Deep dive into the terms and concepts mentioned in Chapter 11

Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685–1750) was a German composer. He was a master of counterpoint, harmony, and form, and his music is celebrated for its emotional depth and technical skill. His works include notable compositions such as the Brandenburg Concertos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdsyNwUoON0 and Well-Tempered Clavier (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKsAypz6Ou8). Bach’s music laid foundational principles that shaped the development of sonata form and symphonic structure, which Mozart and Beethoven later expanded. Celebrated as the canon of classical music, their works together form a cornerstone of the classical repertoire, studied and performed worldwide. Elements from Bach’s counterpoint, Mozart’s melodic gift, and Beethoven’s emotional depth created a foundation for future composers.

Beethoven, Ludwig van (1770–1827) was a German composer and pianist, widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western music. Beethoven began to lose hearing in his late twenties, a condition that progressed to near-total deafness. Despite this, he continued to compose some of his most renowned works during this time. His nine symphonies are groundbreaking, especially the Fifth Symphony (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3EiRynr1Us), the Third Symphony (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1knRQ3S5nkw), and the Ninth Symphony (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf2rbcrZzDQ), which incorporates vocal elements.

Biometric locks are security devices that use the unique biological characteristics of an individual to verify identity before granting access. Fingerprint recognition uses a scanner to read the distinctive patterns of ridges and valleys on a person’s fingertip. Facial recognition analyses facial features and compares them to a stored template. Iris recognition scans the unique patterns in the coloured part of the eye (the iris). Voice recognition identifies individuals based on voice patterns and speech. Palm or Vein recognition uses the unique patterns of veins in a person’s palm or fingerprint. Some biometric systems can log entries, enhancing the ability to track who accessed a location and when.

Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of Varanasi’s most visited riverfront. It is famous for hosting
the Ganga Aarti event, where thousands of devotees and travellers participate every
evening throughout the year. A corridor connects it to the Vishwanath temple. It got its
name from the legend of Lord Brahma, who performed ten Ashwamedha sacrifices here.

Dharmo Rakshati Rakhitah is a Sanskrit phrase that translates to “Dharma protects those who protect it.” This principle emphasises the importance of upholding righteousness (dharma) in society. The phrase suggests that individuals or communities who defend and uphold moral and ethical values will receive protection and support from the universe, culture, or a higher power. It also cautions against transgression. Whosoever destroys dharma, dharma destroys him. Whosoever protects dharma, dharma protects him. Hence, never should one abandon dharma, for by doing so, one would be forsaking their well-being. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharmo_Rakshati_Rakshitah)

Endorphins are neurotransmitters produced in the brain that help relieve pain and induce pleasure or euphoria. Because of their role in enhancing mood and reducing stress, endorphins are often referred to as “feel-good” hormones. Physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, can boost endorphin levels, leading to the “runner’s high.” The body releases endorphins in response to pain as a natural management method. Humour and laughter stimulate endorphin production. Meditation and deep breathing can enhance emotional well-being and increase endorphin levels.

Ganga Aarti is performed every evening at around 6:30 p.m. for 45 minutes. The banks of
the Ganges River fill with devotees and spectators eagerly awaiting the commencement of
the aarti. The sound of bells reverberates in the air, creating an ethereal ambience. The
flickering flames of the oil lamps dance to the rhythm of the priests’ movements, casting a
warm glow on the faces of the onlookers. The river seems to come alive as the devotees
offer flower-filled baskets, diyas (earthen lamps), and incense sticks to the flowing water,
paying their respects to the divine. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Sj-tf26TcY)

Garuda Purana contains 8,000 verses divided into two parts. The first section, which covers most of the book, discusses various topics associated with life and living. The second section deals primarily with rituals related to death and cremation. It also talks in detail about the different types of hell and the sins that can lead one into them, describing what a soul goes through after death. (https://dipika.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/24.Useful-verses-from-the-Garuda-Purana-.pdf)

Kalki Purana is not a part of eighteen Mahapurana and is believed to have been written much later. Kali is the great-great-grandson of Brahma. He is the son of Krodha (Anger) and his sister-turned-wife Himsa (Violence). He is the grandson of Dambha (Vanity) and his sister Maya (Illusion). He is the great-grandson of Adharma (Impropriety) and his wife, Mithya (Falsehood). When his family takes human form on earth, they further taint the hearts and minds of mankind to bring about the end of the Dvapara Yuga and the beginning of the Kali Yuga. During the first stage of the Kali Yuga, the varnashrama breaks down, and man forsakes deific worship. Throughout the second, third, and fourth stages, man even forgets the name of god. When Brahma and the Devas approach Vishnu for protection from the evils of the Kali Yuga, Vishnu promises to be born into the family of Vishnuyashas and Sumati in Sambhal.  Kalki is taught the holy scriptures and undertakes military training under the care of the Parashurama. Lord Shiva gives Kalki a divine white horse, Devadatta. He has a mighty sword, Nandak.  All-knowing parrot Shuka accompanies him. Kalki battles and simultaneously kills the asura’s most powerful generals, Koka and Vikoka, twin asuras adept in the dark arts. Kalki then returns to Shambala to rule, inaugurates a new yuga for the good and divides the earth among his generals. Sumati and Vishnuyasha, his parents, will then travel to the holy place of Badrikashrama, where they will live. Kalki then leaves the earth to go to Vaikuntha as his dharma (duty) is completed.

Khan Market, named in honour of Khan Abdul Jabbar Khan, a Pashtun leader, is one of the most expensive commercial real estate locations in New Delhi. Established in 1951, the U-shaped, double-storey market complex originally had 154 shops and 74 flats on the first floor for shopkeepers. After the partition of India, these shops were allocated as seed land to immigrants from the North-West Frontier Province. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9WAogT_XVE)

Manikarnika Ghat is a cremation site in Varanasi on the banks of the Ganga River. When
cremated here, a human’s soul is believed to attain moksha, breaking the rebirth cycle. The
riverfront is named after Mother Goddess Sati, whose earring fell here after she immolated
herself. Around 400 cremations occur here daily, and the funeral fire has never gone off in
the last 2000 years.

Paolo Coelho is a Brazilian author born in 1947. He is best known for his novel “The Alchemist”, published in 1988. His writing explores themes of spirituality, destiny, and self-discovery. Coelho’s writing is known for its simplicity, philosophical content, and deep insights. He often incorporates allegory and metaphor, making his stories resonate with readers on a personal level. Coelho’s literary success has made him one of the most translated authors in the world. His writings encourage readers to reflect on their lives and inspire them to pursue their dreams and aspirations. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TbIEaWL0Eg)

Sanatan Dharma is one of the world’s oldest religious traditions, with roots in India that stretch back thousands of years. The term “Sanatan” means “eternal,” and “Dharma” can be translated as “duty,” “law,” “righteousness,” or “truth.” Sanatan Dharma symbolises an eternal set of laws or principles governing life. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8T54syDkDw)

Shivoham bhajan is a singing of Nirvana Shatakam created by Adi Shankaracharya in six
verses. It celebrates God as a formless power.(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrZUQh6SpcQ&t=10s)

The Alchemist is a novel by Paulo Coelho. The story follows a young Andalusian shepherd named Santiago, who dreams of discovering a hidden treasure near the Egyptian pyramids. Santiago’s journey symbolises the journey of self-discovery that we all undergo. As he travels, he learns important life lessons about faith, perseverance, and the importance of following his intuition. The story conveys that when one truly desires something, the universe conspires to help achieve it. This theme emphasises the interconnectedness of all beings and the significance of dreams. The novel uses the metaphor of alchemy (the transformation of lead into gold) to illustrate personal transformation and the quest for a higher state of being. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zboqM2o5wVs).