...handwritten copy is in a museum in London and is dated to 1488. It predates the Bible, the Quran, and 50 Shades of Grey. As one of the oldest pieces of literature known to us it has gained a reputation as one of the most insightful tomes into the human condition and it’s philosophies and themes have influenced many of the most historically significant people and their actions. Mahatma Gandhi, Eleanor Roosevelt, Henry David Thoreau, and even Albert Einstein all read the Gita and were deeply moved by it. These are not normal run of the mill people, but were great thinkers, people of action and world-changers. Surely, the world has been influenced by such a powerful text through the many people it has inspired and taught with it’s central themes of Yoga and Renunciation, and Dharma and Karma among others. Here we will take a look at some of the major themes of the Gita as well as some of the historically significant figures it has influenced and why and how it shares similar themes with key works of literature. The book is basically a one on one philosophical conversation between a god and a human. Reading the first chapter can be daunting for some individuals however because of the sheer volume of names and dates that the reader probably will not be familiar with. In the first chapter, the book sets a stage and gives its back story....
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...Identify and describe three paths to God (yogas) in Hinduism. The three paths (marga) to God are practiced by Hindus to unite with God and achieve Moksha. These spiritual paths include meditation and work based on one’s caste in society. These methods provide a path to allow spiritual journey and union with the Devine. The varieties of yogas address the different needs of different people. Jnana Yoga is the path of knowledge yoga which followers study the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita and learn from teachers to contemplate their soul’s oneness with Brahman. Priests and intellectuals tend to gravitate to this practice. (Molloy, 2010, p.92). This form of yoga requires great time and dedication to learn and master meditation. It is the shortest of paths but also the most difficult. Three schools of philosophy include the Vedanta which holds all reality is Brahman, Sankhya which has one free their eternal self from bondage of their inner self, and Yoga which frees the eternal self from person. Karma Yoga is the path of action yoga which involves religious ceremonies, traditions and ethical duties. This yoga can be daily practice seen in everyday tasks done with dharma (ethical duty) and because it is the right thing to do. Molloy states “if done unselfishly, can be a way to perfection” (Molloy, 2010, p. 93). Examples would be raising family, completing tasks, and volunteering. Bhaki Yoga is the path of devotion and for emotional worship of the followers. Hinduism...
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...Religions: Eastern and West 2 September 2014 The Four Yogas In Hinduism, there are four paths of yoga that are utilized as a reference guide that can help one along their spiritual journey towards self-realization. These paths provide different avenues that work for different people and are tailored towards certain temperaments so that one can choose the path that will provide them with the most success. According to Philip Novak, “Hinduism recognizes four paths of yoga or methods of self-transformation: the yoga of action (karma), the yoga of devotion (bhakti), the yoga of knowledge (jnana), and the yoga of meditation (raja yoga)” (Novak 34). These are paths to spiritual self- transformation that one can take after they have been taught that the controlling of the mind comes through meditation. Karma yoga is the pathway to self-transformation through work or action in the form of selfless service. Karma yoga appeals to those who have active temperaments. An example is given out of the book explaining that we are human machines made for action or work. Meaning, that our entire body, except for the reproductive apparatus merges together through action. The drive to work is mental not economical. We are by nature selfish beings, through Karma yoga we can step out of our spiritual ignorance through selfless actions. The goal of Karma yoga is for one to continually work towards acting in a selfless nature. Karma yoga is the action towards diminishing one’s self-centeredness...
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...Chapter 3 Study Guide: Hinduism 1. What are the Vedas? a. Four collections of ancient prayers and rituals 2. When was the Vedic Period? a. 2000 to 500 B.C.E. 3. What language was used in this period? a. Sanskrit 4. Who are Aryans and what is the Aryan invasion theory? What evidence supports this theory? a. Single people b. Aryan invasion theory- the Vedas believed to be the religious writings of this invading people c. Entering new lands, these people were thought to have carried their language and religion with them. Scholars initially believed that in India the outsiders imposed their social order quickly and violently on the older culture. 5. What is the Aryan immigration theory? a. There were repeated waves of migrations into Pakistan and northern India and that from these contacts between foreign and indigenous cultures the religion of the Vedas emerged 6. What are the objections to both of these theories? a. Scholars view any theory that assumes influence from outside India to be a continued relic of Western cultural imperialism Archeological, linguistic, and genetic investigations continue to offer more clues, but their interpretation has not resolved the issue 7. What are the specific areas of interest or concern for the gods Indra, Agni, Ushas, Rudra, Varuna, Vishnu, Surya, Soma and Yama? a. Indra i. God of storm and war, received great attention because of the strength his worshipers hoped to receive from him b. Agni i. God of fire, carried sacrifices...
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...week 3 essay Hindus is a combination of religious, philosophical and cultural practices that originated in India. In is unable to be traced to just one person but it is believed to have been around for thousands of years. Hindus is a way of life not just something to believe in. The two main beliefs that Hinduism is known for are incarnation also known as Samsara and what goes around comes around also known as Karma. The main beliefs are in penance, prayer, non-violence, honesty, truth, celibacy, contentment and cleanliness. The collection of spiritual laws came from different point in its history from saints. They were stories past from one generation to the next until they were able to be written. Some of the main texts are Bhagavad Gita, the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Their god is Brahman, the one absolute. There are many god and goddess that represent different parts of Brahman. It is not pushed to worship any one deity. Spirits, trees, animals and planets are some of the other things worshiped by the Hindus. During the eighteenth century after the Mogual empire collapsed Christian missionaries moved into India tried to get rid of Hindus. Gandhi tried to counteract the influences of the west by teaching that strength lay in spiritual truth and in nonviolent resistance against the oppression. He taught that the qualities were the essence of the religions. One of the ways Hinduism has made it to different parts of the world is from self proclaimed...
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...Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda Volume 1 Addresses at The Parliament of Religions Karma-Yoga Raja-Yoga Lectures and Discourses Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda Volume 1 Addresses at The Parliament of Religions Response to Welcome Why We Disagree Paper on Hinduism Religion not the Crying Need of India Buddhism, the Fulfilment of Hinduism Address at the Final Session Home / Complete-Works / Volume 1 / Addresses at The Parliament of Religions / > Home / Complete-Works / Volume 1 / Addresses at The Parliament of Religions / > Home / Complete-Works / Volume 1 / Karma-Yoga / > Home / Complete-Works / Volume 1 / Raja-Yoga / > Home / Complete-Works / Volume 1 / Raja-Yoga / > Home / Complete-Works / Volume 1 / Raja-Yoga / > Home / Complete-Works / Volume 1 / Raja-Yoga / > Home / Complete-Works / Volume 1 / Raja-Yoga / > Home / Complete-Works / Volume 1 / Raja-Yoga / > Home / Complete-Works / Volume 1 / Raja-Yoga / > Home / Complete-Works / Volume 1 / Raja-Yoga / > Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda Volume 1 Lectures and Discourses Soul, God and Religion The Hindu Religion What is Religion? Vedic Religious Ideals The Vedanta Philosophy Reason and Religion Vedanta as a Factor in Civilisation The Spirit and Influence of Vedanta Steps of Hindu Philosophic thought Steps to Realisation Vedanta and Privilege Privilege Krishna Gita I Gita II Gita III Mohammed Vilvamangala The Soul and God Breathing Practical Religion: Breathing...
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...Niyama: Tapas (Sanskrit) My description of tapas would be deep meditation and achieving self-realization. To be able to put your body at ease and have solitude with myself is the goal. Keeping my breathing regulated as well as keeping my mind from running around is the idea. While practicing yoga/while I am meditating, to practice Tapas I relax every part of my body and picture my self in a dark room. I think of everything that upset or bothered me that week, all my feelings being slowly released through my fingertips until I am at peace with my self. I am able to get my body to feel lighter and come out of my meditation in a better mood. Tapas has helped my life improve because with school, family, and sports I can become very stressed and tense. I used to not know how to relax how to take my mind of things. A few years back I began practicing yoga. Starting with a deep stretch and releasing endorphins then finishing up with deep breathing, closing my eyes and blacking everything out, I have been able to capture the essence of true relaxation. This has really helped me because till then, I had yet to find something that could work for me. I would try deep breaths but I felt that doing that just worked me up. Tapas has captured everything I enjoy about meditation. To be able to find solitude, come to conclusions with myself and have clarity in my thoughts. The steps I can now take towards embracing this principle in my life is that when I feel that I am beginning to...
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...Reading Name Course Date The history of South Asia The people of South Asia underwent various transformations, ranging from economic to social and cultural changes. These transformations were, as a result, the challenges they went through. The ancient South Asia settlers endured so many difficulties that they had to devise means and ways to survive the hunger, harsh climate, religious conflicts. The early religions in this region were Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism (Deborah & Robert, 2007 ). Such human transformation is seen in different parts of the world where people came up with different ways farming and even religions. The need for better clothing made them domesticate the cotton plant, this lead to the domestication of this plant (cotton). Such activities were also found in other parts of the world like Egypt and Mesopotamia. Mud brick structures were constructed to store the harvested cereals (mostly wheat and barley) (Allan, Richard, Robert, Philip, Standish & Edward, 1997).They also started the domestication of animals like the. Goats, sheep, and cattle were among the first animals to be domesticated. The main problem addressed in the Bhagavad Gita The most fundamental concepts that Bhagavad Gita outlines in his scriptures includes; the nature of human existence, a righteous lifestyle that is divine centered, self-discovery and the purpose of living. The scriptures spell out how humankind differentiates the right from the wrong, and the relationship...
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...Summary- Research and testing by PhD Lindsey Hopkins showed the acceptability and antidepressant effects of hatha yoga. Hatha is a branch of yoga that has aerobic and physical exercises that enhances the well-being of a body. For eight weeks, Hopkins conducted her study with 23 male veterans that participated twice a week. The overall average of the veteran’s enjoyment of the yoga study was a 9.4 from a 1 to 10 scale. They also talked about how the yoga program elevated their mood and had a significant reduction in symptoms after the study was concluded. At Alliant University in San Francisco, MA Sarah Shallit invited 52 women to a different form of yoga called Bikram yoga, also known as heated yoga. Shallit had the same process as Hopkins,...
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...p.73). The rebirth can take place in another human or animal, however the human body is the most prestigious physical body. Karma is another important belief of the Hindu. Karma is the belief that one’s actions and thoughts in life define our future. Every action affects the future of an individual’s life (Fisher, 2005, p.73). In the Hindu religion the goal is to overcome the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, this is known as samsara. Overcoming samsara is referred to as moksha, to be free from the “limitations of space, time, and matter through realization of the immortal Absolute” (Fisher, 2005, p. 75). In addition to the belief of reincarnation and karma Hindus have been practicing spiritual disciplines such as yoga since ancient times. Yoga is known as the union with an individual’s true being (Fisher, 2005, p.76). There are several different...
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...So is Yoga a trend worth following? It’s no secret in the world that almost 90% of stress that’s from any young adult goes through comes from college. May it be from not getting enough sleep, worrying about that test you weren’t sure you studied enough for or worrying if you have enough money to pay for your books. No matter how you look at it, college is just straight up stressful in almost any aspect. So you, the UB student, might be asking yourself just how can I stay stress free? Or at least take a moment to have some peace of mind? What may just be the answer is taking a Yoga class! Historically speaking, Yoga is thousands and thousands of years old. It started out as very much in the underground scene but in the last 10 years or so it’s had an incredible influence in culture as well as the young and old crowd. What makes this so popular is that Yoga is not for the purpose of outward expression but rather a tool for inward focus and realizing one's true essence and becoming at peace with your mind. So ask yourself, is this right for you? I suppose you can only truly answer that question if you experience it yourself and if there is a glimmer of pleasure, go in that direction! Go until you build a wonderful experience. Find out what options are out there, and then investigate for you. You be the judge. We all must judge for ourselves, but first stack the evidence in favor of continuing the experience or...
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...Yoga is a scientific system of physical and mental practices that began in India more than three thousand years ago. Its main purpose is to help each one of us achieve our highest potential and to experience enduring health and happiness. It helps extend our healthy, productive years far beyond the accepted norm and, at the same time, improve the quality of our lives. There is a branch of yoga that is called Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga begins by working with the body on a structural level, helping to align the vertebrae, increase flexibility, and strengthen muscles and connective tissue. At the same time internal organs are toned and rejuvenated; the epidermal, digestive, lymphatic, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems are purified of toxins and waste matter; the nervous and endocrine systems are balanced and toned; and brain cells are nourished and stimulated. The end result is increased mental clarity, emotional stability, and a greater sense of overall well-being.Because Yoga works on so many different levels, it has great potential as an effective therapy for chronic diseases and conditions that do not respond well to conventional treatment methods. According to the book “Yoga for the Special Child” children with Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities who practice Yoga often surprise their parents and teachers with their quick mastery of basic motor, communicative, and cognitive skills. The same Yoga routine can help children with learning disabilities develop greater...
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... some Hindus worship heavenly beings, Devas or deities. (www.peerpapers.com )And there are believed to be thousands of deities that are worshiped in India, but most that practice Hinduism will praise and worship one main deity and acknowledge others as significant. There are three major groupings of deities: Saivites who worship the God Siva, Saktas who worships a Mother Goddess, Vaishnavites who worships the God Vishnu. Hindus also practice spiritual discipline designed to clear the mind and support a state of serene, detached awareness. The practice for increasing static qualities are known as yoga. There are even four distinguished types of people and particular yoga practice that are suitable for each type of person: raja yoga is for meditative people, jnana yoga is for rational people, karma yoga is for naturally active people and bhakti yoga is for emotional people. Bhakti yoga is the most embrace spiritual path by Indian followers of Hinduism....
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...Matthew R. Horton REL 350 Line #62453 2/16/05 The Path of the Gods and the Path to the Fathers: Reincarnation and Liberation in the Chandogya Upanishad The Chandogya Upanishad, in slokas 5.3-10, contains a lecture given by the King of Pancala to the Brahmin Guatama on the process of reincarnation and the path of liberation from rebirth, describing them as the paths to the fathers and path of the gods, respectively. The King uses the metaphor of the sacrificial fire to describe the creation of an incarnate being by the Gods, the fates of the dead, and the causes of rebirth. Finally, the King tells Guatama how to avoid the path to the fathers leading to rebirth, praising those who seek the path of the gods, which lead to Brahman. The fire sacrifice of the gods is presented as the cause of the entire process of creation. The Vedic idea of the primordial sacrifice is transformed into an overarching metaphor for the process of the transmigration of the Atman and its inevitable realization of Brahman, the Absolute Spirit. These ideas are prevalent in later Hindu scriptures, most particularly in the Bhagavad Gita, and this Upanishad is thus a bridge between the Vedic use of the concept of sacrifice as a sacred act of oblation to attain pragmatically conceived ends (more cows, good sons, a favorable afterlife, etc.) and the later yogic use of the concept to denote the offering of the senses into the fire or renunciation, leading to union with Brahman. The Chandogya...
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...The discipline of yoga originated in India 5,000 years. Creating a connection between mind and body is the ultimate goal of this tradition; the word yoga actually means “union of the individual self” (Iyengar 14). Millions use yoga to strengthen their bodies, and ease their minds. In America especially, the practice of yoga has become a trend, made popular especially by hollywood elite. But unlike other dangerous trends perpetuated by celebrities, yoga garners substantial benefits. More energy, reduced stress, and a stronger and more flexible body are only a few of the many positive effects. Yoga is an ancient tradition that yields tremendous benefits for those who practice it today. Yoga began in Northern India, in the Indus- Saravasti civilization. There is no record of exactly when this discipline began, and there is no one person to acknowledge for its invention. Patanjali, an Indian sage, is credited with writing the “Yoga Sutras”, the first known record of yoga, which outlines principles and practices of yoga that are still observed today (Weil 1). Yoga had been practiced for centuries, but it did not arrive in America until 1947 when the first yoga studio was opened in Hollywood. In yogic philosophy, the body is composed of three layers: the casual body, the subtle body, and the gross body, and five sheaths. Each “individual functions in mind, matter, energy, and pure consciousness through [these] sheaths”: the anatomical sheath, the life-force sheath, the psychological...
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