Hindu Philosophy: Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita

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Questions and Answers

Explain the concept of Nishkamakarma as presented in the Bhagavad Gita and provide a real-world example of how this principle can be applied in daily life.

Nishkamakarma is the performance of action without attachment to results or selfish motives. For example, volunteering time at a homeless shelter without expecting anything in return exemplifies Nishkamakarma.

Compare and contrast Advaita Vedanta and Visistadvaita Vedanta in terms of their understanding of the relationship between Brahman and Atman.

Advaita Vedanta posits the non-dual identity of Brahman and Atman, while Visistadvaita Vedanta suggests that Atman is a part of Brahman but retains distinct qualities.

Briefly discuss the significance of Prasthanathraya in Indian philosophical tradition. What texts constitute it, and why are they important?

Prasthanathraya is a collection of three important texts in Vedanta philosophy. They are the Upanishads, the Brahma Sutras, and the Bhagavad Gita. They form the foundational texts for interpreting Vedanta.

Explain Plato's Theory of the Forms. How does Plato use this theory to describe the difference between knowledge and opinion?

<p>Plato's Theory of Forms asserts that the physical world is not truly 'real' but is only a shadow of the true reality of Forms. Knowledge, according to Plato, is the understanding of these Forms, while opinion is the perception of the physical world.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe Kant's concept of the 'categorical imperative' and provide an example of how it might be applied to a contemporary ethical dilemma.

<p>The categorical imperative is Kant's concept of a universal moral law that should be followed unconditionally, regardless of personal desires or circumstances. For instance if there is a cyber ethics dilemma about revealing someones personal information, the categorical imperative would state it is always wrong reveal personal information even if it benefits more people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Prasthanatrayi

Three foundational texts of Vedanta philosophy: the Upanishads, the Brahma Sutras, and the Bhagavad Gita.

Nishkamakarma

Selfless action performed without attachment to results, as taught in the Bhagavad Gita.

Stitaprajna

One who has achieved a state of unwavering wisdom and equanimity, undisturbed by joys or sorrows.

Nyaya Philosophy

A school of Indian philosophy emphasizing logic and epistemology, particularly the theory of knowledge based on perception and inference.

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Cardinal Virtues

The four primary virtues of character: prudence, justice, temperance, and courage.

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Study Notes

The learning philosophy involves specific norms that guide the educational process.
Philosophy has several utilities that enhance critical thinking, reasoning, and a deeper understanding of various aspects of life.

Prasthanathraya

Prasthanathraya consists of the three authoritative texts of Vedanta philosophy.
The three texts are the Upanishads, the Brahma Sutras, and the Bhagavad Gita.

Vedas, Upanishads, Brahman, Atman

Vedas are the ancient scriptures that form the foundation of Hindu philosophy.
Upanishads explore philosophical concepts such as Brahman (the ultimate reality) and Atman (the individual self).
Brahman is the ultimate reality, the source of everything in existence.
Atman is the individual self or soul, which is believed to be a part of Brahman.

Bhagavad Gita - Nishkamakarma

Bhagavad Gita introduces Nishkamakarma, the concept of selfless action.
Nishkamakarma teaches performing actions without attachment to the results.

Yoga

Bhakti Yoga emphasizes devotion and love towards a personal god.
Karma Yoga focuses on performing one's duties with detachment.
Jnana Yoga stresses the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom to achieve liberation.

Stitapranja

Stitapranja refers to a person of steady wisdom.
A Stitapranja is unperturbed by dualities like pleasure and pain.

Brahmasutra

Brahmasutra is a collection of concise statements summarizing the teachings of the Upanishads.

Indian Philosophy

Nyaya

Nyaya's theory of knowledge emphasizes the importance of valid cognition.
Valid cognition which is achieved through perception and inference.
Perception is a direct and immediate form of knowledge.

Key Schools

Sankhya, Yoga, Advaita Vedanta, Dvaita Vedanta, and Visistadvaita Vedanta are key schools of Indian philosophy.

Thinkers

Prominent Indian thinkers include:
Mahatma Gandhi.
Swami Vivekananda.
Thinkers from Kerala.

Greek Philosophy

Key figures in Greek philosophy
Pythagoras.
Thales.
Aristotle.
Plato.
Socrates.

Rationalism

Rationalism emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge.

Empiricism

Empiricism asserts that sensory experience is the primary source of knowledge.

Key Figures

Immanuel Kant.
Hegel.
Karl Marx.

Phenomenological Method

The phenomenological method focuses on describing the structure of experience as it presents itself to consciousness.

Existentialism

Existentialism emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and responsibility.

Logical Positivism

Logical positivism asserts that only statements verifiable through empirical evidence are meaningful.

Pragmatism

Pragmatism evaluates the truth of beliefs based on their practical consequences.

Logical Atomism

Logical atomism analyzes the logical structure of language and reality.

Linguistic Philosophy

Linguistic philosophy examines philosophical problems through the study of language.

Character and Conduct

Character and conduct are central to ethical considerations.

Theory of Punishment

The theory of punishment explores justifications for penal measures.

Virtues - Plato's Cardinal Virtues

Plato's cardinal virtues are wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice.

Ethics

Professional ethics provides guidelines for conduct in specific professions.
Cyber ethics deals with moral principles in the digital realm.

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Description

Explore Hindu philosophy with the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita. Understand Brahman, Atman, and the concept of Nishkamakarma (selfless action). These texts enhance critical thinking and a deeper understanding of life.