How to handle spiritual depression?

Like all other human endeavours, spiritual journey is also filled with its share of obstacles. In verse 7.3 of the Bhagwad Gita, Krishna says that among many who strive for spiritual perfection, only a few reach the final goal. One of the reasons which makes any material or spiritual endeavour especially difficult is that there are long periods of time when the journey seems too tasteless and even painful. Some people choose to change track during such times and pursue greener pastures, which may not be such a bad thing in some cases. But some get really depressed since they still have faith in the chosen path, but don't know how to get over the rough patch they are going through. In spiritual pursuits, this may manifest either in the form of an unwillingness to carry out the practices  (sadhana) for an extended period of time or as a lack of special experiences even after doing the practices sincerely for a long time. 

Caste System, First Borns and Technology

India is one of the most diverse countries in the world with a very rich cultural and philosophical heritage. It has also been making notable contribution to science, mathematics and medicine since ancient times. But as they say, one bad fish can spoil the whole pond. And in the case of India, that bad fish is the caste system. It is quite unfortunate that many of our intellectuals see ancient and medieval India primarily through the looking glass of caste system, and often ignore other aspects that will make any human feel great. There are some who are genuinely perturbed by the prevalence of social ills like untouchability and there are others who find vilifying India as a road to acceptance among other intellectuals who think that way. It is very strange that so many intellectuals in India take great pride in having read Plato and Aristotle, but feel no need to read Vivekananda and Aurobindo. Isn't that another form of caste system and untouchability? Vivekananda once said, "The caste system is opposed to Vedanta. Caste is a social custom, and all our great preachers have tried to break it down. From Buddhism downwards, every sect has preached against caste, and every time it has only riveted the chains. Caste is simply the outgrowth of the political institutions of India; it is a hereditary trade guild. Trade competition with Europe has broken caste more than any teaching."