Deep dive into the terms and concepts mentioned in Chapter 14

Nishkaam Karma is a concept from Hindu philosophy, particularly highlighted in the Bhagavad Gita. It refers to the principle of selfless action, where individuals perform their duties without attachment to the results or outcomes. Nishkaam Karma emerges from selflessness, detachment, and moral duty (https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/3/9/). It emphasises performing actions consciously and not compulsively out of conditioning. (https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/3/5/). Practising Nishkaam Karma involves detachment from the fruits of actions, promoting a mindset of acceptance regardless of success or failure (https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/2/47/). This principle encourages individuals to fulfil their responsibilities and obligations while focusing on the greater good. It teaches that one should not be paralysed by fear of failure or desire for success; instead, one should act according to their dharma (duty). By adopting Nishkaam Karma, individuals can cultivate a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life, aligning their actions with their values while minimising personal attachment to outcomes.

Kaliyuga is the fourth and final age in the cycle of Yugas, which are ages or epochs within Hindu cosmology. Kaliyuga began after the departure of Lord Krishna from Earth.
Characterised by strife, discord, dishonesty, and a decline in spirituality and morality. It will
last for 432,000 years, and approximately 5,000 years have passed since its onset. While
Kaliyuga is a difficult period, it is also seen as an opportunity for transformation and
evolution, as individuals strive to rise above the challenges of the age and spiritual practice,
even if minimal, can yield significant benefits.

Karmayogi is a term derived from Indian philosophy, particularly from the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. It refers to a person who engages in selfless action and dedicates their work to a higher purpose, often adhering to the principles of karma yoga, which emphasises performing one’s duty and actions without attachment to the results. Karma Yoga is the opposite of renunciation. It encourages you to work in the world consciously by maintaining a balanced mindset and focusing on the process rather than the outcome. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAOCCNdNzP4). The idea of Karma Yoga has inspired the world’s great thinkers and found acceptance. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3YRKMB-TIg)

Ideas are meta-physical, a hypothesis about the nature of ideas, existence, and reality according to Plato’s Theory of Forms: Plato argued that non-material abstract forms (or Ideas) represent the most accurate reality. In this view, ideas are metaphysical because they exist beyond the physical world and give meaning to tangible objects. The Forms are universal concepts that transcend individual instances. For example, while there are many individual trees, the Form of Tree represents the essence of tree-ness. The physical world we interact with contains imperfect and transient copies of the Forms. For instance, every beautiful object in the physical world participates in the Form of Beauty to varying degrees. The human capacity to innovate and create is directly linked to our ability to manipulate ideas. This creativity has led to advancements in technology, art, science, and philosophy, shaping the environment and people’s lives. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAe0FXYC8NM)

Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475–1564) was an Italian polymath renowned for his sculpture, painting, and architectural contributions. Commissioned by Pope Julius II, Michelangelo painted scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the famous “Creation of Adam,” which exemplifies his use of dramatic poses and exquisite detail. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzAQ8I7mqxg). Michelangelo designed the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, which remains an iconic feature of the church. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APAHYykekhA)

Pure Evil is often used to describe actions or individuals considered exceptionally malevolent or immoral. Understanding “pure evil” encompasses moral, theological, psychological, and cultural dimensions. In Christianity, Satan is often depicted as the adversary of God and the embodiment of evil. He is associated with temptation, sin, and rebellion against divine authority. In Islam, Satan is seen as a jinn (Iblis) who refused to bow to Adam, representing pride and disobedience rather than pure evil itself. John Milton’s Paradise Lost portrays Satan as a complex character who embodies ambition and rebellion. While he engages in evil acts, his motivations and inner conflicts suggest a nuanced portrayal rather than a simplistic representation of pure evil. In Hinduism, there is no direct equivalent to the figure of Satan and pure evil. Mitlon words, “Better to reign in Hell ten to serve in Heaven”, explain best what people do evil deeds. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HEXrZtG-Fc). Maya represents illusion or deceit, which can also be seen as a force that leads individuals astray from the truth and righteousness.

Om Tat Sat is a phrase from Hindu philosophy associated with the concepts of truth, goodness, and the ultimate reality. The Om syllable represents the essence of the ultimate reality (Brahman). Tat translates to “that” in Sanskrit. In a spiritual context, it often refers to the ultimate reality or the absolute truth, which transcends all things and is the source of existence. Sat means “truth” or “existence.” In philosophical contexts, sat is associated with the nature of being and is seen as unchanging and eternal. The phrase conveys the importance of action performed with the right intention, aligning with the ultimate truth and reality. When one performs a certain act with these three words, he acts transcendentally and not selfishly. (https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/17/23/)

Yada Yada hi dharmasya is a phrase from the Bhagavad Gita. It translates to “Whenever
there is a decline in righteousness (dharma) and an increase in unrighteousness (adharma), I
manifest Myself.” (https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/4/7/). This verse emphasises that
divine intervention occurs during times of moral decline and chaos to restore balance and
righteousness in the world. In Hinduism, God is believed to manifest through avatars, such
as Shri Krishna or Shri Rama, who incarnated during times of crisis to restore dharma
(righteousness). In Abrahamic religions like Christianity and Islam, God manifests through
prophets (e.g., Jesus, Muhammad) who convey divine messages and teachings to humanity.
God’s manifestation can take multiple forms. God manifests through miraculous events or
signs in the world, providing evidence of the divine presence and intervention. God’s nature
will also manifest through scriptures, which guide believers in understanding and following
divine principles. Personal experiences of God through prayer, meditation, and
contemplation suggest that individuals can encounter the divine within themselves, which is
a well-established truth.