Invitation to World Religions

Conclusion  151

CONCLUSION Throughout this chapter, we have explored the rich diversity of the Hindu tradition. The extent of this diversity has prompted some observers to remark that “there are as many Hinduisms as there are Hindus.” But we also have noted aspects of Hindu- ism that tend to unite Hindus. For example, all seek moksha, the ultimate liberation from samsara, and the realization of the true nature of the self and its relationship to the whole of reality. Hindus traverse three main paths to liberation: karma marga, jnana marga, and bhakti marga. In these various paths, we see diversity and unity together, with three different sets of teachings and practices all leading to the same goal. We see a similar blending of diversity and unity when we consider the detailed system of varnashrama dharma , which assigns to each individual Hindu a specific place and stage in life, while asserting the overall duty to conform to that which upholds the cosmic and social order. For the most part, Hinduism developed in a rural setting, in small villages, and even in forests. In recent decades, however, there has been a pronounced

SEEKING ANSWERS

What Is Ultimate Reality? Monistic Hindus believe that Brahman is the su- preme, unitary reality, the ground of all being. Understood as undifferentiated and without at- tributes, Brahman manifests itself as the world, in all its particular forms. Thus, all things are inher- ently divine. Humans are unable to apprehend this ultimate reality because of attachment, delusion, and identification with the limited ego-self. For dualistic or devotional Hindus, ultimate reality is typically understood to be fully embodied in a de- ity, such as Vishnu or Shiva. How Should We Live in This World? Powerfully attracted to the samsaric realm of par- ticulars—our egoistic selves, our relationships, our possessions, and the seemingly countless objects of our desires—we are caught up in the continual cycle of death and rebirth. Hinduism prescribes living in

a manner that moves the self toward liberation from samsara. Three paths (margas or yogas) lead to moksha: karma (action), jnana (knowledge), and bhakti (devotion). All the while, Hindus are required to live in conformity with dharma, upholding the cosmic and social order. What Is Our Ultimate Purpose? Moksha is liberation from samsara—the continu- ous cycle of death and rebirth, and the this-worldly realm in which this cycle recurs. Impossible fully to describe from the perspective of this world, the experience of moksha is said to be one of infinite awareness and eternal bliss. For monistic Hindus, moksha involves the full realization of the iden- tity of the self with Brahman rather than with the world. For dualistic or devotional Hindus, moksha is the complete realization of the soul’s perpetual and deep loving relationship with God.

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