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Introduction to the Law of Karma

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.

COHORT COURSE
Duration
30 Hours
Date & Time

18 January 2023 - 21 June 2023

6:00 PM -7:30 PM IST

Every Wednesday (Except on 8th March 2023 and 22nd March 2023)

Price

Course Fee: $70
Enrollment Manual
Medium of Instruction
English
Validity
One year from the end date of the course
Delivery
Online through INDICA Courses Portal
Contact Details

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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

  1. To present and examine foundational concepts and principles of Karma Niyama
  2. 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

  1. Develop a deep understanding and appreciation of Karma Niyama
  2. 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

  1. The Gordian Knot of Self-Effort and Destiny – Swami Advayananda
  2. A Manual of Self Unfoldment – Swami Chinmayananda
  3. The Holy Gita – Swami Chinmayananda
  4. Samanya Dharma – Nithin Sridhar
  5. 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
teacher

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.

teacher

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.