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Re : REQUEST : soc.religion.hindu FAQ?
From: Todd Smith <tsmith@admin.fsu.edu> wrote:
>(I apologize for such a simplistic question)
>Would someone please direct me to (or e-mail me) the Frequently Asked
>Questions for this newsgroup?
>Or, could someone tell me about (or e-mail me) basic information on
>Hinduism?
>I understand Hindus can be very diverse in their beliefs, but would still
>enjoy a concise treatment of Hinduism.
Dear Sri Smith,
It is indeed true that Hindu beliefs are diverse. However, there are
some basic concepts accepted by the vast majority of Hindus. These are:
1. The major scriptures are the Vedas (specially the Upanishads), the
Bhagavad Gita, and the Brahma Sutras. Different Hindu sects may have
additional scriptures.
2. The existence of an Ultimate Reality called BRAHMAN. What Brahman is can
not really be described. All Hindu sects agree that all that can be said about
Brahman is that Brahman is sadchidanand (existence-knowledge-bliss). There are,
however, differences among Hindu theologians about whether this Reality is
Impersonal or Personal. However, most Hindus except for athiests believe in
this Reality. Sri Sankara is a believer in the Impersonal Reality. He accepts
that there are Personal forms of Brahman but considers them to be inferior to
the Impersonal Reality. Sri Ramanuja, Sri Madhva etc only accept the Personal
form of Brahman. Sri Ramakrishna accepts both Personal and Impersonal Reality.
The analogy used by Sri Ramakrishna is that of the world's oceans. The world's
oceans contain both the formless, colorless water and icebergs (in Arctic and
Antartic oceans). Similarly Brahman is both Personal and Impersonal and the
Personal is not inferior to the Impersonal. The Personal form serves the needs
of the Bhakta (devotee) while the Impersonal form is for the Jnani (those who
use the path of knowledge). The various Hindu gods and godesses are different
Personal forms of the One Reality. Different Hindu sects worship different
Personal Forms of Brahman.
3. The vast majority of Hindus also believe that this Ultimate Reality has an
individual aspect called ATMAN. It is the presence of this Atman, the immanent
divine, that makes us (jivas) conscious. There are, however, profound
differences among Hindu theologians about the precise relation between
Brahman and Atman. Sri Sankara argues that Atman and Brahman are the same
Reality. Sri Ramanuja's position is that Atman and Brahman are different but
form an indissoluble unity. The analogy is to a fruit where Brahman may be
thought of as the seed and Atman as the flesh and skin of the fruit. Sri
Madhva considers Atman and Brahman to be eternally different. Sri Ramakrishna
considers these 3 views to be correct for different levels of evolution of
jivas. When the jiva starts to think about God, he or she thinks god to be
distant and then Sri Madhva's position is justified. When the jiva makes
progress in realizing God and can see the Personal form of God then
Sri Ramanuja's description is appropriate. When the jiva experiences the
Impersonal Reality then all duality vanishes and Sri Sankara was describing
this experience.
4. Since man (jiva) is conscious due to Atman, man is potentially divine.
Jivas commit sin because they are unaware of the divine Atman. This lack of
awareness of the divine within is due to Maya. Maya may be thought of as the
power of the Divine. Even though a man may commit henious sin his Atman is
unaffected by it. Thus most hindus do not believe in eternal heaven or hell.
(Sri Madhva does believe in eternal hell - the only Hindu theologian to
believe so). Upon death the jiva enters the astral world and remains there till
it reincarnates in accordance with the law of Karma. The law of Karma is the
law of cause and effect. It is the divine law of justice by which an individual
creates his own destiny through thought, word and deed.
5. The vast majority of Hindus believe that the ultimate goal of human life is
the direct experience of God. Only then can you free yourself from the cycle
of birth and death (called Samsara). There is no concept of Savior. You have
to free yourself by your own effort. No savior can help you achieve God
realization without your personal effort.
6. A spiritually awakened Master (Guru) is essential for God realization.
The other requirements for God realization are good conduct, purification
of the mind, yoga and meditation. There may be some Hindu sects who do not
accept the requirement of a Guru.
Regards
Pradip
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