Nonattachment is not About Renouncing the World Entirely

Nonattachment (अनासक्ति), non-attachment, or detachment is a state in which a person overcomes their emotional attachment to or desire for things, people,…

Bhagavad Gita is Part of the Epic Mahabharata

The Bhagavad Gita (भगवद्गीता), often referred to as the Gita, is a 700-verse Hindu scripture, which is part of the epic Mahabharata. It forms the chapters…

Ganesha is a Most Popular and Revered Deities

Ganesha (गणेश), also spelled Ganesh, and also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, Lambodara, and Pillaiyar, is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon and is…

Anatman Challenges the Belief in a Permanent, Unchanging Self

Anatman (अनात्मन) in Sanskrit means “which is different from atman” or “non-self”. In Hinduism, the former definition is found in some…

Sakam Karma Means to Act with Self-Interest

Sakam karma (सकाम कर्म) means to act selfishly, or with personal gain and self-interest in mind. From Sanskrit, sakam means “together,” “jointly”…

Viveka Means the Capacity to Make Wise and Clear Decisions

Viveka (विवेक) is a Sanskrit and Pali term translated into English as discernment or Discrimination learning. It means properly knowing what essence and…

Nishkama Karma Concept is Found in the Bhagavad Gita

Nishkama Karma (निष्काम कर्म), self-less or desireless action, is an action performed without any expectation of fruits or results, and…

Aparokshanubhuti is the Direct, Non-Mediated Experience

The Aparokshanubhuti (अपरोक्षनुभूति) is a work attributed to Adi Shankara, though his authorship is doubtful. It is a popular introductory work…

Black Magic is Used for Evil and Selfish Purposes

Black magic (काला जादू) has traditionally referred to using supernatural powers or magic for evil and selfish purposes. The links and interactions between black magic…

Brahma Sutras is Attributed to the Sage Badarayana

The Brahma Sutras (ब्रह्म सूत्र), also known as the Vedanta Sutra (वेदान्त सूत्र) Shariraka Sutra (शारिरक सूत्र), and Bhikshu Sutra (भिक्षु सूत्र), are a Sanskrit…