Source: “The Fifth Dimension: An Exploration Of The Spiritual Realm”, By John Hick*,* Danforth Professor of the Philosophy of Religion, 2013.
8. Cosmic Optimism - Hinduism aand Buddhism.mp4
8. Cosmic Optimism in the East - Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Path to Limitless Fulfillment.m4a
This text explores cosmic optimism within Hinduism and Buddhism, two major Eastern traditions. It begins by defining Hinduism, emphasizing its bewildering variety and the concept of Brahman as the ultimate reality, with numerous deities serving as its manifestations. The text then delves into the core Hindu belief of samsara, the cycle of rebirth driven by karma, and the ultimate goal of moksha (liberation) from this cycle, which is a journey through many lives towards union with Brahman or loving communion with God. Moving to Buddhism, the explanation highlights its shared Indian roots but notes key departures, such as the teaching of anatta (no substantial self) and the rejection of the caste system. Central to Buddhism is the concept of dukkha (suffering) caused by self-centeredness, and the path to nirvana, which involves transcending the ego through the Noble Eightfold Path, leading to a realization of the interconnectedness of all things and ultimate liberation.
Topic 1: Definition and Scope of Hinduism The term 'Hindu' was initially coined by foreigners, possibly during the time of the Persian emperor Darius in the mid-first millennium BCE, to refer to the inhabitants of the Indus valley, essentially meaning 'Indian'. However, the modern concept of Hinduism as a distinct religion is a Western creation that has since been adopted in India. While some use the term broadly to encompass all religions originating on the subcontinent, including Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, it is more commonly restricted to forms of religion that revere the ancient scriptures known as the Vedas.
Topic 2: The Immense Diversity and Complexity of Hinduism Even when defined by its adherence to the Vedas, Hinduism presents an astonishing variety. It encompasses a vast collection of Sanskrit scriptures, most notably the Upanishads, alongside numerous sacred rituals, sacrifices, and ceremonies that mark every aspect and stage of life. The traditional Indian caste system is an integral part of its social fabric. The tradition is rich with many holy figures, both ancient and modern, such as rishis, acharyas, gurus, mahatmas, swamis, and yogis. Hinduism also includes a wide array of often competing philosophies and the worship of countless deities. A pervasive, rich, colorful, and dramatic mythology shapes the imagination of millions, often intertwining with the philosophical insights of the Upanishads and their various interpreters. It has been aptly compared to an ancient banyan tree, with numerous interconnected roots and branches sharing the same regenerative life-sap, reflecting its ancient, polycentric, yet macrocosmically unified nature across most of recorded human history.
Topic 3: Brahman and the Deities in Hinduism In early Vedic times, numerous gods existed, evolving in character and relationships over centuries in ways unique to mythological thinking. Even as the idea of one ultimate, ineffable, or formless reality, Brahman, developed, these gods did not disappear. Instead, they came to be understood as manifestations of Brahman. This concept is even present in the early Vedas, where it is stated that 'the Real is one – sages name it variously'. The fervent devotional (bhakti) tradition within Hinduism eventually became dominated by two prominent deities: Shiva, whose cosmic dance symbolizes the ongoing life of the universe, and Vishnu, known through his avatars or incarnations like Rama and Krishna. Most practicing Hindus today identify as either Shaivites or Vaishnavites, typically based on their region of birth in India. Educated Hindus do not view these major deities, nor the various goddesses such as Kali, Durga, and Lakshmi, as rivals for ultimate supremacy. Instead, they, along with innumerable lesser gods, are all seen as diverse paths to access the ultimate reality of Brahman.
Topic 4: Samsara and Karma in Hinduism A nearly universal principle in Hinduism is the concept of samsara, which describes the beginningless and endless cycle of rebirths. Through this cycle, individuals experience the unfolding of their karma, which refers to the causal effects of their own mental and physical actions. The given circumstances of a person's life, including their genetic predispositions, sex, fundamental character, family, caste (in India), and certain major life events, are believed to be direct results of actions performed in previous lives. This outlook, shared by Buddhism, views ordinary human life, despite its joys, as fundamentally flawed, unsatisfactory, and lacking the ultimate good that individuals occasionally glimpse.
Topic 5: The Ultimate Aim of Liberation (Moksha) in Hinduism The overarching goal in Hinduism is to escape from the cycle of samsara, thereby achieving liberation from the continuous return to a life filled with striving and suffering. This liberation, known as moksha, represents a transcendence of the samsaric process. Although not actively sought by all, as many are more concerned with immediate life issues, it remains a distant ideal. The deepest longing of an individual is to achieve this transcendence, which is considered possible within the constraints of karma.
Topic 6: Progress and Freedom within Karma in Hinduism Despite the predetermined aspects of karmic inheritance, Hinduism emphasizes that individuals possess a crucial freedom to advance spiritually, either upwards or downwards. Karmic inheritance is likened to the keys of a piano: while they define the available possibilities, the pianist retains the freedom to create their own music. Therefore, life is viewed as a valuable opportunity for spiritual growth and progress. This progress is particularly significant because, while many other realms of existence are recognized, it is only in human form that such spiritual advancement can genuinely occur. Furthermore, there are recognized methods for mitigating the effects of negative karma. In devotional (bhakti) traditions, divine grace is believed to have the power to release individuals from the grip of karma. The concept of transferring merit also exists, allowing one to lessen another's accumulated karmic debt. Additionally, the proper performance of burial and commemorative rites for the deceased is considered extremely important, partly because it is believed that these rituals can help release the departed from any bad karma.
Topic 7: The Journey of Existence in Hinduism Within the Hindu worldview, existence is perceived as a journey, both within a single lifetime and across many lives. Sacred texts specifically outline this journey for males, reflecting the patriarchal societies of their time. For men, there are four ideal stages of life: the student, the householder, the ascetic, and finally, the mendicant renouncer. On a broader temporal scale, existence is understood as a journey through numerous lives, during which individual souls, or jivas, progressively move towards their ultimate liberation. As stated in the Gita, a disciplined person makes serious effort, becomes pure, and after a series of births, achieves perfection and reaches the highest goal. While the samsaric process itself is considered beginningless and endless, the journey of a specific jiva within it eventually culminates in liberation.
Topic 8: Varying Conceptions of the Ultimate Goal (Liberation) in Hinduism The ultimate goal of liberation in Hinduism is understood differently depending on whether one aligns with non-theistic or theistic philosophical strands. According to the philosopher Shankara (around 700 CE), our superficial personality or conscious ego is merely a transient, material manifestation of the universal Self, or atman, which is ultimately identical with the eternal Brahman. Thus, liberation, both in this life and beyond, involves realizing this profound identity with Brahman. Conversely, for the theistic philosopher Ramanuja (eleventh century CE), the material universe, including human beings, constitutes the "body" of God. Therefore, the ultimate state is found within the divine life, though this is a simplified summary of his intricate philosophy. Regardless of the specific interpretation, whether it be identity with the infinite being-consciousness-bliss of Brahman or loving communion with the infinite Person, this ultimate state is considered supremely desirable. Crucially, this desirable state can begin to be experienced in the present life. An individual who has attained freedom while still alive, known as a jivanmukta (liberated soul), has transcended the ego-centric viewpoint and serves as a source of enlightenment for others. Historical examples of such figures include Sri Ramakrishna, Ramana Maharshi, Paramahansa Yogananda, and in more recent times, Sai Baba.
Topic 9: Practical vs. Ultimate Religious Concerns in Hinduism It is important to acknowledge that the depth of engagement with any religious tradition varies significantly, and for many, religious belief remains "notional" rather than "real" for much of the time. While spiritual liberation, or moksha, in its various forms is widely seen as a desirable aspiration, a substantial number of Hindus do not actively anticipate or pursue some form of post-mortem "salvation" or liberation. For them, it often remains a distant ideal. Instead, their immediate religious focus tends to be on more tangible concerns, such as health, recovery from illness, general contentment, economic security, finding solace in distress, having offspring, achieving success in various endeavors, seeking protection from dangers, and potentially ensuring a favorable rebirth. This practical outlook on religious observance is, with appropriate adjustments, often characteristic of ordinary religious believers across many major traditions.