Realities of Rebirth
Karmic Theory for Spiritual Seekers
Have you walked the earth before this life, in different form?
The ancients teach that we walk the earth again and again, life after life, taking on new bodies as we go. This process is propelled by the principle of karma whereby previous actions generate life experiences.
Karmic theory is the very foundation of Indian wisdom teachings. It is indispensable for making sense of your life and for pursuing personal evolution.
Knowledge of karmic theory radically alters how you view the world and how you respond to situations, especially as compared to operating from the dominant single-life view.
This 4-week online course is taught by renowned wisdom teacher Dr. Raj Balkaran. It integrates philosophical teachings, captivating storytelling (from The Stories Behind the Poses), and embodied esoteric insight to teach you the workings of karma and rebirth.
***This course counts as 12 hours of Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Credit***
Learning Outcomes
- The workings of karma and rebirth
- The relationships between karma, personality, destiny, dharma and spiritual practice
- How to make sense of your life through the lens of karmic theory
- How to use karmic theory for expedient spiritual growth
- How to use karmic theory to navigate persons and situations
Classes Include
- academic content
- live storytelling
- esoteric wisdom teachings
- examples and case studies
- personal experiences
COURSE OUTLINE
Module 1
(Released September 9, 2022)
The Workings of Karma
Module 2
(Released September 16, 2022)
The Experience of Karma
Module 3
(Released September 23, 2022)
Karmic Remediation
Module 4
(Released September 30, 2022)
Karma and Spiritual Evolution
The Workings of Karma
Module 1
- How does rebirth work?
- Why does rebirth occur?
- What types of karma are there?
- What is the difference between personal and group karma?
- How does karma relate to elements of one’s life?
- Does karma support destiny or free will?
Stories:
- Viṣṇu’s Fish Incarnation
- Candra: Balancing Heaven and Earth
- Aṣṭāvakra: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice
- Vasiṣṭha, Best of Sages
The Experience of Karma
Module 2
- What evidence do we have of rebirth?
- What role does karma play in human interactions?
- What role does karma play in personalities, abilities, inclinations?
- Why are some people able to remember past lives?
- Do some people have more ‘wiggle room’ than others? Why would this be?
- How does karmic theory help you make sense of your personal, familial, group experience?
Stories:
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The Inversion of Sage and King
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Śiva and Sacred Inertia
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Durvāsas, The Curse-Throwing Sage
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Bharadvāja and the Quest for Complete Knowledge
Karmic Remediation
Module 3
- How does one shift one’s karmic circumstance for the better?
- What are karmic debts and how are they repaid?
- How do you exhaust your karma without creating more?
- What is the relationship between karma and astrology?
- What is the relationship between karma and grace?
- What is the relationship between karma and spiritual practice?
Stories
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Sage Matsyendra’s Reversal of Fate
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Viśvāmitra, The Royal Sage
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Śiva’s Composed Wrath
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Mārkaṇḍeya’s Meditation
Karma and Spiritual Evolution
Module 4
- What are karmic lessons and why are they important?
- What do karma and rebirth have to do with waking up?
- What is the relationship between karma and dharma?
- What is the relationship between karma and kundalini?
- How does karmic theory impact your support/counsel to others?
- How does knowledge of karmic theory help you grow spiritually?
Stories
- Arjuna’s Aim
- Hanuman's Leap of Faith
- Ganesha and the Power of Yogic Meditation
- The Yogī’s Staff
Course Instructor
Dr. Raj Balkaran is an expert in Indian traditions. Skilled at applying ancient Indian teachings to modern life, he dovetails academic training, live storytelling, and life wisdom to nourish his students’ hearts and minds alike.
He is also an avid spiritual practitioner and initiate into ancient Indian wisdom practices, which he has been engaged in for nearly two decades. He has extensive experience teaching academics, continuing studies learners, and practitioners alike, and is a seasoned online educator. See https://rajbalkaran.com for more information.
Questions about this course?
Contact him directly at [email protected].
