chaitanya. A brief account of his life can be found in that article. The insight and wisdom of this great yogi – simple yet profound, sublime … Continue reading
15 Illuminating Sayings of Sri Brahma Chaitanya (Gondawali Baba)
Born in a family of Brahmin farmers in 1844, Sri Brahma Chaitanya (Gondawali Baba) showed his spiritual stature almost from birth, at the age of six stealing off to meditate alone in solitude in the middle of the night. His formal education ended quickly, after … Continue reading
7 Ways to Deal with Those Who Say You Are a Godless Heathen
Q: What do you say to some pious individual who uses his or her “religion” like a weapon? If I am a believer in Sanatana Dharma, how do I defend myself against wing-nuts who have convinced themselves that I am going straight to hell? The … Continue reading
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