What is the human condition? In Hinduism this could really allow for several answers that could be right. Mostly, I believe, it is comprised of two things, allowing you to have what you want and your karma. I think the most exciting thing I took away from this religion is that “you cannot lose,” which to me in religion would be incentive to ultimately do my best and know one day I will achieve the ultimate goal, which for a Hindu is Atman. In the book Smith discusses that if we are taking Hinduism as a whole the main idea is “you can have what you want.” But the posing question is, what do you truly want? While the book discusses four things, which are more human wants than spiritual. This is where I believe the four yogis come in hand; you can find the one that suits you and achieve that spiritual goal. Which, ideally, seems as if it is the same thing, Atman. Secondly, I move to karma theory because I believe when discussing the human condition karma theory makes perfect sense. The behavior of your human condition affects your karma. If you have good karma it will continue to motivate you to do good, but if it is bad karma then eventually, whether in present or future life, you will pay for the bad. But your good karma brings you closer to enlightenment – Atman. What is the best solution to this condition? This is simple, with the practice and devotion to ones yoga of choice – Bhakti, Jnana, Karma and Raja, with each yoga there is a different way about practicing it. Like previously mentioned, everyone feels a draw or has a certain personality that is better suited for each type of yoga. I personally related best with karma and believe in the simple belief that if you do good, you will be rewarded and if you do bad it will be corrected in some way shape or form. Once again, while all four practices are different, they all want to achieve the same goal – Atman. How do we move from problem to solution? I think this question is very similar with the second, by practicing your chosen yoga. Much like in Christianity we are taught that once we “accept” Jesus Christ we must continue to practice “his” works because without the works and devotion to God we do not form a more solid relationship with him. So with Hindus they would practice their yogis, good deeds for karmas, devotion for bhaktis and so on. How best to live the solution in our own lives? I believe the solution to this question is very much dependent upon each person. Some people who practice faith, whether Hindu, Christian or any other, are very devoted and strict about their path to God or Atman or whomever they worship. While others struggle along their journey, I know I have had my doubts, questions and struggles as a Christian. But there are certain things about my faith that make me want to work harder, but it is also refreshing to hear the practices of others and the way they achieve Atman. As I mentioned before, what I loved most learning about Hinduism is that no matter what, in the end, you win. Which is something everyone no matter who they are or what they practice can find solace in.
You are right, I think, that Hinduism's win-win approach to faith is comforting to many people. But some of your fellow students felt the lack of tragedy was a weakness in this system. Any thoughts on that?
ReplyDeleteAnd just to be clear, Atman is soul, Brahman is God. While ultimately Atman is Brahman like a wave is the ocean, it is Brahman that is worshipped.