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Hindu Beliefs Of Samsara

Decent Essays

Out of all the beliefs and practices we have studied, one that fascinates me the most is the Hindu belief of Samasara. Samsara is the cycle of death, life and rebirth. In order to understand this cycle, it is important to understand the concepts of atman and karma. Hindu’s believe that each individual has a non-material self which never changes. This “self” is called atman. It is not the mind or the body, but goes beyond anything temporary that we ascribe to ourselves. Its western equivalent is usually considered “the soul.” Still, this does not quite sum up atman, as atman goes beyond individuality and connects us to every other living thing as well, including (and perhaps, especially) God. Hindu’s believe that there is one God, but as he is infinitely powerful and has infinite attributes, he is manifest in many different ways and beings. Those beings include all animals and people. The illusion that each person is his or her own body, and failing to realize that we are all one eternal soul, is what leads to the troubles of this life. The illusion (or maya) is what causes people to act selfishly or do wrong deeds, and prevents them from achieving liberation. The state of atman in each lifetime depends on one’s kharma. Kharma is the …show more content…

It means “liberation” from the cycle of life and death, but also from suffering and pain. In this sense it is similar to the Buddhist principle of Nirvhana. However the biggest difference is because Hinduism is a theistic religion, Moksha is not only freedom from the cycle of life, but also unity with God. (http://study.com/academy/lesson/moksha-in-hinduism-definition-lesson-quiz.html) Especially in the Advaita school, there is a great emphasis on one’s “identity” being an illusion. The soul of each individual is equal to God in every way. Liberation is therefore not only being set free from Samsara, but also the realization of one’s own Godhood.

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