Bernice Chan

Unit 3: Feature Summary- Hinduism

Problem:

The fundamental problem that exists among humans is that we are trapped living in maya, an imperfect and meaningless world. The only way to escape maya is to go through samsara, the endless cycle of reincarnation. However, those who are drawn by evil and live a life of bad karma will never be able to leave maya, and will be reincarnated into a lower caste.

Cause of Problem:

The cause of maya and samsara is due to the fact that atman, the human soul is separated from Brahman, the supreme entity.

Goal or Ideal State:

The ideal state for Hindus is to merge the individual soul, atman, with the ultimate soul, Brahman. As well, there are four very important Hindu goals which are moksha, dharma, artha and kama. Firstly, the goal of moksha is achieving liberation from samsara. Secondly, the goal of dharma is to conduct one’s duties with compassion toward all beings. Thirdly, artha is to acquire wealth and power through honest means. Lastly, kama is pursuing love and physical pleasures to balance life and to sanctify marriage. An additional goal is to be reborn to a higher caste in the caste system, where society is divided into four different categories (Brahmins, Kshatriyans, Vaishyas, and Sudras), as well as a fifth group called the “untouchables”. Each caste has its own duties and expectations, and with each preceding caste, Hindus get closer to ending samara and reaching moksha.

Methods to Achieve Goals:

The method to achieve moksha is through practicing dharma, and obtaining good karma that will result in rebirth at a higher station in the caste system, which will eventually lead to salvation. There are also four paths to achieve salvation, which are bhakti yoga (the path of devotion), karma yoga (the path of action), jnana yoga (the path of wisdom) and raja yoga (the path of meditation). Each individual may choose the path one wishes, according to one’s personality. There are also four stages of life that define the responsibilities that must be present in order to have good karma. These stages are student, householder, forest dweller and ascetic.

Most Sacred or “Ultimacy”:

The “ultimacy” of Hinduism is Brahman, the universal soul and supreme being from which all things originate and to which they return. Brahman is an entity without form. Hence, Hindus are free to worship other deities who are believed to be manifestations of Brahman. This includes Brahma (the creator of the universe), Vishnu (the preserver of the universe), and Shiva (the destroyer and restorer of the universe), who make up the Hindu Trinity. Vedas are also considered to be sacred as they are the earliest Hinduism writings. The Rig-Veda is especially sacred as it is the oldest Hindu scripture. There are also sacred symbols in Hinduism, such as the symbol representing the syllable om, which is believed to be the first sound, and considered to contain the essence of true knowledge and evoke the supreme essence of Brahman. The swastika is another sacred symbol, which represents good luck and well being.

Personal Response:

After studying Hinduism, I realize that this religion offers many positive concepts that can be applied to non-believers like myself. For example, the concept of dharma and achieving good karma is very beneficial, as it promotes kindness and the act of good deeds. I also respect Hinduism for its tolerance of other religions, although, I do disagree with some Hindu aspects, specifically the caste system. However, if I “bracket off” my own opinion, and “become” a faithful Hindu, I realize that the caste system is justifiable if I strongly believed that a person’s present life is a result of the accumulation of good karma in the previous life. Therefore, even though the treatment of Sudras and the untouchables may seem unjust, a faithful Hindu would only consider the person deserving of punishment from the evil deeds done in the past life.