Karma Theory

Session 1Session 1

Hinduism: A Rational Theory Hinduism: A Rational Theory rather than Dogmarather than Dogma

For IAP Course, Hinduism: A Universal Religion, MIT, 2006 (Varun Aggarwal)

DisclaimerDisclaimer

A Hindu is not instructed to A Hindu is not instructed to preachpreach till he is God till he is God realized.realized.

Till you havent verified a theory to be correct, how can Till you havent verified a theory to be correct, how can you teach it to other people and ask them to drive their you teach it to other people and ask them to drive their actions according to it?actions according to it?

I am NOT PREACHING.I am NOT PREACHING. Just exposing you to a theory.Just exposing you to a theory. Dont know whether it is correct.Dont know whether it is correct. Sounds logical to me.Sounds logical to me. If it does to you, inquire further, follow or test it!If it does to you, inquire further, follow or test it! Not instructing you to do or follow anything.Not instructing you to do or follow anything.

NOW THAT WE KNOW IT IS NOW THAT WE KNOW IT IS EVOLUTION!!!EVOLUTION!!!

The trendy argument of the atheists

The overwhelming Literature:The overwhelming Literature:Need for a Generalized TheoryNeed for a Generalized Theory

A literature spanning more than x years.A literature spanning more than x years. Different hypothesis, results, reproducible/not Different hypothesis, results, reproducible/not

reproducible/contradictoryreproducible/contradictory Subjective (as any other science)Subjective (as any other science) Change in definitions/meaning over timeChange in definitions/meaning over time A few survey papers.A few survey papers. Cannot study/say everything.Cannot study/say everything. Specialization Specialization GeneralizationGeneralization Here is my Here is my Biased Survey PaperBiased Survey Paper, allowed to , allowed to

me by Independence of thoughtme by Independence of thought

QuestionsQuestions::Code of Conduct/Seeking the truthCode of Conduct/Seeking the truth

Who am I?

What is the objectiveOf life?

Why is there injustice/asymmetry?

Why is the whole universe in place?

Why is there suffering/happiness/suffering ?

Vivekanandas statement: About pulling an end of the string

Do you need a philosophical substratum for a code of conduct/an objective in life?

Why is there injustice/asymmetry?

Why are two people born unequal?Why are two people born unequal? Rich and PoorRich and Poor Mental FacultiesMental Faculties Handicaps, etc.Handicaps, etc.

Why we suffer for no fault of ours?Why we suffer for no fault of ours?

Why the wrongWhy the wrong--doers are not punished?doers are not punished?

Why is there injustice/asymmetry?Why there should be an ANSWER?

It is just simple evolution.It is just simple evolution. We are random causations.We are random causations. These are random phenomena.These are random phenomena. Thus there is no Question!Thus there is no Question!

RANDOM

Nothing is random::Nothing is random:: RandomRandom till you dont till you dont

understand/quantify influencing factors.understand/quantify influencing factors. It might be intractableIt might be intractable

For theorizing, need to have For theorizing, need to have faithfaith that that it is not random/there is a reason.it is not random/there is a reason.

Ex: The Ex: The apple falling on the groundapple falling on the ground and and the cause of day and nightthe cause of day and night are due to are due to the same reason!!! So very hard to the same reason!!! So very hard to believebelieve

Why is there asymmetry/injustice?Why is there asymmetry/injustice?The theory of KarmaThe theory of Karma

Karma means action.Karma means action. A person is born less fortunate than the A person is born less fortunate than the

other. Why?other. Why? Let us use simple Let us use simple Cause and EffectCause and Effect Why? Why? Since he did something wrong.Since he did something wrong. When did he do something wrong?When did he do something wrong? A previous life, a previous birth.A previous life, a previous birth.

Karmic theory is dealt in the most systematic way in theBhagvad Gita (The celestial Song): The most celebrated Survey Paper in Hindu Philosophy

The theory of KarmaThe theory of Karma

A person goes through the cycles of birth and death.A person goes through the cycles of birth and death.

Each life he experiences results of his karma in the Each life he experiences results of his karma in the previous life.previous life.

Does fresh karma Does fresh karma GGets accumulated (ets accumulated (Karmic debtKarmic debt))

Results experienced in the next life.Results experienced in the next life.

And so it goes onAnd so it goes on

The theory of Karma: QuestionsThe theory of Karma: Questions

Is it preIs it pre--decided what will happen in this life? decided what will happen in this life? NoNo It is your action, that determines your experience.It is your action, that determines your experience. But it is not just action in this life, but also the action But it is not just action in this life, but also the action

in previous life.in previous life. Just a System with Memory Just a System with Memory

Thus, YOU are the Master Of Your DestinyThus, YOU are the Master Of Your Destiny


If I wrong A, it had to be so, it is due to If I wrong A, it had to be so, it is due to As Karma, then why am I blamed?As Karma, then why am I blamed? A had to reap the fruit of his karmaA had to reap the fruit of his karma-- AgreedAgreed Your instinct made you do the bad karma.Your instinct made you do the bad karma. YouYou offered yourself as the instrument.offered yourself as the instrument. Otherwise, the universal karmic equilibrium Otherwise, the universal karmic equilibrium

would itself found another would itself found another fitfit!! Thus YOU accumulate bad karma!Thus YOU accumulate bad karma!


What is classified as bad karma?What is classified as bad karma? Extremely controversial!!Extremely controversial!!

WrongWrong--doing in ignorance is not bad karmadoing in ignorance is not bad karma

Generalized: Hurting an innocent person is bad karmaGeneralized: Hurting an innocent person is bad karma

Individual Perspective: Hurting some [if necessary] for the goodIndividual Perspective: Hurting some [if necessary] for the goodof many is fine. (Utilitarian)of many is fine. (Utilitarian)

It is in the referenceIt is in the reference--frame of the individual.frame of the individual.

Whenever you do an action and something inside Whenever you do an action and something inside tells you it is wrong, it is. Otherwise it is not! tells you it is wrong, it is. Otherwise it is not!

Your Self is the judgeYour Self is the judge

Theory of Karma: InferencesTheory of Karma: Inferences

No one can hit you except yourself!No one can hit you except yourself! Whatever bad happens to you is due to your KarmaWhatever bad happens to you is due to your Karma Thus noThus no--one can hurt you, till it is your karmic debt.one can hurt you, till it is your karmic debt. Only your Karma influences youOnly your Karma influences you

You cannot help anyone!You cannot help anyone! Everyone reaps his own KarmaEveryone reaps his own Karma You can just be an instrument!You can just be an instrument!

Let us rest here for a momentLet us rest here for a moment

In the current framework, we have been able to explain that therIn the current framework, we have been able to explain that there e is no injustice.is no injustice.

But how did it all begin? When the first generation came in, theBut how did it all begin? When the first generation came in, there re shouldnt have been any debt. How did it diverge?shouldnt have been any debt. How did it diverge? The STEADY STATE of the system is clear, but not the initial conThe STEADY STATE of the system is clear, but not the initial conditions ditions

and the transients. and the transients.

This is a rough framework, but the intricacies are not importantThis is a rough framework, but the intricacies are not important. . One can surely tug them in.One can surely tug them in.

We didnt talk about THE PERSON till now: who is the person, wWe didnt talk about THE PERSON till now: who is the person, why hy does one do bad and good karma, etc. does one do bad and good karma, etc. Shall propose another theories to take care of this.Shall propose another theories to take care of this.

Let us delve in further.Let us delve in further.

Theory of Karma: Delving InTheory of Karma: Delving In You cannot do good, you cannot do bad You cannot do anything You cannot do good, you cannot do bad You cannot do anything

for the world. You can only influence yourself.for the world. You can only influence yourself.

You are not doing any Karma, you are not the owner of the resultYou are not doing any Karma, you are not the owner of the result..

You are an instrument in the hand of the Universal Karmic You are an instrument in the hand of the Universal Karmic Equilibrium.Equilibrium. The Karma is done by the three The Karma is done by the three GunasGunas of the of the PrakritiPrakriti: : SattvaSattva, Rajas and , Rajas and

TamasTamas. (Bhagvad Gita). (Bhagvad Gita)

You attach to the karmaYou attach to the karma You tie yourself to the result.You tie yourself to the result. You believe your Karma creates it.You believe your Karma creates it. You take ownership.You take ownership. And thus you come back to reap the fruitsAnd thus you come back to reap the fruits

THE MATRIX: A take-away from Eastern Philosophies

The Idea of the Changeless: The Idea of the Changeless: ATMAN (THE PERSON)ATMAN (THE PERSON)

One can only influence oneself, WHO is this ONE?One can only influence oneself, WHO is this ONE? CHANGE is the truth of life.CHANGE is the truth of life. There is duality everywhere: Pleasure/pain, success/failure, etcThere is duality everywhere: Pleasure/pain, success/failure, etc. .

Everything is temporary. The world is Everything is temporary. The world is imperfectimperfect Hindus postulate an CHANGELESS behind this changing. Hindus postulate an CHANGELESS behind this changing.

The unchanging is a WITNESS, and The unchanging is a WITNESS, and Neither a doer nor the one that experiences, Neither a doer nor the one that experiences, Free from the duality of pleasure and pain.Free from the duality of pleasure and pain.

That unchanging has to be realized.That unchanging has to be realized. That unchanging is called the ATMAN (the soul).That unchanging is called the ATMAN (the soul). The ATMAN is SatThe ATMAN is Sat--ChitChit--AnandaAnanda:: True, Conscious, Blissful:: True, Conscious, Blissful

This realization is called MUKTI, i.e. FREEDOMThis realization is called MUKTI, i.e. FREEDOM

This (self), weapons cut not; This fire burns not; This, water wets not; and This, wind dries not. (Bhagvad Gita, 2-23)

Theory of Karma: Desire is bondageTheory of Karma: Desire is bondage

Desires make us do karma: good, bad and neutral.Desires make us do karma: good, bad and neutral.

We do good or bad karma, take ownership and thus accumulate it.We do good or bad karma, take ownership and thus accumulate it.

In case, it is neutral KarmaIn case, it is neutral Karma It is either instinctive and reaps good/bad result.It is either instinctive and reaps good/bad result. It attaches one to the body, which the one is not. One returnsIt attaches one to the body, which the one is not. One returns for its fulfillment and chains for its fulfillment and chains

himself.himself. That puts sensory pleasures in a negative tone! That puts sensory pleasures in a negative tone!

A second way of motivating the idea (The Buddhist Way) :A second way of motivating the idea (The Buddhist Way) : We have desires We have desires World is imperfect World is imperfect Desires remain unfulfilledDesires remain unfulfilled Sorrow Sorrow Have no desires Have no desires Then you have nothing to lose Then you have nothing to lose There is no sorrowThere is no sorrow You live like a KING.You live like a KING. But this is just a psychological stateBut this is just a psychological state The Hindus claim it is the REAL state. The state of the ATMAN The Hindus claim it is the REAL state. The state of the ATMAN

A third way of motivating this:A third way of motivating this: First we desire our enjoyment, we find it temporary and unfulfilFirst we desire our enjoyment, we find it temporary and unfulfilling: Self desires end..ling: Self desires end.. Once our focus is off us, we see the pain in the world, work forOnce our focus is off us, we see the pain in the world, work for it and feel pride in itit and feel pride in it Finally we find, we are not the influencerFinally we find, we are not the influencer

He who does actions forsaking attachment, resigning them to Brahman, is not soiled by evil (bondage), like unto a lotus leaf by water (Bhagvad Gita, 5-10)

Theory of Karma: How to get out of the messTheory of Karma: How to get out of the mess

NishNish--KaamKaam Karma Yoga: Action without DesireKarma Yoga: Action without Desire

Does karma without desireDoes karma without desire

Does everything as a duty: Duty of a son, a father, a husband, aDoes everything as a duty: Duty of a son, a father, a husband, aprofessional, citizen, etc.professional, citizen, etc.

Offers oneself as an instrument in the hand of Karmic EquilibriOffers oneself as an instrument in the hand of Karmic Equilibrium, um, How?How? Does good (as a duty), but never takes pride in it; for he is noDoes good (as a duty), but never takes pride in it; for he is not the t the

cause.cause. No desires thus he doesnt do bad.No desires thus he doesnt do bad.

Not doing karma is also a karma, thats not the solution!Not doing karma is also a karma, thats not the solution!

In this state, one accumulate no Karma, nor attachment with the In this state, one accumulate no Karma, nor attachment with the body body No cause No cause No effect No effect OneOne becomes free from the cycle of becomes free from the cycle of

birth and death birth and death SatSat--chitchit--AnandaAnanda

Thy right is to work only, but never to the fruit thereof. Be thou not the producer of the fruits of thy actions; neither let they attachment be towards inaction. (Bhagavd Gita, 2-47)

Theory or practice??

Theory of Karma: The state of a Theory of Karma: The state of a YogiYogiNishNish--KaamKaam Karma Yoga: Action without DesireKarma Yoga: Action without Desire

Such a person is always equalSuch a person is always equal--minded.minded.

He neither becomes sad nor happy since he has no He neither becomes sad nor happy since he has no desires.desires.

He is not attached to anything, he let goes.He is not attached to anything, he let goes.

He just enjoys what he is doing.He just enjoys what he is doing.

Such a man is FREE.Such a man is FREE.

The Theory of Karma: Take HomeThe Theory of Karma: Take Home

Vaishnav Jan to tene kahiye

(http://www.raaga.com/channels/hindi/movie/HD000033.html)

The Big QuestionThe Big Question

Woops! I thought we were discussing Woops! I thought we were discussing religion, where is GOD?religion, where is GOD?

How does this God relate to the soul?How does this God relate to the soul?

Are there answers to why do we have Are there answers to why do we have desires/what is wrong in having desires?desires/what is wrong in having desires?

What we do nextWhat we do next

Theory of the dualists: DvaitaTheory of the dualists: Dvaita

The question dualists couldnt answer.The question dualists couldnt answer.

The theory of the nonThe theory of the non--dualists: Keval Advaitadualists: Keval Advaita

This is This is ArundhatiArundhati NyayaNyaya !!! !!!

Theory of the Dvaita: Theory of the Dvaita: The Atman and the ParamatmanThe Atman and the Paramatman There is two: The Atman and the Paramatman. There is two: The Atman and the Paramatman.

(Dualists) [[(Dualists) [[No Satan in HinduismNo Satan in Hinduism]]]] The soul (The soul (atmanatman) resides in the body.) resides in the body. The body is just like a cloth around it.The body is just like a cloth around it. It is the soul which moves from one body to the other.It is the soul which moves from one body to the other. The soul has a sheath which carries the karmic debt.The soul has a sheath which carries the karmic debt. The soul takes a The soul takes a body+mindbody+mind as dictated by the karmic as dictated by the karmic

debt.debt. The body performs the action.The body performs the action. Is it material or not? ControversialIs it material or not? Controversial

(Bhaagvatam proposes its size)(Bhaagvatam proposes its size)

Even as a man cats off worn-out clothes, and puts on others which are new, so the embodied casts off worn-out bodies, and enters into others which are new. (Gita, 2-22)

Paramatman: Creator, Preserver Paramatman: Creator, Preserver and the Destroyerand the Destroyer Paramatman (The superParamatman (The super--soul) is God: The totality of everything, soul) is God: The totality of everything,

The primal force.The primal force.

The Paramatman creates the universe (matter) and dissolves it atThe Paramatman creates the universe (matter) and dissolves it atthe end. the end.

All the souls are his part and emerge from him at creation.All the souls are his part and emerge from him at creation.

The souls are actually free, but their identity is obscured to bThe souls are actually free, but their identity is obscured to believe elieve that they are bound.that they are bound.

Thus the karmic cycle goes into actionThus the karmic cycle goes into action

At the end, everyone merges back to the Godhead, there is At the end, everyone merges back to the Godhead, there is dissolution and then creation goes on again.dissolution and then creation goes on again.

There are innumerable Dvaita schools of thought and this is one view.Our real aim is to reach Non-Dualism.

The Nature of ParamatmanThe Nature of Paramatman There is one God.There is one God.

He is actually He is actually NirgunaNirguna (formless) and projects himself as (formless) and projects himself as SagunaSaguna (with (with attributes and qualities) and multiple forms.attributes and qualities) and multiple forms.

Different people can relate to different forms of God.Different people can relate to different forms of God.

God projects himself into multiple forms, so that the bounded sGod projects himself into multiple forms, so that the bounded souls can ouls can relate to one of his forms and be devoted to it.relate to one of his forms and be devoted to it. RadhakrishnansRadhakrishnans view from perspective of history of religion.view from perspective of history of religion.

Why devoted to him?Why devoted to him? The basic nature of the soul is to love the superThe basic nature of the soul is to love the super--soul soul ((AcintyaAcintya--BhedabhedaBhedabheda)) We need to be indebted to our creator!We need to be indebted to our creator! If you dont pray to him, xyz will happen! (Religion of fear)If you dont pray to him, xyz will happen! (Religion of fear) We will find a better answer at the end.We will find a better answer at the end.

Incarnation Of God: Resonance of Incarnation Of God: Resonance of Dualism and Karmic TheoryDualism and Karmic Theory

Whenever, O descendant of Whenever, O descendant of BharataBharata, there is decline of Dharma and rise of , there is decline of Dharma and rise of AdharmaAdharma, I body myself forth (, I body myself forth (BhagvadBhagvad GitaGita 44--7)7)

The Paramatman incarnates on earth.The Paramatman incarnates on earth.

The karmic equilibrium is in imbalance.The karmic equilibrium is in imbalance.

No one offers himself to be an instrument for balancing it, e.g.No one offers himself to be an instrument for balancing it, e.g., Case of , Case of RavanaRavana

The Paramatman (actually a nonThe Paramatman (actually a non--doer, alwaysdoer, always--free) takes human form to free) takes human form to balance the Karmic Equilibrium.balance the Karmic Equilibrium.

He demonstrates ideal way of life so that people can follow his He demonstrates ideal way of life so that people can follow his example.example.

The lives of incarnation form the model way of living for most Hindus.Rama, Krishna, and many-many more.

Serving the Godhead: A Very Serving the Godhead: A Very Popular View of SalvationPopular View of Salvation

The theory of Love and Devotion. (The theory of Love and Devotion. (BhaktiBhakti))

Vishnu/Krishna, a deity is the Paramatman, the Supreme being.Vishnu/Krishna, a deity is the Paramatman, the Supreme being.

The basic nature of all souls is to serve him/love him and be haThe basic nature of all souls is to serve him/love him and be happy ppy in this state.in this state.

The souls can become free by devotion and love to Lord.The souls can become free by devotion and love to Lord.

In freedom, they eternally serve Vishnu and be happy in serving In freedom, they eternally serve Vishnu and be happy in serving him.him.

The Question Dualists couldnt The Question Dualists couldnt answeranswer Why is Paramatman the Paramatman and the atman an atman.Why is Paramatman the Paramatman and the atman an atman.

Why the atman has to be devoted to the Paramatman?Why the atman has to be devoted to the Paramatman?

If Vishnu/Krishna is the God, what special love he has for IndIf Vishnu/Krishna is the God, what special love he has for Indians, ians, that he revealed his form only to them and showed all wrong formthat he revealed his form only to them and showed all wrong forms s to others?to others?

Why this asymmetry?Why this asymmetry?

Each idea of Dualism is beautiful, sweet, tender and full of LOVEach idea of Dualism is beautiful, sweet, tender and full of LOVE. But it E. But it loses its universality. Nonloses its universality. Non--dualism gives it the backbone We will dualism gives it the backbone We will see howsee how

The Buddhist ChallengeThe Buddhist Challenge

If there is a Vishnu, who will have to serve till If there is a Vishnu, who will have to serve till eternity and be happy in it, we will rather fight eternity and be happy in it, we will rather fight him.him.

Why do you postulate two: The changing body Why do you postulate two: The changing body and the Unchanging Soul?and the Unchanging Soul?

Everything can be explained on the body and Everything can be explained on the body and mind, both of which are changing.mind, both of which are changing.

NonNon--Dualism: A great UnifierDualism: A great Unifier

There is no duality, there is NOTThere is no duality, there is NOT--TWO.TWO. Answer to the Buddhists:Answer to the Buddhists:

There is not the body and the soulThere is not the body and the soul It is the soul which looks like the bodyIt is the soul which looks like the body The famous snake in the rope analogy.The famous snake in the rope analogy. Only the soul is real, the body is unreal.Only the soul is real, the body is unreal. The body is seen due to ignoranceThe body is seen due to ignorance The Soul is Unchanging: For perception of change, a The Soul is Unchanging: For perception of change, a

UNCHANGING datum needs to exist.UNCHANGING datum needs to exist.

Advaita: a NOT dvaita: Two

NonNon--Dualism: Though is theeDualism: Though is thee

There is ONE ParamatmanThere is ONE Paramatman He He lookslooks multiple due to ignorancemultiple due to ignorance

He doesnt split into multiple.He doesnt split into multiple. I AM BRAHMA I AM BRAHMA

The Mantra of NonThe Mantra of Non--DualismDualism Each one of us is that ONE in every regard Each one of us is that ONE in every regard

eternally beyond time and space.eternally beyond time and space. Each one of us is SAME.Each one of us is SAME. Belief in Multiplicity/Differentiation is the root Belief in Multiplicity/Differentiation is the root

cause of world.cause of world.

There is one: Hatred is Negation of Love, Darkness is Negation of Light, Failure is negation of success; One is felt due to the expression of the other

THE ONE AND MANYTHE ONE AND MANY

The ONE (Brahman) alone exists. The ONE (Brahman) alone exists.

Since there is not a second, nothing effects it.Since there is not a second, nothing effects it.

Its state is indescribable (SATIts state is indescribable (SAT--CHITCHIT--ANANDA)ANANDA)

There is no creation matter/feelings/life is illusory.There is no creation matter/feelings/life is illusory.

We are the ONE eternally beyond the conception of time and spaceWe are the ONE eternally beyond the conception of time and space..

It is IGNORANCE, that makes us see time/space/duality.It is IGNORANCE, that makes us see time/space/duality.

It is IGNORANCE, which shows the one as many.It is IGNORANCE, which shows the one as many.

The ONE supports all what is experienced, but is never touched bThe ONE supports all what is experienced, but is never touched by ignorancey ignorance

The ONE is the one experienced and the one that experiencesThe ONE is the one experienced and the one that experiences

We dont become FREE on salvation, we realize we are free!We dont become FREE on salvation, we realize we are free!

ADVAITA: REFERENCE FRAMESADVAITA: REFERENCE FRAMES

We are all traveling in cars moving with different speeds. We are all traveling in cars moving with different speeds. (speed(speed Level of Ignorance)Level of Ignorance)

We all see different things, whatever we see is real for us.We all see different things, whatever we see is real for us.

We all have our own frame of reference to see the universe and We all have our own frame of reference to see the universe and that it becomes for us.that it becomes for us.

None of us lie, when we say, we see it differently.None of us lie, when we say, we see it differently.

We all see the same truth, but differently.We all see the same truth, but differently.

The truth manifest when the car is at speed 0.The truth manifest when the car is at speed 0.

When we all have different quotient of ignorance, why all of us see the same world?Advaita explains this on the principle of cumulative ignorance/karmic debt

ADVAITA RECONCILES ALL ADVAITA RECONCILES ALL RELIGIONSRELIGIONSWhy did God reveal himself as Why did God reveal himself as AllahAllah to one and to one and RamRam to the to the

other?other?

The ONE is PARAMATMAN.The ONE is PARAMATMAN.

The ONE never projects himself into forms.The ONE never projects himself into forms.

Different people see it differently due to their level of Different people see it differently due to their level of ignorance/understanding.ignorance/understanding.

Our perception shows us different forms.Our perception shows us different forms.

A seer of Ram, a seer of Jesus, a seer of Allah all see the A seer of Ram, a seer of Jesus, a seer of Allah all see the same ONE through different glasses with flakes of ignorance.same ONE through different glasses with flakes of ignorance.

REFERENCE FRAMESREFERENCE FRAMESThe way Gita puts itThe way Gita puts it

Even those devotees, who endued with Sraddha, worship other gods, they too worship Me alone, O son of Kunti, (but) by the wrong method.

For I alone am the enjoyer, and Lord of all Yajnas, but because they do not know me in reality, they return.

Votaries of the Devas go to the Devas; to the Pitrs, go their votaries; to the Bhutas, go the Bhuta worshippers, My votaries come unto me.

(9-23,24,25)

ADVAITA RECONCILES LOVE AND ADVAITA RECONCILES LOVE AND MORALITYMORALITY Love is:Love is:

Losing identity in the otherLosing identity in the other Feeling the pain/pleasure of the other.Feeling the pain/pleasure of the other.

Love is unification. Love is expansionLove is unification. Love is expansion

All hatred is due to differentiation. (Me and You)All hatred is due to differentiation. (Me and You)

Hatred is limited expression of LOVE.Hatred is limited expression of LOVE. We LOVE ourselves, we wrong the world for oneself.We LOVE ourselves, we wrong the world for oneself. We LOVE our family, we wrong .We LOVE our family, we wrong . We LOVE our city, country, World and then the whole universe.We LOVE our city, country, World and then the whole universe. Loving the whole universe, losing identity in it is our basic naLoving the whole universe, losing identity in it is our basic nature, for ture, for

the whole universe is ONEthe whole universe is ONE

ADVAITA RECONCILES DUALISMADVAITA RECONCILES DUALISM Paramatman is the expression of that ONEParamatman is the expression of that ONE

Loving Paramatman is loving that ONE, which we are identical witLoving Paramatman is loving that ONE, which we are identical with.h.

We first love ourselves, then our family, then the world and theWe first love ourselves, then our family, then the world and then n Paramatman.Paramatman.

Serving Krishna/Vishnu in an eternal heaven and being happy in iServing Krishna/Vishnu in an eternal heaven and being happy in it is t is the limited version of that ONEthe limited version of that ONE--NESS seen through glasses of NESS seen through glasses of ignorance.ignorance.

How dare someone ridicules dualismHow dare someone ridicules dualism It is such a beautiful expression of the ONE.It is such a beautiful expression of the ONE. Till you are in/see the world, you remain in DUALITY.Till you are in/see the world, you remain in DUALITY. The college teacher and the school teacher example The college teacher and the school teacher example

ADVAITA AND THEORY OF KARMAADVAITA AND THEORY OF KARMA

If the universe/matter is illusory, how can there If the universe/matter is illusory, how can there be a theory in an illusion.be a theory in an illusion.

Reference frames: Theory of Karma works at the Reference frames: Theory of Karma works at the material level due to the perception of duality. It material level due to the perception of duality. It doesnt effect the ONE.doesnt effect the ONE.

Real NumbersComplex Numbers

Dont exist, Are a toolFollow rules

Real Numbers

The ONE

The WorldDoesnt Exist, Tool torealize, Follow rules

The ONE

ADVAITA RECONCILES DEVOTIONADVAITA RECONCILES DEVOTION

How does devotion help, if it is the law of Karma that is How does devotion help, if it is the law of Karma that is working?working?

For the power of ONE is within YOU.For the power of ONE is within YOU.

The matter is an illusion, so is the sorrow.The matter is an illusion, so is the sorrow.

The prayer manifests your power seeming to come The prayer manifests your power seeming to come from that ONEfrom that ONE

Prayer is not the only WAYPrayer is not the only WAY

The voice which appears to come from outside actually The voice which appears to come from outside actually comes from inside comes from inside ---- VivekanandaVivekananda

EVOLUTION VS. INTELLIGENT EVOLUTION VS. INTELLIGENT DESIGNDESIGN

The scientists SEE evolution.The scientists SEE evolution.

The Christians SEE God creating the universe.The Christians SEE God creating the universe.

The Hindus SEE Brahma creating the universe.The Hindus SEE Brahma creating the universe.

The The advaitistadvaitist KNOW there is no creation.KNOW there is no creation.

The Way: Learn and UnlearnThe Way: Learn and Unlearn

first, it is absolutely necessary to clear the intellectual first, it is absolutely necessary to clear the intellectual portions, although we know the intellectuality is almost portions, although we know the intellectuality is almost nothing; for it is the heart that is of most importance. It nothing; for it is the heart that is of most importance. It is through the heart that the Lord is seen and not is through the heart that the Lord is seen and not through the intellect. The intellect is only the streetthrough the intellect. The intellect is only the street--cleaner, cleansing the path for uscleaner, cleansing the path for us

--Swami VivekanandaSwami Vivekananda

Analogous to what engineers do all the time. Analogous to what engineers do all the time.

ADVAITA gives a context to ADVAITA gives a context to

reconcilereconcile

all schools of thought in religionall schools of thought in religionANDAND

all different religious practicesall different religious practices

It forms the basis of a It forms the basis of a UNIVERSAL RELIGIONUNIVERSAL RELIGION

Problems/Challenges to AdvaitaProblems/Challenges to AdvaitaIGNORANCEIGNORANCE

Where did IGNORANCE come from? How Where did IGNORANCE come from? How did the symmetric become unsymmetrical? did the symmetric become unsymmetrical? How/Why the Karmic cycle began? Did How/Why the Karmic cycle began? Did Adam eat the apple!Adam eat the apple! Sankaracharya calls it the unexplainable. Sankaracharya calls it the unexplainable.

Problems/Challenges to AdvaitaProblems/Challenges to AdvaitaINTELLECTINTELLECT

Advaita claimed body, mind, intellect all as Advaita claimed body, mind, intellect all as illusory and unreal.illusory and unreal.

This created the basic problem that all This created the basic problem that all logic is inconsequential.logic is inconsequential.

AdvaitistsAdvaitists relied on experience.relied on experience. Brain Research, Did they make a basic Brain Research, Did they make a basic

error in interpreting the experiment.error in interpreting the experiment.

Problems/Challenges toProblems/Challenges toTheory of KarmaTheory of KarmaCLONINGCLONING

Genetics and Heredity??Genetics and Heredity??Can we engineer qualities for a person?Can we engineer qualities for a person?

REFERENCE SECTION OF MY REFERENCE SECTION OF MY LITERATURE SURVEY!!!LITERATURE SURVEY!!!

BOOKS OF THE HINDUSBOOKS OF THE HINDUS

VEDAS : Believed to be the divine word of VEDAS : Believed to be the divine word of the Godthe God SAMA, RIG, YAJURVA, ATHARVA (4)SAMA, RIG, YAJURVA, ATHARVA (4) UPAVEDASUPAVEDAS

AYURVEDA: medicineAYURVEDA: medicine DHANURVEDA: Archery and warDHANURVEDA: Archery and war--farefare GANDHARVAGANDHARVA--VEDA: MusicVEDA: Music STHAPATYASTHAPATYA--VEDA: Engineering and architectureVEDA: Engineering and architecture

Rituals and prayers for material and spiritual goals, Myths, Philosophy, Science, etc.


UPANISHADSUPANISHADS UpaUpa: Near, Ni: Down, : Near, Ni: Down, s(h)ads(h)ad: Sit: Sit

Come down and sit near (Disciple and guru)Come down and sit near (Disciple and guru) 108 in number108 in number 12 Major12 Major

IshaIsha, , KenaKena, , KathaKatha, , PrashnaPrashna, , MundakaMundaka, , MandukyaMandukya, , AitreyaAitreya, , TaittraiyaTaittraiya, , ChandogyaChandogya, , BrihadaranyakaBrihadaranyaka, , KaushsitakiKaushsitaki, , ShvetashtanaShvetashtana

The best source of The best source of AdvaitaAdvaita PhilosophyPhilosophy Completely fearless writingsCompletely fearless writings Contains teaching, mythology, etc.Contains teaching, mythology, etc.

Vedanta Sutras and the BrahmaVedanta Sutras and the Brahma--SutrasSutras


PURANASPURANAS 18 in number18 in number Basically mythology and stories of God/God Basically mythology and stories of God/God

incarnationsincarnations Dualist in approachDualist in approach Initiates a religion of fear.Initiates a religion of fear. SRIMAD BHAAGVATAM: Extremely popularSRIMAD BHAAGVATAM: Extremely popular

Stories of 24 avatars of VishnuStories of 24 avatars of Vishnu The story of Krishna, The story of Krishna, BhagvaanBhagvaan--SvayamSvayam A beautiful blend of Mythology and Vedanta PhilosophyA beautiful blend of Mythology and Vedanta Philosophy

BOOKS OF THE HINDUBOOKS OF THE HINDU

RAMAYANA: Equivalent to the VEDASRAMAYANA: Equivalent to the VEDAS The story of Prince Ram, incarnation of Vishnu (The The story of Prince Ram, incarnation of Vishnu (The

preserver)preserver) Shows the ideal way of life.Shows the ideal way of life. Sri Ram: Idealized and worshipped by millions of Sri Ram: Idealized and worshipped by millions of

HindusHindus Translated to Translated to AwadhiAwadhi by by TulsidasTulsidas, Ram , Ram CharitmanasCharitmanas Several versionSeveral version A TV show based on Ramayana was the first biggest A TV show based on Ramayana was the first biggest

success of Indian TVsuccess of Indian TV


MAHABHARATA: Story of a Kingdom in IndiaMAHABHARATA: Story of a Kingdom in India The longest poem of the world.The longest poem of the world. A book teaching dharma (right conduct) through a A book teaching dharma (right conduct) through a

storystory Krishna is an important character of the story.Krishna is an important character of the story. BhagvadBhagvad GitaGita (The Song of God)(The Song of God)

Teachings by Krishna to Teachings by Krishna to ArjunArjun (super(super--soul to soul)soul to soul) The best commentary on the UpanishadsThe best commentary on the Upanishads The most celebrated text of HinduismThe most celebrated text of Hinduism A unifier of different ways to reach GodA unifier of different ways to reach God The best survey paperThe best survey paper

PHILOSOPHICAL SYSTEMSPHILOSOPHICAL SYSTEMSRoughly according to timelineRoughly according to timeline

Systems coming out of the VedasSystems coming out of the Vedas SankhyaSankhya Of Of KapilaKapila NyayaNyaya of of GautamaGautama VaisheshikaVaisheshika of Kannadaof Kannada MimansaMimansa of of GeiminiGeimini Vedanta of Vedanta of VyasaVyasa Yoga of Yoga of PatanjaliPatanjali

Different ways of linking matter, soul and God; Different ways of linking matter, soul and God; ways of salvationways of salvation

PHILOSOPHICAL SYSTEMSPHILOSOPHICAL SYSTEMSRoughly according to timelineRoughly according to timeline

AdvaitaAdvaita Vedanta: UpanishadsVedanta: Upanishads

DvaitaDvaita: Upanishads, : Upanishads, PuranasPuranas From rituals to devotion (The From rituals to devotion (The BhaktiBhakti Movement)Movement)

Buddhism: Buddhism: BhagvanBhagvan Buddha (Siddhartha)Buddha (Siddhartha)

Jainism: Jainism: MahaviraMahavira

KevalKeval AdvaitaAdvaita: : SankaracharyaSankaracharya

VishishtVishisht AdvaitaAdvaita: : RamanujacharyaRamanujacharya

Back to Back to DvaitaDvaita: : MadhavacharyaMadhavacharya!!

AchintyaAchintya BhedabhedaBhedabheda: Sri Krishna : Sri Krishna ChaitanyaChaitanya

Major Hindu BeliefsMajor Hindu Beliefs

God is oneGod is one

He is the creator, preserver and destroyer He is the creator, preserver and destroyer

Good and evil are two sides of the same coin. They are both a paGood and evil are two sides of the same coin. They are both a part rt of Paramatman of Paramatman (There is no Satan in Hinduism)(There is no Satan in Hinduism)

We all existed, exist and shall exist till eternityWe all existed, exist and shall exist till eternity

We have multiple lives taking plant/animal/human form according We have multiple lives taking plant/animal/human form according to to our karma. (All Eastern religions agree on this)our karma. (All Eastern religions agree on this)

There is a way to get out of this cycle of births.There is a way to get out of this cycle of births.

Karma Theory

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Transcript of Karma Theory