Articles by Satyanarayana Dasa
Articles by Satyanarayana Dasa

Viveka–Proper Discrimination

The word “discrimination” has negative connotations, because we very often use it in negative contexts. For example, “racial discrimination,” “caste discrimination,” “gender discrimination,” etc. As a result, it is quite common to hear advice against discrimination. We are advised to treat everyone equally, without making value or character judgements. These ideals are considered very noble, but we

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Articles by Satyanarayana Dasa Bhakti Sandarbhas

Solution for Rāga and Dveṣa

Attraction and repulsion, rāga and dveṣa, are the two primary emotions experienced by human beings. They are the offspring of avidyā, or primordial ignorance of one’s true self and of Bhagavān.  In Yoga-sūtra (2.3), Patañjali Maharṣi explains that one identifies with the material mind and body because of avidya, and that identification results in raga

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Articles by Satyanarayana Dasa

Studying Śastra: Jñāna or Bhakti?

Jñāna is the popular form of the word jñānam, which is most commonly defined as “knowledge” or “understanding.” Specifically, jñāna means, “that by which we know.” It is an instrument, like our more obvious five senses, an instrument that allows us to comprehend and understand. Because it is a sense, it is “material,” and because

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Articles by Satyanarayana Dasa

Śūdra or Vaiśya?

By Satyanarayana Dasa I have quite often heard the phrase, “In Kaliyuga everybody is a śūdra,” kalau śudrāḥ sambhvāḥ, although I am unable to trace its source.  However, there is another verse that says that everyone is born as a śūdra: janmanā jāyate śūdraḥ saṁskārāt dvija ucyate śāpānugraha-sāmarthaṁ tathā krodhaḥ prasannatā  (Skanda Purāṇa, Nāgara Khaṇḍa

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Articles by Satyanarayana Dasa General

The Vedic View on Homosexuality

Question: What is the Vedic view of the śāstras on homosexuals and their love for each other? Answer: I have not read anything specific about it in the core śāstra, such as the Upaniṣads, Purāṇās, and Itihāsas. There are some stories about sex changes, such as that of Śikhaṇḍī, a sort of transgender male, who was the

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Articles by Satyanarayana Dasa Bhakti

Freedom from Envy – Qualification for Bhakti

By Satyanarayana Dasa Different spiritual paths have different requirements for success. The path of karma yoga requires tenacious adherence to the Vedic injunctions. The path of jñāna yoga requires full renunciation from material attachments and sense pleasures. All paths in general require some amount of detachment, or dispassion. But, the path of bhakti primarily requires

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Articles by Satyanarayana Dasa

What Is Wrong with Pratiṣṭhā?

Pratiṣṭhā means “fame, glory, renown, celebrity, high position, etc.” We all have taste for it. We work for it and feel happy when we get it. For some, it is the main driving force in life. They are ready to sacrifice their lives for their own pratiṣṭhā or even for the pratiṣṭhā of their family,

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