Скачать или смотреть Kena-Upaniṣad Lecture 1: Śaṅkara Bhāṣya Introduction to Karma & Jñāna

Embark on a profound journey into the Kena-Upaniṣad in this inaugural lecture, exploring its deep philosophical insights through the lens of Śaṅkarācārya's Bhāṣya.

This study group adopts a comprehensive, non-sectarian approach, examining the perspectives of Advaita, Dvaita, and Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta traditions. We begin with Śaṅkara's commentaries, laying the groundwork for understanding this ancient text that delves into Para-Brahman, the Ultimate Reality.

*Key Discussion Points:*

00:00 - Introduction & Prayer for the Kena-Upaniṣad Study
00:01 - Understanding the Study Group Format & Multi-Traditional Approach
00:03 - Our Study Sequence: Śaṅkara, Rāmānuja, and Madhva Bhāṣyas
00:06 - Why Begin with Bhāṣyas? The Nature of Upaniṣadic Revelations from Ṛṣis
00:10 - Lecture Methodology & Recommended Study Resources
00:22 - Śaṅkarācārya's Introduction: Kena-Upaniṣad's Context in Tālakāra Brāhmaṇa
00:25 - The Centrality of Prāṇa (Life Force) and its Significance in Vedic Thought
00:34 - Distinguishing Karma and Jñāna (Upāsanā) in Śaṅkara's Commentary
00:39 - The Three Paths After Death: Deva-yāna, Pitṛ-yāna, and Lower Births
00:46 - Q&A on Jīvātman and the Interplay of Karma and Jñāna

We explore Śaṅkara's introductory remarks on the purpose of karma and upāsanā (meditation). Learn how performing actions without desire (niṣkāma karma) cultivates citta-śuddhi (purity of mind), essential for those seeking mokṣa (liberation). Conversely, engaging in actions driven by desires (sakāma karma) leads to various destinies, from Svarga-loka (heavenly realms) and Pitṛ-loka (ancestral realms) to lower births (śūdra-yoni) for the hedonistic. This lecture also introduces essential Sanskrit terminology, ensuring a clear and faithful understanding of the Bhagavad Gītā's profound teachings.

*Resources Mentioned:*
advaita-scheri.net (for original Sanskrit texts and Śaṅkara's commentaries)
Adhyātma Prakāśa Kāryālaya (for Kannaḍa versions with footnotes)