Weekend Stories
I enjoy going exploring on weekends (mostly). Here is a collection of stories and photos I gather along the way. All posts are CC BY-NC-SA licensed unless otherwise stated. Feel free to share, remix, and adapt the content as long as you give appropriate credit and distribute your contributions under the same license.
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Karma and Samsāra: The cycle of action and rebirth in Hindu philosophy
Karma and Samsāra are fundamental concepts in Hindu philosophy, intricately linked to the notion of liberation (mokṣa). The law of karma governs moral causality, implying that actions have consequences not only in this life but also in future lives. Samsāra refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth driven by karma and ignorance (avidyā). Together, these concepts form the basis for Hindu ethics, metaphysics, and soteriology. The ultimate goal in Hinduism is to break free from samsāra through knowledge, devotion, or selfless action, thereby attaining liberation. In this post, we explore the origins, philosophical interpretations, and practical implications of karma and samsāra in Hindu thought.
Māyā: The concept of the illusion of reality in Hindu philosophy
In Hindu philosophy, the concept of māyā refers to the illusory nature of the empirical world and the mistaken perception of duality. Derived from the Sanskrit root ‘mā’ (to measure or create), māyā originally signified magic or supernatural power. Over time, it evolved into a sophisticated metaphysical and epistemological concept, central to Vedantic philosophy. Primarily discussed in the Upanishads and developed extensively in the Vedanta schools, māyā explains the apparent multiplicity of the universe and the ignorance (avidyā) that obscures the true nature of reality. This post explores the origins, philosophical interpretations, and implications of māyā in the quest for liberation (mokṣa).
Ātman: The self in Hindu philosophy
The concept of ātman, or the self, is one of the central tenets of Hindu philosophy. Derived from the Sanskrit root ‘an’’ (to breathe), ātman originally signified the life-breath or vital essence of a being. Over time, it evolved into a profound metaphysical concept representing the eternal, unchanging self that underlies individual existence. Different schools of Indian philosophy, particularly Vedanta, have offered varied interpretations of ātman, but all agree on its fundamental significance in the quest for liberation (mokṣa). This post explores the origins, philosophical interpretations, and theological importance of ātman in Hindu thought.
Brahman: The ultimate reality in Hindu philosophy
In Hindu philosophy, Brahman is the foundational metaphysical concept representing the ultimate, unchanging, and infinite reality that underlies the cosmos. Unlike deities or gods worshipped in various forms, Brahman is formless, eternal, and beyond sensory perception. Philosophers from different schools of Vedanta have extensively debated and interpreted the nature of Brahman, shaping the spiritual discourse of Hinduism for millennia. This post briefly explores the historical development, philosophical interpretations, and theological nuances of Brahman in Hindu thought.
Vedanta: Philosophy of the Upanishads
Vedanta, meaning ‘end of the Vedas’ in Sanskrit, refers to a collection of philosophical traditions that explore the nature of reality, the self (ātman), and the ultimate principle (brahman). Rooted in the Upanishads, which are the concluding portions of the Vedic literature, Vedanta evolved into one of the most influential schools of Indian philosophy. While initially a metaphysical inquiry into the unity of the individual and the cosmos, Vedanta developed into several distinct schools, each offering unique interpretations of the core texts and concepts. In this post, we briefly take a look at the most important aspects of Vedanta, its historical origins, core philosophical concepts, principal schools, and its role in Hindu religious practice.
The philosophical roots of Yoga
Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning ‘to join’ or ‘to unite’, is both a philosophical system and a set of physical, mental, and spiritual practices aimed at achieving self-realization and liberation (mokṣa). While modern popular notions of yoga emphasize its physical postures (āsanas), its origins lie in ancient Indian philosophical traditions, where it was primarily conceived as a disciplined path toward spiritual enlightenment. Over the centuries, yoga has evolved into various forms and schools, each emphasizing different aspects of practice and philosophy.
Hinduism: A historical overview
Hinduism, one of the oldest surviving religious traditions in the world, is characterized by its vast diversity of beliefs, practices, and philosophies. Its roots can be traced back to the early Vedic period (circa 1500 BCE) and possibly even earlier to the prehistoric cultures of the Indus Valley Civilization. Unlike most world religions, Hinduism lacks a single founder, a unified creed, or a central religious authority. Instead, it evolved over millennia through the integration of diverse cultural and philosophical influences in the Indian subcontinent. In this post, we explore the historical development of Hinduism, briefly touch its core texts, and take a look at its key philosophical ideas.
The Vedas: Foundations of Indian civilization and spiritual thought
The Vedas, ancient texts composed in the Sanskrit language, stand as the foundational scriptures of Indian civilization and the oldest layer of Hindu religious literature. Composed over a period stretching from approximately 1500 BCE to 500 BCE, the Vedas encapsulate the spiritual, ritualistic, and philosophical ethos of the Vedic tradition, a cornerstone of Indian culture. Their composition marked the beginning of the Vedic Age, a formative period in South Asian history that shaped not only religious practices but also social structures, linguistic developments, and philosophical inquiry.
Indian philosophy: An overview of ancient schools and concepts
Ancient Indian philosophy encompasses a vast and diverse body of knowledge, addressing fundamental questions about the nature of reality, self, knowledge, ethics, and liberation. Unlike many other philosophical traditions, Indian philosophy has a deeply practical orientation, with most schools concerned not merely with abstract speculation but with guiding individuals toward spiritual liberation (mokṣa). This post sketches a brief overview of the philosophical landscape of ancient India, structuring the topics covered in the major schools of thought and their core doctrines.
The development of Indian civilization
The development of Indian civilization is a cornerstone in the history of human culture. Emerging in the fertile plains of the Indus and Ganges rivers, it laid the groundwork for some of the most profound cultural, religious, and intellectual advancements in human history. Like Mesopotamia and Egypt, whose civilizations also arose along fertile river systems such as the Tigris, Euphrates, and Nile, and like China, rooted in the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers, Indian civilization demonstrates how geography shaped early societies. Indian civilization, dating back to around 3300 BCE with the Indus Valley Civilization, evolved uniquely while interacting with neighboring cultures and adapting to dynamic historical contexts. Its trajectory reflects a balance of continuity and change, influenced by geography, migration, and innovation.