Hinduism / Elisabeth Vincent

What is the human condition?

The human condition according to Hinduists is that we are all stuck in Samsara. This cycle of reincarnated illusions manifests itself as a life full of constant craving. They also hold the belief that we are trapped in something they call maya, which interprets to “illusion”. A person can be trapped in maya and not understand that everything is an illusion. They believe that everyone has lived an infinite number of lives, and that the current state of human condition that you and I are in is a direct result of a previous action, whether in another lifetime or in the recent past. This belief that every action has a cause that was a result of a previous action, etc. is referred to as Karma. Hinduists believe that we keep repeating this cycle of reincarnation until we successfully follow a Yoga path and realize that everyone is a part of God (Brahman) and reach a state of Atman. In short, we are locked into Maya, driven by Karma, and live in Samsara.

What is the solution to this condition?

The solution to infinitely reincarnating as various objects, animals, and human forms is to reach what the Hinduists refer to as Atman. This state of fully grasping sat, chit, and ananda. Sat is a state of pure being, chit is a state of pure consciousness, and ananda is a state of pure bliss. Once you have realized that you are a part of God, and you realize that Atman is equivalent to Brahman, then you achieve a realization of pure self. The solution to breaking out of maya is to realize that you are in a state of constant illusion, that nothing is real, and then you are in the state of play -- Lila. Following one of the four Yogas is a necessity. These are Bhakti (devoting everything a person does to God), Karma (service-oriented), Raja (primarily monks and meditative nuns), and Jhana (scholarly knowledge).

How do we move from problem to solution?

There are three Gods that the Hinduists believe help to move a person from the problem of Samsara to the solution of Atman. Underneath the Godhead of Brahman, there are three Gods. Brahma is the creator, or the one who represents and gives rise to birth. Vishnu is seen as the preserver, or a representation of life. Shiva is the destroyer, and represents death. This is not a negative connotation, as Shiva is often worshipped because he destroys the ego. To move from problem to solution, a person chooses the Yoga that is most appealing to them and follows it until he or she achieves Atman. To break out of Maya, one must realize that everything is an illusion. Once this is realized, a person is in Lila -- a state of constant playtime.

How best to live the solution in our own lives?

Without completely devoting to Hinduism, the best way to live the solution in our own lives is to try and live lightheartedly. This will help reaching Lila. We should also be aware that all of our actions vould very well result in consequences later on, and try to do the best in every situation possible.

I appreciate the fact that Hinduism is so forgiving, and sees the universe as completely fair and just. The facet of Hinduism that I will most employ is the belief in Karma.

What is the human condition?

The human condition according to Hinduists is that we are all stuck in Samsara. This cycle of reincarnated illusions manifests itself as a life full of constant craving. They also hold the belief that we are trapped in something they call maya, which interprets to “illusion”. A person can be trapped in maya and not understand that everything is an illusion. They believe that everyone has lived an infinite number of lives, and that the current state of human condition that you and I are in is a direct result of a previous action, whether in another lifetime or in the recent past. This belief that every action has a cause that was a result of a previous action, etc. is referred to as Karma. Hinduists believe that we keep repeating this cycle of reincarnation until we successfully follow a Yoga path and realize that everyone is a part of God (Brahman) and reach a state of Atman. In short, we are locked into Maya, driven by Karma, and live in Samsara.

What is the solution to this condition?

The solution to infinitely reincarnating as various objects, animals, and human forms is to reach what the Hinduists refer to as Atman. This state of fully grasping sat, chit, and ananda. Sat is a state of pure being, chit is a state of pure consciousness, and ananda is a state of pure bliss. Once you have realized that you are a part of God, and you realize that Atman is equivalent to Brahman, then you achieve a realization of pure self. The solution to breaking out of maya is to realize that you are in a state of constant illusion, that nothing is real, and then you are in the state of play -- Lila. Following one of the four Yogas is a necessity. These are Bhakti (devoting everything a person does to God), Karma (service-oriented), Raja (primarily monks and meditative nuns), and Jhana (scholarly knowledge).

How do we move from problem to solution?

There are three Gods that the Hinduists believe help to move a person from the problem of Samsara to the solution of Atman. Underneath the Godhead of Brahman, there are three Gods. Brahma is the creator, or the one who represents and gives rise to birth. Vishnu is seen as the preserver, or a representation of life. Shiva is the destroyer, and represents death. This is not a negative connotation, as Shiva is often worshipped because he destroys the ego. To move from problem to solution, a person chooses the Yoga that is most appealing to them and follows it until he or she achieves Atman. To break out of Maya, one must realize that everything is an illusion. Once this is realized, a person is in Lila -- a state of constant playtime.

How best to live the solution in our own lives?

Without completely devoting to Hinduism, the best way to live the solution in our own lives is to try and live lightheartedly. This will help reaching Lila. We should also be aware that all of our actions vould very well result in consequences later on, and try to do the best in every situation possible.

I appreciate the fact that Hinduism is so forgiving, and sees the universe as completely fair and just. The facet of Hinduism that I will most employ is the belief in Karma.