Deep dive into the terms and concepts mentioned in Chapter 5
The concept of Action without desires in the Bhagavad Gita is closely associated with the principle of “Nishkama Karma” to perform their duties and actions without attachment to the outcomes or results. This attitude helps individuals maintain equanimity and focus on the task at hand. Engaging in one’s duties (dharma) without desires is seen as a way to contribute to society and maintain natural order. It allows individuals to act responsibly and ethically. By practicing selfless action, individuals can transcend the binding effects of karma and attain spiritual liberation (moksha). The Gita states that such actions purify the mind and promote spiritual evolution. The emphasis on action without desire encourages living in the present moment, fully engaging in action rather than being distracted by past regrets or future anxieties. (https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/2/47/)
Aham Brahmasmi, “I am Brahman” or “I am the Absolute,” is a profound phrase from the ancient Indian scriptures. The term expresses the idea that the individual self (Atman) is not separate from the ultimate reality (Brahman), which is the source of all that exists. It emphasizes the non-dual nature of existence where one perceives unity with the cosmos and recognizes that one’s true essence is divine. But this phrase also present a great delimna – Super Ego or Self Realization? Claiming “Aham Brahmasmi” signifies a profound spiritual awakening, moving beyond the ego and individual identity to an understanding of oneself as part of the universal consciousness. Spiritual practices such as meditation, self-inquiry, and devotion help in negating the sense of separation between the self and the universe and the interconnectedness of all beings within the fabric of existence. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6jNT5d8mNM)
AI4Good Foundation is an imaginary organisation that uses artificial intelligence to address
societal challenges and improve the well-being of people and the planet. It encompasses a
variety of initiatives and projects aimed at leveraging AI technologies to create positive
outcomes in areas such as healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, disaster
response, social justice, and economic development. The idea that corporations should
ensure basic income for all in the future is rooted in several trends and arguments related to
economic inequality, job displacement due to automation, and social welfare. With
advancements in technology and AI, many jobs may be automated, potentially leading to
higher unemployment rates. Advocates suggest that corporations benefiting from increased
productivity and cost savings could contribute to a basic income system to support those
displaced by technological changes. This will involve partnerships between governments
and corporations, where businesses support social welfare initiatives and traditional profit-
making objectives.
Algorithms are step-by-step procedures or formulas for solving a problem or accomplishing a specific task. They are a fundamental part of computer science and mathematics and can be applied to a wide range of fields, from data processing and programming to artificial intelligence and more. Essentially, an algorithm is a well-defined set of instructions that describes how to perform a task or solve a problem. It takes an input, processes it, and produces an output. It has a clear stopping point and should not run indefinitely. There are several types of algorithms, notably, sorting algorithms that organize data in a particular order (e.g., QuickSort, MergeSort), search algorithms to locate specific data within a structure (e.g., Linear Search, Binary Search), graph Algorithms that solve problems related to graphs (e.g., Dijkstra’s Algorithm, Depth-First Search), dynamic programming algorithms that solve complex problems by breaking them down into simpler subproblems (e.g., Fibonacci sequence calculation). Algorithms are used in various applications, including: data analysis and processing, cryptography and security, machine learning and artificial intelligence Internet search engines, and computer graphics. In summary, algorithms are essential tools that provide systematic methods for processing data and solving problems, forming the backbone of computer programming and many other disciplines.
Anugita is embedded in the Anushasana Parva of Mahabharata. It unfolds as a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, reflecting on themes similar to those discussed in the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. The Anugita reiterates the idea that life is a sacrificial offering, where actions and efforts are performed with a spirit of selflessness and devotion. This perspective encourages individuals to see their daily duties—whether at work, home, or in society—as offerings made for the benefit of others. (https://www.amazon.in/Discovery-Anu-Gita-Arun-Tiwari/dp/8197057834)
Crypto assets are digital or virtual assets that utilize cryptography for security and operate on blockchain technology. They encompass a wide range of digital tokens and coins, each serving different purposes. They represent a dynamic and evolving segment of the digital economy, offering various applications and opportunities while also posing unique challenges and risks. Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) are two of the most well-known examples. Holders of crypto assets own private keys that provide control over their assets, allowing them to manage and transfer their holdings without the need for intermediaries.
Crypto assets have become popular investment vehicles, often characterized by high volatility. Investors may use them for speculative trading, hedging, or as a store of value.
Beyond simple transactions, crypto assets can facilitate smart contracts (self-executing contracts with the terms directly written into code), decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, and various use cases in supply chain management and digital identity verification.
Karma literally means “action” or “deed” but encompasses also thoughts, intentions, and words. According to this principle, every action has consequences that affect the individual’s present and future experiences. Karma is seen as that of three types. Sanchita karma are actions that have been performed in the past, kriyamana karma are actions that are currently being performed, and prarabdha karma is the portion of past karma that is currently being experienced and is responsible for present circumstances. Karma emphasizes moral responsibility. Good actions, driven by selflessness and compassion, create positive karma, while harmful actions lead to negative karma. This moral dimension encourages ethical living and conscious decision-making. Karma encourages individuals to act mindfully, recognizing that their actions impact themselves and others. This awareness fosters an attitude of personal accountability and encourages individuals to cultivate positive actions. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BGSEtZNAlk).
In Buddhism, karma is considered not an “action” but “an inbuilt compulsion for action” in
the mind or body based on past lives. A mindful life is to know about these compulsions and
not act upon them. Any compulsive action – for example, greed, action, or recklessness –
creates more karma. It is like a Barcode or QR code, which only gets activated if scanned. By
meditative practice, contusions are seen as destructive emotions and wandering thoughts that are allowed to disperse and die out without acting upon them. After such efforts of
several lifetimes, all karma seeds are burnt, and the mind becomes like a clear mirror
reflecting things as they are.
GPT type AI systems refer to a class of large language models developed using the Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) architecture. Based on the Transformer model, which uses attention mechanisms to process and generate text. This architecture allows for efficient handling of context and relationships in language. These models are initially trained on vast amounts of text data from the internet, enabling them to learn grammar, facts, and some reasoning abilities based on the patterns in the data. After pre-training, models can be fine-tuned on specific datasets to optimize performance for particular tasks, such as answering questions, summarization, or translation. GPT models excel at generating human-like text, allowing them to respond to prompts, continue writing, and adapt their style based on the input they receive. The use of GPT-type models raises ethical concerns, such as potential misuse for generating misleading information, deep fakes, or biased outputs. Responsible deployment and usage are critical.
Jeev Atma is the essence of a living being, distinct from the physical body. It signifies the
true self or the inner spirit that survives beyond physical death. Jeev Atma undergoes a cycle
of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) based on karma, the law of cause and effect. The
actions of the Jeev Atma in past lives influence its current and future states. Understanding
and realising the nature of Jeev Atma is a key focus in many spiritual practices aimed at self-
realisation and liberation from the material world.
Param Atma is the all-pervading, eternal spirit in all living beings. It represents the cosmic
aspect of the divine and is seen as the source of all creation. Param Atma is often equated
with Brahman, the ultimate reality or the absolute consciousness. It signifies that all
individual souls (Jeev Atma) are manifestations of this universal soul. This realisation is often
described as achieving liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara).
Rajas refers to one of the three Gunas (qualities or attributes) that characterize all of nature and human behavior. The other two Gunas are Sattva, and Tamas. Rajas represents the quality of activity, dynamism, passion, and change. It is associated with movement and energy and is responsible for stimulation, ambition, and desire. (https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/14/12/) It often drives individuals to seek achievements, acquire knowledge, and fulfill their ambitions. But this quality can lead to a restless mind and constant activity, making it difficult for individuals to find peace and contentment. In the context of spiritual practices, excess Rajas can be seen as an obstacle to achieving clarity and inner peace. Therefore, individuals are encouraged to cultivate Sattva, which promotes tranquility, knowledge, and understanding, as this can help transcend the fluctuations of Rajas and Tamas. (https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/14/10/)
Sattva represents a state of purity, harmony, and enlightenment, encouraging individuals to pursue knowledge, peace, and altruism. Cultivating Sattva is seen as essential for spiritual advancement and overall well-being. A person dominated by Sattva is more inclined to seek truth, engage in self-reflection, and cultivate knowledge and understanding of the self and the world. Sattva promotes positive behaviors, such as altruism, compassion, and selflessness. Those dominated by Sattva are more likely to act in ways that contribute to their own well-being and the well-being of others, fostering harmony in relationships and communities. (https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/14/11/)
Shreyas and Preyas are two Sanskrit terms used in the context of ethical and moral decision-making. They represent two different paths or choices regarding actions and their consequences. (https://upanishads.org.in/upanishads/3/1/2/1). Shreyas refers to the path of the good, the beneficial, or the ultimate well-being. It encompasses actions that lead to long-term happiness, spiritual growth, and fulfillment. Choosing Shreyas typically involves selflessness, virtue, and a focus on the welfare of oneself and others. It reflects the pursuit of higher values and principles, such as truth, justice, righteousness, and compassion. While the immediate outcomes of Shreyas may not always be pleasurable or desirable, this path ultimately leads to lasting happiness, inner peace, and spiritual elevation. To the contrary, Preyas refers to the path of immediate pleasures or gratification. It represents actions that provide quick satisfaction or comfort, prioritizing short-term gains over long-term consequences. Choosing Preyas often aligns with desires, indulgence, and pursuits that may appear appealing at first but can lead to negative consequences over time. This path may involve selfishness or decisions driven by passion and impulse. The benefits of Preyas are usually immediate, but they can result in long-term suffering or spiritual stagnation. Shreyas and Preyas concept highlights the importance of discernment in life. It encourages individuals to reflect on their values and make choices aligned with their long-term well-being rather than succumbing to transient desires.). (https://upanishads.org.in/upanishads/3/1/2/2).
Tamas represents the qualities of inertia, ignorance, and darkness and lethargy. It is often associated with stagnation and a lack of clarity or motivation. Individuals with a predominance of Tamas may exhibit behaviors such as apathy, passivity, and indulgence in pleasure without purpose. This can lead to negative habits and a lack of ambition. (https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/14/13/).
Tamas also tends to increase attachment to material comforts and sensory pleasures, often at the expense of spiritual growth and self-awareness. The result of developing ignorance is very, very risky. It is the lowest quality in material nature. Beneath the human level there are eight million species of life – birds, beasts, reptiles, trees, etc. – and according to the development of the mode of ignorance, people are brought down to these abominable conditions. The word tāmasāḥ is very significant here. Tāmasāḥ indicates those who stay continuously in the mode of ignorance without rising to a higher mode. Their future is very dark. (https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/14/18/)