Hinduism presents the human condition as a continuous cycle. This cycle entraps our inner-self. Rather than finding identity in our bodies or personalities; the Hindu faith suggests that each person has what is called an Atman, what most religions consider to be the soul. This inner-self is trapped in a constant cycle of life and rebirth until it awakens to the ultimate reality, Brahman.
The solution to this condition of entrapment is what the Hindus call Moksha, or liberation. The ultimate goal is to reach an eternity awakened to and a part of Brahman. Life then becomes a quest to achieve Moksha, which is composed of three parts: Sat - Eternal being or existence, Chit - eternal and omniscient consciousness, and Ananda - eternal bliss.
Karma is driving force behind this cycle. Before we are born our lives are predisposed to certain amounts of good and bad karma; all of which is determined by the activities in one’s past life. A person is reborn into a new life after death if they do not achieve liberation in this one. Thus making the personality or character of a person and even the things that happen to them a result of the karma from their past life. So until all karma is burned off and the Atman of one’s self is fully realized the rebirth will continue.
There are four practices devoted to the Brahman that allows a person to reach Moksha. These are called the four yogas: Bhakti yoga, Karma yoga, Raja yoga and Jnana yoga. Bhakti yoga is dedicated to connecting to god through devotion and love. Karma yoga dedicates one to god through activities and service. Raja yoga allows oneself to find god through psychophysical exercises. And lastly Jnana yoga is devoted to finding god through wisdom and knowledge.
Hinduism is a win-win concept. You literally can’t lose in this system, and honestly I have a hard time coming to terms with something so...well, for lack of a better word, happy. When summing up the chapter, Smith says, “It is no accident that the only art form India failed to produce was tragedy.” In no way do I believe that I have had numerous past lives that are influencing me now. Life happens; and in this finite time we have on earth both good and bad things happen. Tragedy is real and plays a huge role in our everyday lives. So why should I go through hundreds or even thousands of lifetimes experiencing pleasure and pain only to exist in a universe that just “is.” Call me crazy but I need a little more meaning or substance to my life.
The Hindu faith gives an amazing outlook on life and honestly I wish the western culture we live in would adopt some of its aspects. However, in a society that is already so self driven I can do without a religion that puts me on the same plane as god. The Atman is connected to everything which in return connects to god, but I want my god to be supreme over all, not existing as all.
Nicely put. I especially like the conclusions. Why do you think it is necessary for a culture to understand tragedy? Why is Hinduism lack of the tragic problematic?
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