https://youtu.be/H_62ITtpafw?si=Z2-O6qkPcDW0o7nX
Why do we Work? Finding Inner Peace Through Focusing on Actions Rather Than Results
The Bhagavad Gita, an integral part of the larger Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, is one of the most revered scriptures in Hinduism. The Gita unfolds in the dramatic setup of the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where a conversation between the warrior Arjuna and his charioteer Lord Krishna, offers profound philosophical teachings. The central themes of the Bhagavad Gita revolve around karma, the law of cause and effect, and dharma, the ethical and moral duty. A less explored but equally significant concept introduced in the Gita is drama, referring to the external circumstances that shape our lives. To further understand the psychological aspects of these concepts, we introduce two modern psychology frameworks: the Karpman Drama Triangle and the Empowerment Triangle. These tools can provide us with a more nuanced understanding of the Gita’s teachings and their application in our lives.
Karma, a fundamental concept in Hindu philosophy as depicted in the Bhagavad Gita, refers to the universal law of cause and effect. It revolves around the idea that every action (karma) has a subsequent reaction, shaping not only our present but also our future experiences.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna explicates this principle to Arjuna. Karma is the universal law of cause and effect. Your present condition is the result of your past actions, and your future will be determined by your present actions. This signifies that karma is not an external force imposing justice, but rather the natural consequence of one's thoughts, words, and deeds.
This principle of action and reaction leads to what is often referred to as the Karma Cycle. The cycle begins with an action, from which a karmic seed is sown. Over time, this seed develops and eventually results in a corresponding consequence. This, in turn, plants new karmic seeds, perpetuating the cycle. Understanding the Karma Cycle helps individuals comprehend the consequences of their actions and work towards creating positive karma in their lives.
The Karpman Drama Triangle, a psychological model of human interaction, can be linked to the concept of karma. The model outlines three roles that individuals often take on in a conflict situation: the victim, the persecutor, and the rescuer. Drawing parallels between these roles and the concept of karma, we can see that our actions, whether we find ourselves playing the victim or the persecutor, are fundamental in defining our karmic outcomes.
https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Karpman_Triangle.png#mw-jump-to-license
In the context of the Four Preliminary teachings of Buddhism, it's taught that after death, individuals experience the consequences of their own karma, without any control over the outcome.
Therefore, it's encouraged to abandon harmful actions and devote time to practicing virtue. Reflect on your life daily with this perspective. All actions begin in the mind, initially as thoughts or feelings, which we identify with and subsequently act upon. By understanding this cycle, we can make more thoughtful decisions leading to positive outcomes.
The idea of karma in Hindu scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita aligns with neuroscience's findings on neural plasticity and habit formation.
Neuroscience reveals that repeated thoughts or behaviors strengthen the associated neural pathways. This principle, known as Hebbian plasticity, makes it easier for these patterns to be activated in the future.
The Bhagavad Gita says our actions, including thoughts, leave an imprint on our minds, causing similar future actions. This is the core of the karma law – our past actions influence our present and future experiences.
Consistent with this principle, neuroscience shows repeated thoughts or behaviors become ingrained and automatic, often operating subconsciously. These habits become the brain's "path of least resistance," reinforcing familiar neural pathways to save energy.
The Buddhist concept of "mental grooves" deepening through repetition is akin to neuroscience's understanding of strengthened neural connections through repeated activation.
