Karma & Rebirth in Hinduism (Part 1) | Swami Medhananda | USC HSO Discourse Series

In this insightful discourse, Swami Medhananda—a monk of the Ramakrishna Order, academic philosopher, and author—delves into the profound doctrines of karma and rebirth through the lens of his book Karma and Rebirth in Hinduism (Cambridge Elements). Drawing on Hindu texts, traditions, and contemporary scholarship, he examines the philosophical nuances of these timeless teachings and argues for the rationality of accepting karma and rebirth in a modern context.

Highlights of the Session:
• How Hinduism understands the law of karma and the cycle of rebirth
• Key philosophical debates and arguments for and against these doctrines
• The relevance of karma and rebirth to contemporary thought
• Insights from Swami Medhananda’s groundbreaking book

About the Book:
This Element provides an argumentative introduction to the doctrines of karma and rebirth in Hinduism. It explains how various Hindu texts, traditions, and figures have understood the philosophical nuances of karma and rebirth. It also acquaints readers with some of the most important academic debates about these doctrines. The Element’s primary argumentative aim is to defend the rationality of accepting the truth of karma and rebirth through a critical examination of an array of arguments for and against these doctrines. It concludes by highlighting the relevance of karma and rebirth to contemporary philosophical debates on a variety of issues.

Access the Book: https://drive.google.com/drive/folder...

About Swami Medhananda:
Swami Medhananda is a monk of the Ramakrishna Order and a Senior Research Fellow in Philosophy at the Vedanta Society of Southern California (Hollywood). He also serves as the Hindu Chaplain at UCLA and the University of Southern California (USC), bridging ancient Vedantic wisdom with contemporary academic philosophy.

📍 Recorded as part of the USC Hindu Students Organization (HSO) Discourse Series

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