Self-Development: Critical Thinking Matters
In our discussion of social evolution we need sometimes to remember that the very perfection of society must always appear as imperfection; for a highly developed society is dynamic. … A static society … is in a condition of arrested development; (more…)
Gratitude
The Practice of Gratitude Self-development is the reduction of ego and egocentric desires. It traces our human maturity, bringing a greater sense of autonomy and enhanced empathy with others. Ego reduction is achieved through personal development practices. They are the integrated disciplines (more…)
Success Without Ego
How do you have success in life without expressing your ego? We need to define ego first. Ego has different meanings and connotations depending upon context. Let us start with a working definition of ego. The discussion and examples below will help (more…)
Path to Pure Thinking
Save money on green juice… Detox your negative thoughts with the science of Vedanta. Why do we all strive for purity, for the ultimate cleanse or detox? What are we actually seeking? Vedanta tells us that we are seeking our own Self, the (more…)
Mechanism of an Ideal
As discussed in another post, an ideal is an essential aspect of self-development, and helps to draw us out of our immature, self-centered perspective. But what is the mechanism by which this ego-transcendence occurs? This can be explained by way of (more…)
Svadharma – Find Your Own Nature
Adapted from The Fall of the Human Intellect (Ch.7) and Vedanta Treatise: The Eternities (Ch.5), by A. Parthasarathy. Introduction Life is growth. Our observation of the world reveals this to us. Growth of the inner self encompasses increased self-sufficiency or autonomy, and increased empathy or (more…)
The Bus Leaves at Six: Use of an Ideal
The need for an ideal and the method of setting an ideal have been described in an earlier post. An ideal is used in the pursuit of self-development, the goal of which is maturity and self-sufficiency, enhanced empathy with others, and (more…)
Self-Development Practices
Why do we sometimes experience a sense of ennui for the life we have chosen? Why do relationships fail to deliver the satisfaction we expect? Why do we feel uncertain, anxious or out of control? Why do we act in ways (more…)
Emotional Resilience
Drawing upon the seminal philosophical text of contemporary Indian philosopher A. Parthasarathy, Vedanta Treatise: The Eternities, (Ch. VI), this essay will illustrate the nature of emotion; its cause and manifestation; its beneficial and harmful effects; how emotions can be managed; and (more…)
Ego Management
The human ego is the barrier to inner peace, harmonious relationships and self-development. Its effects pervade all aspects of life, and so an awareness of its presence and an understanding of its functioning is vital. This blog draws upon the extensive work (more…)