University:
MacEwan University
Course:
HIST 476 | Topics in the History of Religion
Academic year:

2024
Views:

64

Pages:

3
Author:

Arthur M.

2/13- Hinduism: Paths to Liberation Cycle of Rebirth • Samsara - rebirth (sometimes seen as reincarnation) • karma = actions, deeds, thoughts born & died countless time In english, karma is seen as the consequence any action gives merit or dement accumulation of merit / dement karma seed fruit result No way to get rid of men't/ dement Seeds can last for many lifetimes good karmas = heavenly realms, bad karmas = hell realms good karma arma runs out lower birth • No end to cycle! How to break out? MOKSHA LIBERATION -leaving behind everything Meanings of Liberation (diff per school) • Leaving cycle & rebirth & entering world of Vishnu Vaikuntha • No conscious; asleep • eternal bliss • Already liberated, just need to "wake up" Some deities are also trapped in Samsara cycle! How to Achieve Liberation? • Many ways (explained in Bhavagad Gita) • YOGA = methods, means (in Bhavagad Gita) -spiritual method/mean/discupli 4 Paths! Liberation 1. Karma-yoga yoga of action 2. Bhaktiyoga yoga of devotion 3. Juana yoga yoga of knowledge 4. Dhyana-yoga yoga of meditation Karma Yoga: Action kind of like believing in diff deities •NOT about just doing good deeds (keeps you in cycle) •Some philosophers thought to just STOP acting (no action: no karma) bhagavad Gita says DON'T do that; always act AND we always act (sleeping is action); not possible to stop • Focus on DESIRES that affect actions - the motives/desives power cycle •Kushna/Vishnu suggests to give up desires based on "I" pleasure & pain are the same ; outcomes are the same - Just act w/o thinking of the result (no fruit, just seed) "motive should never cling to inaction" be in the fruits of action, nor should you -ex: Study for a test because of dhanna (Duty not to get a good grade as a +), Student Bhakti Yoga: Devotion • Most practiced easiest • Forgivement of sins through devotion Deity can pluck you out of cycle if you've devotel -Goal is to change perception / consciousness from external reality To internal reality