The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse Hindu scripture, part of the Mahabharata, presenting a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and his guide Krishna on the battlefield. It’s a philosophical guide offering insights on duty (Dharma), ethics, and living a fulfilling life. The Gita addresses life’s challenges, advocating for right action without attachment, mindfulness, and the pursuit of self-realization. The Gita provides practical wisdom for moral living and spiritual guidance, remaining relevant across time and cultures.
Category: Desi Words or Terms
Words from India – what’s behind these words? Ream more to get a better understanding of these widely used terms
Summary “Om” or “Aum” is a sacred sound with deep spiritual and cultural significance in Indian traditions. It represents the ultimate reality or divine essence. Chanting or saying “Om” is believed to facilitate spiritual growth, self-realization, and connection with the divine. The benefits of chanting “Om” include relaxation, stress reduction, improved focus, and a sense […]
In Indian philosophy, Maya represents an illusion, suggesting that our sensory perceptions of the world may not reflect its true nature. To transcend Maya, one must cultivate detachment and seek deeper truths through practices like meditation and self-reflection. Maya conceals reality, causing separation and ignorance, impeding spiritual enlightenment until one pierces through its veil to recognize their inherent divinity. This understanding leads to realizing Brahman—an immutable, supreme reality underlying the universe—and achieving liberation from the cycle of suffering and illusion.
Dharma in Indian culture signifies one’s duty aligned with moral virtues like truth and compassion. Central to spiritual growth, it involves fulfilling societal roles righteously, as highlighted in the Bhagavad Gita where Lord Krishna educates Arjuna on duty without attachment to outcomes. It aims for harmony and spiritual enlightenment through dedicated, selfless action.
Summary The concept of Samsara refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that all living beings are believed to go through. According to this belief, a person’s actions and thoughts in their current life determine their future experiences, including their next birth. This cycle continues indefinitely until the individual is able to break […]
A lot is said about Karma nowadays. There is a popularly used phrase which indicates bad deeds will not go unpunished. Where does this word come from? What does it really mean? Read on…. Summary Karma is the concept that actions have consequences. In India, it is believed that every action, thought, and word generates […]
Moksha in Indian philosophies represents liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). Achieved through spiritual practices, it culminates in eternal peace and unity with the divine. Karma influences the cycle, with actions affecting future lives. Moksha and Buddhism’s Nirvana both aim for the transcendence of worldly existence and the realization of spiritual truths. Dharma and Karma are critical for attaining Moksha, with Karma dictating the spiritual journey and Dharma guiding righteous living.
What is Ayurveda? Traditional Indian medicinal sciences, also known as Ayurveda, have a rich cultural and historical background that goes back thousands of years. Ayurveda is considered to be one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world, and it originated in India around 5,000 years ago. The term “Ayurveda” is derived from the […]
What is Yoga? Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” which means to yoke or unite, and it is often translated as “union” or “harmony.” The earliest mention of yoga can be found in the ancient Indian texts known […]
Namaste, also known as namaskar, is a traditional Indian greeting that is used all over the world. It is a gesture of respect and reverence that is performed by pressing the palms together in front of the chest and bowing slightly.