$200.00
HSF2202 –This course, grounded in Philip Goldberg’s scholarly research for his book "Karmic Relief" examines the philosophical foundations and practical implications of karma. It clarifies karma as a lawful system of cause and effect rather than a doctrine of fatalism or moral retribution. The course introduces the historical origins and development of karma in ancient Indian thought, highlighting interpretive differences among spiritual traditions, and traces its transmission into global and American cultural contexts. Students then engage with the conceptual complexity of karma, exploring its function as an educational framework that emphasizes moral agency, ethical responsibility, and conscious choice, thereby affirming human freedom over deterministic interpretations of existence.
This course is part of the following programs:
None
In this course students will be able to:
Karma is a core precept of every branch of Hindu dharma and is central to all major spiritual traditions originating in India. In recent decades, as India’s spiritual heritage has taken root in Western culture, the concept of karma has entered American vocabulary and popular discourse, appearing in contexts ranging from news media to advertising and popular music as a shorthand for cosmic justice or the maxim “we reap what we sow.” While this growing visibility is largely positive, karma is far more nuanced and subtle than is commonly recognized and is therefore often misunderstood or misapplied. This course examines the concept of karma in depth, clarifying its philosophical meaning and addressing common misconceptions.
On a practical level, the course explores methods for neutralizing the effects of negative past karma and cultivating more favorable future outcomes, drawing on Patanjali’s injunction in the Yoga Sutras to “avert the suffering that has not yet arisen” (heyam duḥkham anāgatam). Following the layered perspective of dharmic texts, karma is examined as arising not only from behavior, but also from speech, thought, intention, and states of consciousness. The course emphasizes the role of Sadhana and related practices in aligning with karmic law, universal dharma, or divine will. Related topics include the Yamas and Niyamas, ethics, reincarnation, moksha, and the implications of collective karma and human responsibility in the contemporary world.
Book to be purchased –
Karmic Relief: Harnessing the Laws of Cause and Effect for a Joyful, Meaningful Life, by Philip Goldberg.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Karmic-Relief-Harnessing-Cause-Effect/dp/1958972991/
IndiePubs: https://indiepubs.com/products/karmic-relief/
Optional Reading –
Karma and Rebirth in Hinduism, by Swami Medhananda.
The class will meet once a week for up to 90 minutes. The teacher’s presentation, with the help of audio and video recordings, will last approximately 60 minutes. The remaining time will be devoted to questions and open discussion. There will be 10 such sessions followed by an additional session devoted to the presentation and discussion of student’s reflections regarding what they learned from the course and how they expect it will influence their lives.
$200.00
On the program page, there are multiple payment plan options to choose from.
