Opinion Archives

BBC Radio Episode Celebrates the Bold Mission of Srila Prabhupada

ISKCON News Staff

On September 6th, BBC Radio 2's Pause for Thought episode was entitled "My Spiritual Inspiration" and presented by devotee Nimai Devi Dasi (Nima Suchak). Her reflection, an homage to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Srila Prabhupada, was part of the week's theme, "To Go Boldly."

Coming of Age #7 – We are ALL Students and Coaches! How to Communicate More Effectively

Yudhisthira Dasa

We know that the best students are open-minded, passionate about learning, listen well, take notes, seek out teachers/mentors (who are themselves committed students), and more. However, the fact is that throughout our lives in this world, we are both students AND teachers, whether by active sharing or teaching by example. Interestingly, the qualities needed to excel in both roles are the same.

The Precious Cargo – A Poem by Sankirtana Das

Sankirtana Das, ACBSP

O Prabhupada You are a treasure Who has brought the Treasure You are eternally wakeful Calling the sleepers to awaken

A Fresh Take: How Arjuna Helped Inspire the Character of Oppenheimer

Thomas Haribol, ISKCON News Managing Editor

J. Robert Oppenheimer's relationship with Indian philosophy, Sanskrit, and the Bhagavad Gita has experienced a revival with the recent controversial Hollywood drama, "Oppenheimer." While many articles have focused on the atomic physicist recalling a verse from the Gita when he witnessed a nuclear explosion, the author Syama Allard takes a deeper look at the relationship and parallels between Arjuna and the 20th-century scientist.

Does Krishna Send Us Signs? Yes, Sometimes Literally

Thomas Haribol, ISKCON News Managing Editor

When people say, "God may give you a sign," they usually don't mean that literally, but for me, that's exactly what He did.

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COMING OF AGE #6 – Self-Deprecation versus Self-Esteem

Yudhisthira Dasa

For committed spiritual seekers, the reality of our shortcomings in this material lifetime becomes more and more clear. Of course, in our lineage, Krishna offers hope again and again, as has Lord Chaitanya. Yet, each day our individual limitations relentlessly stare back at us from the mirror. After all, our consciousness in each lifetime results from unlimited lifetimes and activities, blended with the mercy or grace we receive from the Lord and His representatives.

COMING OF AGE #5 – Ever Feel Guilt or Shame?

Yudhisthira Dasa

Feeling guilt, shame, or both in our lifetimes is almost inevitable. Guilt applies when an individual does not achieve what he/she feels was expected of them. Shame applies when someone does something themselves that they would consider highly embarrassing, an embarrassment that doesn’t go away. Shame can become a long-term problem that interferes with all we do, at an extreme leading a person to feel worthless.

India Train Crash: A Bhagavad Gita Perspective

Chaitanya Charan Das

India has recently witnessed a tragic train accident near Balasore, Orissa, leaving several hundred dead and many more maimed. In the face of such a devastating event, we offer our heartfelt prayers for those who have lost their loved ones and friends, as well as for the welfare of the departed souls. During times of tragedy, we may seek solace and guidance from the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita. From the Gita’s perspective, let us explore three essential points: seriousness, strength, and service attitude.

COMING OF AGE #4 – Its About Progress, Not Perfection

Yudhisthira Dasa

The Hare Krishna Movement is arguably among the world’s most misunderstood spiritual paths, externally appearing biased along sectarian lines but with an inclusive and non-sectarian core philosophy.