Deep dive into the terms and concepts mentioned in Chapter 9

Atmabodh is a Sanskrit term for “self-realisation” or “understanding of the self.” Adi
Shankaracharya’s notable work “Atmabodh” expounds on the concepts of non-duality
(Advaita) and the realisation of the true nature of the self (Atman). Shankaracharya teaches
that self-awareness is crucial for differentiating between the real (permanent) and the
unreal (temporary). This discernment leads to liberation from the cycles of birth and death.
In a rapidly changing society, individuals often grapple with questions of identity and
purpose. The teachings of Atmabodh encourage a deep exploration of one’s true self
beyond societal labels and expectations, fostering a sense of inner peace and fulfilment. In
an era marked by stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges, understanding the self can
promote better mental wellness. Practices that encourage self-reflection, mindfulness, and
self-awareness, aligned with Atmabodh, can help individuals navigate life’s challenges more
effectively.

Atlantic Charter was a pivotal policy statement issued in August 1941 and agreed upon by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill aboard a ship in the North Atlantic. It outlined the vision for a post-World War II world. The Charter said no to territorial expansion and accepted the right of all peoples to choose their government. The importance of free trade and economic cooperation and the need for global disarmament to ensure peace were emphasised. The charter called for international cooperation to secure better social and economic conditions for people worldwide. And set the foundation for establishing the United Nations and the framework for international relations in the post-war era. It was significant because it reflected the United States’ commitment to a world order based on mutual benefit and cooperation rather than imperialism and aggression. It also implied freedom for all British-ruled countries, including India. (https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/atlantic-charter).

Avatars are interventions by God in the creation to set things right. Matsya (fish) saved
Saptarishs from deluge. Kurma (tortoise) provided the base for Samudra Manthan. Varaha
(boar) brought the earth out of the nether world. These avatars happened in Satya Yuga.
There were gods and demons as two children of Brahma, and they kept fighting for
supremacy. There was no procreation in Satyuga, and all births were wombless. Male and
female mating started in Treta Yuga. Narasimha (man-lion), Vamana (dwarf), Parashurama
(Brahmin warrior), and Shri Rama (hero of the Ramayana) happened in Treta Yuga. Shri
Krishna happened in Dvapara when only two-quarters of dharma existed. Buddha lived in
Kali Yuga, which started with the remainder of the quarter of dharma and would end
without any Dharma left. Kalki (the future warrior) will appear at the end of Kali Yuga) to
end the darkest, degenerating, and chaotic stage of the Kali Yuga and usher in the Satya
Yuga.

Bhakti is a spiritual and devotional Hindu practice emphasising love and devotion to a personal god. The term “bhakti” derives from the Sanskrit word “bhaji,” meaning “to serve” or “to worship.” This movement, which emerged around the 7th century CE, sought to make spirituality and religious practices more accessible to everyone, regardless of caste, gender, or social status. Many bhakti poets and saints spoke for the ordinary person. Devotional songs (bhajans) and poetry, often composed in regional languages, express intense feelings of devotion and are central to the bhakti tradition. Prominent saints like Mirabai (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMtPn6-fjq0), Kabir (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1tXJu-1O8U) , and Tulsidas (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmMoybGRdos) contributed significantly to bhakti literature. The bhakti movement encompasses various forms of worship centred around different deities, including Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi (goddess), with each tradition having its practices and philosophies. Several regions saw distinct expressions of bhakti, such as the Vaishnavism of the South, the Sikh Gurus in Punjab, and the Sant tradition in North India. Even today, bhakti remains a vital aspect of Hindu spirituality and inspires millions of followers worldwide.

British Empire was one of the largest empires in history and, at its peak, controlled vast territories across the globe. It began to form in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, driven by exploration, trade, and colonisation. The empire included territories in North America, the Caribbean, parts of Africa, India, Australia, and the Pacific Islands—the British established colonies to extract resources, trade, and agricultural production. Notable colonies included Canada, India, Australia, and various Caribbean islands. The empire facilitated global trade networks, leading to economic growth in Britain but also contributing to exploitation and the displacement of indigenous populations. Due to the empire, English became a global language, and British cultural practices, legal systems, and political structures influenced many nations. The British Empire’s legacy is complex, with both positive influences, such as legal and educational systems, and negative impacts, including colonial oppression and economic exploitation. The partition of India resulted in one of the largest mass migrations in history, displacing 10-15 million people. The widespread communal violence led to an estimated two million deaths. The partition left deep scars on the subcontinent, and tensions between India and Pakistan continue to this day.(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mnws0xna2To)

Carl Jung (1875 – 1961) was a Swiss psychiatrist who profoundly impacted psychology, philosophy, art, literature, and religion. Jung proposed that beyond the personal unconscious exists a collective unconscious shared by all humans, containing archetypes and universal symbols. He identified several key archetypes, including the Self, the Shadow, the Anima/Animus, and the Persona. These archetypes are innate, universal symbols that influence human behaviour and experiences. Jung emphasised the process of individuation, which refers to the integration of different parts of the psyche (such as the conscious and unconscious), leading to the development of a more balanced self. Jung introduced concepts of personality typology, distinguishing between introversion and extraversion, along with thinking, feeling, sensation, and intuition as different cognitive functions. Jung explored the psychological dimensions of religion and spirituality, believing that spirituality is essential to psychological health and well-being. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlSkwgSNDfE)

Ekantik is a Sanskrit term meaning “one-pointedness” or “singleness of purpose.” In the context of spirituality, ekantik can refer to the unwavering devotion of a practitioner towards their chosen deity or spiritual path, emphasising a deep, singular commitment to spiritual practice and the pursuit of enlightenment. The term can also imply a state of mental concentration where people channel their thoughts, energy, and intentions toward a specific objective, minimising distractions and competing interests. Practically, achieving an ekantik state might involve meditation, prayer, or other disciplined practices to foster a deep connection and clarity. (https://www.swaminarayan.faith/scriptures/en/satsangi-jeevan/Prakran%204/67)

George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) was an Irish playwright known for his sharp wit, social critique, and significant contributions to modern theatre. He was awarded the 1925 Nobel Prize in Literature. Shaw wrote over 60 plays, with Pygmalion, Saint Joan, and Major Barbara as most notable. Pygmalion explores themes of class and transformation, later adapted into the musical “My Fair Lady.” Saint Joan Joan of Arc examines themes of nationalism and martyrdom. Major Barbara considers the moral implications of poverty and wealth. Shaw fiercely criticised society, politics, and the status quo. He addressed issues such as class disparity, gender equality, and the flaws of capitalism, often infusing humour into his messages. His legacy continues to impact modern theatre and thought. (https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/1925/summary/)

Gyan is a fundamental concept in various Indian philosophical and spiritual traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and it means the knowledge about your “real” self. There are two key aspects of knowledge –  Apara and Para. Apara Vidya is empirical or worldly knowledge, including skills and sciences. Lord Krishna declares in the Gita this is an eight-fold creation (https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/7/4/). Para Vidya is the higher knowledge related to spiritual truths and the ultimate understanding of reality, often focused on self-realisation and understanding the nature of the divine. (https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/7/5/). Gyan is about realising one’s true self (Atman) and understanding its relationship with Brahman (the ultimate reality or universal soul). This realisation is crucial for liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara). Practitioners of Jnana Yoga seek to discern the true nature of reality through introspection and philosophical inquiry. Realising God within and in everything and acting accordingly is gyan. (https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/10/39/).

Language contamination expresses the limit of thought manifestation. This notion suggests that our thinking may be constrained by the words and structures available in our language. According to the linguistic relativity theory of American linguists Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf, the structure and vocabulary of a language influence its speakers’ thoughts and perceptions of the world. The theory proposes that language is not merely a tool for communication but also shapes how individuals think and understand their experiences. The core idea is that speakers of different languages may think differently due to the unique characteristics of their languages. The hypothesis emphasises that various aspects of language, including grammar and vocabulary, can influence how speakers categorise experiences, understand concepts, and interact with their environment. For example, some languages have multiple words for different types of snow, which could affect how speakers of those languages perceive and interact with snowy environments. The distinction between “we” in English and the various pronouns in languages like Hindi can influence how speakers view group identity and relationships. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft20bQi_MvI)

Prajna is a Sanskrit term that translates to “wisdom” or “understanding,” particularly in a spiritual or philosophical context. In Hindu philosophy, prajna refers to the higher, intuitive knowledge that leads to self-realization and understanding of the unity of the Atman (individual soul) and Brahman (universal consciousness). It is associated with deeper cognitive understanding, emphasising discerning spiritual truths beyond ordinary perception. In Buddhism, prajna is one of the three main trainings (alongside ethics and concentration) that lead to enlightenment and is associated with insights gained through meditation and contemplation. It allows individuals to perceive the world beyond illusions and misconceptions. Prajna is characterised by clarity, depth, and the ability to see things as they are. It involves a profound understanding that transcends mere intellectual knowledge. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIfk7qFulME)

Sigmund Freud (1856 – 1939) was an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, a revolutionary approach to understanding human behaviour and mental processes. Freud posited that much of human behaviour is influenced by unconscious thoughts and desires that individuals are unaware of. He believed that repressed memories and instincts could shape behaviour and mental health. Freud’s model of the mind consists of three parts: The primal part of the psyche, which he called the id, representing instinctual drives and desires; The rational part that mediates between the id and external reality, which he called the Ego; and the moral component of the psyche that internalises societal values and norms, called Superego. It represents the conscience and aims for perfection. Freud identified the ego’s various defence mechanisms to protect itself from anxiety and conflict. These include repression, denial, projection, and rationalisation. Freud’s exploration of the human psyche opened new avenues for understanding mental processes and behaviour. By carefully listening to someone talking, one can decipher what is happening in his/ her life.(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2fFiM7Pavw)

Shankaracharya lived in the early 8th century CE and is best known for consolidating the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, which emphasises non-dualism and the idea of the oneness of the individual soul (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). He wrote extensive commentaries on key Hindu texts, including the Upanishads, the Brahma Sutras, and the Bhagavad Gita. His interpretations emphasised the importance of self-knowledge (jnana) and meditation as paths to liberation (moksha). He established four main mathas (monastic centres) in India—Sringeri, Dvaraka, Puri, and Jyotirmath—to spread his teachings and ensure the continuity of the monastic tradition. These institutions became centres of learning and spiritual practice. He is revered as a saint and a master (Jagadguru), and his works continue to be studied and followed by spiritual seekers and scholars. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R3yNB67-Pc)

Taijas is the Sanskrit word for ‘endowed with light’ and refers to one of the three stages of consciousness experienced by Jiva. Maya influences Jiva through three states of consciousness – the waking stage, engaging the gross, physical body (Vishva); the dream stage (Taijasa), engaging the subtle body; and the deep sleep stage, engaging the causal, bliss body (Prajna). In Vedic terms, the universe is a conscious body of seven limbs and nineteen doors (https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/11179/vaishvanara). Taijas is the luminous state of this being. (https://upanishads.org.in/upanishads/5/4)

Takshashila University is considered one of the oldest universities in the world, dating back to at least the 5th century BCE. It attracted students from diverse regions, including India, Persia, and Greece, promoting cultural and intellectual exchange. It served as a melting pot of ideas and traditions. Chanakya (Kautilya, the author of the Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft and economics, and advisor to the Mauryan Empire’s founder, Chandragupta Maurya and Jivaka associated with the medical practices of the time have studied at Takshashila. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6GT85SFoq0)

Tat tvam asi is a Sanskrit phrase that translates to “You Are That.” It invites individuals to realise their true nature, transcending the physical body, mind, and ego limitations. The statement conveys that the individual self (Atman) is identical to the universal reality (Brahman). It emphasises the non-dual nature of existence, suggesting that the distinction between the self and the ultimate reality is illusory. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8OzmdHacDg)

Vairagya is a Sanskrit term, joining vi meaning “without” + rāga meaning “passion, feeling, emotion, interest. In the context of Indian philosophy, it refers to the practice of cultivating non-attachment to the material world, desires, and sensory pleasures. Vairagya is considered essential for spiritual growth and is often discussed in relation to renunciation (sannyasa) and self-realisation. It can be a natural, spontaneous detachment that arises when one realises the transient nature of worldly pleasures and experiences. But it can also be deliberate and requires conscious effort. It involves renouncing worldly attachments and desires, often seen in practitioners who follow ascetic paths. (https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/6/35/) In the framework of the three gunas (qualities), vairagya is closely associated with Sattva (purity and harmony). It helps reduce the influence of Rajas (activity and passion) and Tamas (inertia and ignorance), thereby facilitating spiritual clarity. But eventually, attachment and fixation to Sattva must also go. All material activities involve actions and reactions in the three modes of material nature. They are meant for fruitive results, which cause bondage in the material world. (https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/2/45/)

Yugas are the cyclical ages in Hindu cosmology, denoting an age of the world. The cycle
begins with Satya Yuga, the age of truth or sincerity. It lasted 1,728,000 years. Dharma,
depicted in the form of a bull, stood on all four legs – austerity (Tapas), purity (Shaucha),
compassion (Daya) and truth (Satya). In Treta Yuga, Tapas is gone, and only three legs of
Dharma are left. It lasts for about 1,296,000 years. Ramayana occurred during this Yuga. The
third age, Dwapara Yuga, Shaucha, is also gone, leaving two legs of Dharma that lasted for
about 864,000 years, during which Mahabharata happened. In the current age of Kali Yuga,
compassion is also gone, and only Satya remains – Satya Mev Jayate. It will last about
432,000 years, and we live in this cycle’s early stages.