Introduction to the Law of Karma
This INDICA Course will enable the learners to understand and appreciate Karma Niyama – the Law of Destiny and Freewill as explained by Hindu Dharma, reflect deeply upon it and apply the insights in the context of one’s life.
Faculty
18 January 2023 - 21 June 2023
6:00 PM -7:30 PM IST
Every Wednesday (Except on 8th March 2023 and 22nd March 2023)
Introduction
Karma Niyama, translated as the Law of Destiny and Freewill, is one of the central themes of Hindu Dharma. At the fundamental level, it is the idea of a cause-and-effect relationship extended to human action and moral behavior. The scriptures, especially Vedanta, have been unequivocal that unraveling the mystery of Karma is to crack the puzzle of life and gain mastery over it.
This INDICA Course will thoroughly explore the Law of Karma (Karma Niyama) through a systematic presentation and examination of all foundational and allied concepts.
Course Objectives
- To present and examine foundational concepts and principles of Karma Niyama
- To facilitate a deep reflection of the same in the context of one’s own life
Course Outcomes
At the end of the course, the learner will
- Develop a deep understanding and appreciation of Karma Niyama
- Be able to act upon the insights in the context of one’s own life
Course Syllabus
Module 1 – Doctrine of Karma
- Definition, nature, types, and inviolability of Karma
- Dharma vs Adharma, Samanya & Vishesha Dharma
Module 2 – Destiny vs. Free Will
- Karma & Karmaphala
- Prarabdha vs Purushartha
Module 3 – Beyond Karma
- Pravritti Dharma vs Nivritti Dharma
- Transcending Karma through Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga
- Karmamukti & Jivanmukti
Reading List
- The Gordian Knot of Self-Effort and Destiny – Swami Advayananda
- A Manual of Self Unfoldment – Swami Chinmayananda
- The Holy Gita – Swami Chinmayananda
- Samanya Dharma – Nithin Sridhar
- Isopanisad: An English Commentary – Nithin Sridhar
Course includes
- Live sessions
- Access to class recordings (for asynchronous participation)
- Certificate of Completion
Watch this video for a detailed course overview
Faculty
Srinath Mohandas
Srinath Mohandas is an Assistant Professor of Education at the School of Ethics Governance Culture and Social Systems (EGCS) of Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth, teaching courses in Education and Indian Knowledge Systems. A student of Advaita Vedanta in the Chinmaya tradition, he also teaches, writes, speaks, and conducts workshops on themes related to Dharma and Bharata.
Srinath was introduced to Vedanta as a teenager through the writings of Swami Vivekananda and Swami Chinmayananda. Soon after, he started attending weekly Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (Chyk) study circles led by Acaryas including Swami Gabeerananda and Swami Mitrananda, which expounded the philosophy in a systematic manner. In a few years, he started leading many such study circles for youth and pre-teens, inspiring them to take up the study and practice.
Nithin Sridhar
Nithin Sridhar has a degree in Civil Engineering. After working in the field of construction for some time, he has been writing on various subjects such as social issues, development, politics, religion, spirituality, and ecology.
His first book “Musings On Hinduism” provided an overview of various aspects of Hindu philosophy and society.
His book ‘Samanya Dharma’ enunciates upon general tenets of ethics as available in Hindu texts.
His latest book ‘Isopanishad: An English Commentary’ is an English translation and commentary on one of the prominent Hindu texts.
However, his most widely read book is “Menstruation Across Cultures: A Historical Perspective” which examines menstruation notions and practices prevalent in different cultures & religions from across the world.
He is the Chief Curator of Advaita Academy dedicated to the dissemination of Advaita Vedanta. Earlier, he served as the Editor of IndiaFacts- a portal on Indian history and culture. He is based in Mysuru, Karnataka.