Purification of the Mind

Key Terms Explained:
Brahmin: The highest of the four varnas (social classes) in traditional Hindu society, Brahmins are the priestly and scholarly class responsible for teaching, preserving sacred knowledge, and performing religious rituals.
Vaishya: The third varna in the Hindu social order, Vaishyas are the merchant and farming class, responsible for trade, agriculture, and economic activities that sustain society.
Kshatriya: The second varna, Kshatriyas are the warrior and ruling class, tasked with protecting society, upholding justice, and governing.
Varna: Refers to the four-fold social classification in Hinduism-Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra-each with distinct roles and responsibilities in society.
Ashrama: The four stages of life in Hinduism-Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (retiree), and Sannyasa (renunciant)-each with specific duties and spiritual goals.
Atmavat Sarva Bhuteshu: A Sanskrit phrase meaning "see the Self in all beings," emphasizing the unity of all life and the importance of treating others with the same compassion and respect as one would treat oneself.
The Self: Refers to the true essence of an individual, the eternal, unchanging consciousness (Atman) that is identical with the universal Supreme Reality (Brahman). It transcends the physical body, mind, and ego.