Hinduism Analysis

Solution Preview

RESPONSE:

1. What role do sacred texts play in the Hindu tradition?

Hindu scriptures play a large role in the Hindu tradition. There are four goals in civilized religious life. The four goals include:

1. dharma: righteousness
2. artha: economic development
3. kama: sensual enjoyment
4. moksha: liberation, the ultimate goal.

Liberation or moksha is achieved through union with God (yoga) (http://hinduism.iskcon.com/concepts/109.htm).

In other words, Hindu texts detail four sequential aims: dharma, artha, kama, and moksha. Dharma recommends righteous and regulated living, so that one is able one to acquire wealth, artha. With prosperity one can then enjoy kama, sensual pleasure. When one realises the futility of temporary gratification, one eventually seeks moksha (liberation). Some traditions, particularly of the bhakti school, accept moksha, but point out the selfishness in even desiring liberation. They mention a fifth goal called prema (love of God) or nitya-lila (eternal loving service)?(http://hinduism.iskcon.com/concepts/109.htm).

Spiritual emancipation is therefore considered the main goal of life, and other goals are necessary stepping stones towards it. Hinduism thus recommends a balanced life with an ultimate spiritual goal. Liberation usually entails union with God, conceived of in various ways by different traditions. The word for this process is yoga, from which we can derive the English word yoke, meaning to join (http://hinduism.iskcon.com/concepts/109.htm).

The following Scriptures explain aspects of each of the Four Paths:

* On karma-yoga: "Therefore, without being attached to the fruits of activities, one should act as a matter of duty, for by working without attachment one attains the Supreme."
* On jnana-yoga: "In this world, there is nothing so sublime and pure as spiritual knowledge, which is the mature fruit of all mysticism. One who has become accomplished in the practice of yoga enjoys this knowledge within himself in due course of time."
* On raja-yoga: "To practice astanga-yoga, one should go to a secluded place and should lay kusha grass on the ground and then cover it with a deerskin and a soft cloth. The seat should be neither too high nor too low and should be situated in a sacred place. The yogi should then sit on it very firmly and practice yoga to purify the heart by controlling his mind, senses and activities and fixing the mind on one point."
* On bhakti-yoga: "If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it." Bhagavad-gita 3.19, 4.38, 6.11?2, 9.23. (see http://hinduism.iskcon.com/practice/index.htm).

2. What is the law of karma, and how does it affect the Hindu view of the human person?

Actually the law of karma ...