By Matsyavatara das I believe that family life, the grihastha asrama, is a theme of universal interest. Some will get married and some will not, some will have children and some will not. But also those who don’t get married and those who have already surpassed this phase of life will greatly benefit by knowing […]
Dealing with Difference and Conflict
The following points are useful to keep in mind for dealing with all types of conflict, from mild differences of opinion up to serious tensions. Try to see all conflict as an opportunity for growth. Conflict is natural in this world. Different opinions, tensions and even more serious conflict can lead to positive change. Focus on […]
Signs of Abusive Relationships
The following items are symptoms that may indicate abuse. In themselves they do not signify abuse, but they should raise concern: Your partner has a history of abuse. You tend to give more than you receive in the relationship; you perceive that your relationship is not reciprocal. You think your spouse or partner has much […]
The Effects of Divorce
General trends found in situations resulting from divorce. PARENTAL LOSS– divorce often results in the loss of a parent for the children and with this loss children also lose the knowledge, skills and resources (emotional, financial, etc.) of that parent. ECONOMIC LOSS– another result of divorce is that children living in single parent families are […]
Dealing with Illicit Sex
Question: In ISKCON we are taught to follow the four regulative principles, among which avoiding illicit sex is often the most crucial one. However, there are situations where one member of the couple doesn’t’t agree on practicing sexual restraint, and this could lead to the drastic break-up of the marriage. What can be done in […]
Birth Control Myths
Proponents of contraception claim it solves many social problems. Are they right? Thirteen-year-old Jenny broke the silence. “Rhoda, I was a birth-control baby.” “Birth-control baby? I never heard of that.” “The birth control my mother and father used didn’t work, and the result was me.” “You mean you weren’t wanted.” Jenny didn’t answer. She hunched […]
Viagra or Vairagya—Where’s the Bliss?
Sensual pleasures pale in comparison to the higher taste of devotion to Lord Krishna. I SIT AT THE lunch table with some of my colleagues as we say goodbye to one of our co-workers. I’m soon reminded of why I tend to stay away from such gatherings: As usual, the conversation eventually turns to the […]
Dealing with Depression
“Within days of chanting the mantra regularly on beads, I felt a lifting of my depressed feelings. Light entered the darkness I was so accustomed to living in.” IN THE EVENING of November 14, 1975, I received a phone call in my dorm room at college. Absorbed in studying for exams, I answered nonchalantly, expecting […]
Tragedy Calls…Am I Next?
The teachings of the Bhagavad-gita help us see beyond the apparent randomness of tragedy. I had Just Turned eleven when our small island town was gripped with terror. Mary Kelly had disappeared three days earlier, and now her mutilated body had been found in the woods just a mile from where I lived. The intensive, […]
The Root of Anger
A therapist draws on Lord Krishna’s teachings to help a child control his rage. THE HOSPITAL ROOM SMELLS strongly of antiseptic as I walk in. Chris sits on his bed, immersed in rapidly pushing buttons with his thumbs. “Nintendo?” I ask nonchalantly, breaking his concentration. “Play Station,” he replies, continuing to madly push buttons. I […]
