Overcoming Negativity
What does Arjuna have a negative spiral about in the BG?
Having to fight against his family
What are the two types of dharma?
Worldly duties (sva-dharma): based on individual psychophysical nature of material body
Spiritual duties (sanatana dharma): based on the spirit soul
If we are conditioned are we responsible for our actions? Why or why not?
Yes, because ignorance is not an excuse for not following the law
What about society contributes to our need for short-term gratification?
Trends, social media, competition, productivity equated to self-worth, feel like we're falling behind, technology
What are the 3 levels of relationships?
Neutral, transactional, quality
3 tips that Krishna gives Arjuna
Remain equipoised, practice mantras, have positive association
What are the three modes of material nature, and what is the colors analogy that describes how we are influenced by them?
Goodness, passion, and ignorance - we all have a unique blend of the different "colors"
Explain free will using the hand of cards analogy
Can't control the cards we get but can control how we play them
What is hedonic adaptation?
The mind quickly normalizes achievements, what once felt exciting becomes baseline.Can't stay satisfied/happy
What are the 3 ways of gaining knowledge, and which is the best?
Direct sense perception, logic, hearing from authority,
How does Krishna tell Arjuna to reframe his mind to avoid negative thinking?
By identifying with the soul rather than the mind
What is a problem that 98% of our generation experiences?
Burnout
What exists beyond free will?
Past actions (karma)
Conditioning / the mind
Other people or living beings
Circumstances
Divine arrangement
What is the mismatch between the soul and the material world?
Soul is pleasure seeking, but the world is a place of misery
What is the difference between confidence and self-esteem?
Belief in one's capability vs. overall sense of worth ("I am capable" vs. "I am valuable")
Can you explain the horse and chariot analogy?
Horses - 5 senses, ropes - mind, driver - intelligence, passenger - soul
What questions are asked in the Ikigai model?
What do you love?
What are you good at?
What does the world need?
What can you be paid for?
What does karma have to do with free will?
Can desire but Krishna decides whether we can get that or not based on our karma
What did the glass jar demonstration teach us?
Be intentional with the thoughts in our brain rather than just letting any thoughts get jumbled in our brains - meditation, journaling, slowing down helps!
What mode is procrastination in and why?
Ignorance/passion - value short-term gain vs. long-term reward
What does the Bhagavad Gita say about the mind in verse 6.6?
“The mind can be the best friend of the conditioned soul, or can be his worst enemy.”
What are the 3 levels of service?
Lower: Serving the senses (instant gratification, scrolling, eating).
Middle: Serving family, country, or a "cause."
Highest (Bhakti): Encouraged to go further and serve the source of everything (the Divine) — opens our hearts and makes us do more meaningful seva for others too
What is real free will, and how can we achieve it?
Why are we happier serving Krishna's senses than our own?
Should serve our most permanent relationship - makes us happier to make others happy
Fish out of water - we will never be truly happy in this world
We are a part serving the whole
What do all 7 letters in SECRETS stand for?
Storms are Standard, Everyone is Struggling, Clock is Ticking, Retire the Mask, Exchange Your Heart, Treat It With Love, Serve to Smile