The Aspect of Human Realization and Salvation in World Religions

Purpose of man’s existence, the origin of universe, existence of God, soul and super soul and life after death, Satan, paradise and hell have always been intriguing factors to the people of all religions. All world religions are fundamentally aiming at realization of the truth and salvation by their followers and have accepted the presence of God as a force of unmatched potential, attributes and infinity. While some are rigid that the God of their religion only is the ultimate, others are tolerant and are prepared to accept Gods of all religions as one and the same. While certain religions particularly of Eastern origin believe in the cycle of birth and death and transmigration of souls, Semitic religions believe in the Day of Judgment when one’s fate would be decided. Therefore, the aspect of Realization and Salvation in a man’s life is most important as the purpose of every religion is to attain salvation that is freedom from the cycle of death and birth or attaining the paradise by it’s followers. These aspects are discussed:

Hinduism. Vedic scriptures preach that God is full of all opulences such as beauty, wealth, fame, knowledge, strength and renunciation. He is absolute, infinite, formless, omnipresent and omnipotent. The living entity as a part of the God has similar qualities, but in very small amounts. Therefore, living entities are not supreme. Rather they are subservient. He is meant to serve the supreme. This knowledge was re-established through a line of successive eminent medieval teachers such as Vyasa (Ancient), Buddha, Sankara, Ramanuja, Madhava, and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. There are other teachers as well such as Vallabha, Nimbarka and Vishnu Swami. Guru Nanak emerged as a great teacher in 16 th century who combined the good aspects of Hinduism and Islam and found the Sikh sect that is claimed as separate religion. Many other social reformers and teachers such as Tukaram, Gnaneshwar, Namdev, Kabir, Samarth Ramdas, Vidyaranya Swami, Sur Das, Meera Bai, Tulsidas, Tyagaraja, Annamacharya, Alwars and Nayanars also were born in India in medieval times and contributed richly to the Hindu scriptures and philosophy through their writings, discourses and lives.

The aspect of realization of God and Salvations varied from time to time in Hindu Philosophy although on fundamental aspect of Vedas there was no disagreement. The Vedas were undisputable and commanded supreme position and authority. The different periods through which Hinduism has undergone some change in philosophical views are as under:

1. Pre Vedic Period……………….. 3500-2000 BC

2. Vedic Period……………………. 2000-1000 BC

3. Brahmic Period………………….. 600-250 BC

4. Devotional Period……………… 250 BC-250 AD

5. Modern period……………………250 AD-1700AD

6. Current period……………………1700AD-.Till today

In Pre-Vedic and Vedic period, the path for salvation was not clearly defined. People worshiped forces of nature such as Fire, rain, wind, thunder, trees, sun, moon, sky and animals. Vedas were considered as most sacred and Rig Veda was the most ancient one among the four Vedas. Salvation was through prayer. Indra (Lord of thunder) was the most important deity. Various hymns were recited to appease Gods and get salvation. In Brahmic period, priests became more important than the Gods and became central figures. They headed all sacrifices performed by people and Ashamedha Sacrifice (Horse sacrifice) was the most elaborate one conducted for all most one year and nearly 609 animals were sacrificed during the rituals. The ritual Horse that was decorated was allowed to travel around the country followed by the Army. Any king withholding the horse had to fight and win or the kings had to submit to the authority of the Horse. This sacrifice was mostly performed by Emperors to prove their authority. Salvation was expected to be achieved through sacrifices and rituals (1).

In Upanishad period, importance was given to attaining knowledge. The knowledge of Brahman (God), the cosmic power was propagated and those who attained this knowledge and wisdom were expected to attain salvation. Sacrifices and rituals were given lesser importance. Yet, priestly class had superior status. Manu Smriti (tradition) came up during this period and code of conduct was established. It legalized the aspects of Vedas and saved importance of Vedas, sacrifices, sanction of war and clarified Brahma ad Atma (Soul). Priests and temples became very important. Caste system was strictly legalized. Salvation was expected by showing obedience to this code particularly by the lower castes..

Epics and Puranas came up during this period. Ramayana and Mahabharata are the most revered books of the period and till today, they command greatest respect. Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the God) was revealed by Lord Krishna (Incarnation of Lord Vishnu) to Pandava Prince Arjuna on the battle field of Kurukshetra when the prince laid down his arms after seeing his kith and kin on the opposite side for the battle. He was reluctant to kill his kith and kin for the sake of gaining the kingdom to enjoy worldly pleasures. This revelation is the most revered scripture and entire philosophy of Hinduism is contained in this scripture and therefore is called Panchama (Fifth) Veda. It is a part of Mahabharata epic. Lord Krishna offered salvation to all including the lower castes who perform their duty without craving for fruits there of and leaving the rest to the God. He also confirmed that the fourfold caste system has been laid down by him based on inner mental qualities and actions (Bhagavad-Gita IV: 13). These are not based on birth. Gnana Marga (Path of knowledge) was another method to attain salvation, but, this was much limited to learned class who possesses higher mental ability and concentration. It was not possible for most of the ordinary class (2).

There are six schools of thought developed in Hindu philosophy by various teachers. These are :

1. Nyaya School strives to explain the meaning of knowledge for seeking salvation.

2. Vaisheshika School discussed atomic constitution of things

3. Samkhya School explains system of origin of Universe

4. Yoga School explains the process of controlling physical elements of human nature which is popularly practiced in India

5. Mimamsa deals with Dharma or ritualistic practices given in Vedas to seek salvation.

However in modern India, the lower castes are up against the ancient Code of Manu and at every opportunity during demonstrations by the lower castes (Dalits), the copies of these books are publicly burnt to show their displeasure. Plenty of literature is published in India by the Dalit community denouncing Vedas, its contents, Brahminical authority and Caste system and this adds to the social tensions. Certain Dalit scholors even asked for scrapping Bhagavadgita, the most revered scripture of Hindus. Such writings in no way contributed to peace in society and increased tensions and bitterness between the castes. The Government policies in India have made Caste system more rigid and permanent. These vote catching tricks by the political parties and the Government has done more damage to the social fabric in India. Varnasrama Dharma (Classification based on human behavior, qualities and actions) of ancient times in India degenerated over the ages into today’s situation to suit political and social ends. Although Caste system that is now attributed to birth is being decried at pitch of the voice by all political leaders (genuine?) including the Govt, it has become more rigid now a days due to the vested interests of the political parties and individuals who leave no stone unturned in devising ways to catch the vote bank based on caste politics in India. The divide and rule policy of Robert Clive of former East India Company (18 th century) is still relevant in Indian politics. Although the English men have left India to its own fate; the policy continues to facilitate the political parties to cling shamelessly on to the seats of power. The policy of reservations in Govt jobs, seats in educational Institutions and political institutions and allotment of seats during elections to State Assemblies, corporations, municipalities ( crushing and trampling merit) has resulted in the Caste system getting more severe in the society, and it is more entrenched in Indian society now and mutual hatred has become order of the day. Caste war is waiting round the corner destabilizing the society. Literally, there is an undeclared social war in India abetted by political parties. It is very likely and surely that India would go up in flames to utter devastation due to Caste war soon which would be worst than a nuclear blast caused by a neighboring country. This is more dangerous to India as a nation than the Islamic threat to India within and across the borders.

From 250 BC to 1700 AD, the philosophy of Hinduism was more inclined to the Bhakti (Devotion) cult. Concepts were mostly derived from Puranas and epics. Various sects and schools of thought were developed during the period. Buddhism was successfully propagated by Lord Buddha who condemned caste system and Vedas. Hindu society was greatly engulfed in sacrifices and animal sacrifices during rituals and evil of caste system. Buddha concentrated on non- violence and killing and left out abstract issues of God and creation. . The school of Sankara in 6 Th century dawned at this stage and he re-established the Adwaita(monism) philosophy stating that the world is an illusion and God and world are one and the human beings are under an illusion that they are existing separately. Unless the screen (Maya) is removed through renunciation, worship, and devotion and knowledge, salvation was not possible. This abstract philosophy attracted Buddhists by and large who were earlier taken over by abstract theories of Buddhism and as a consequence, Buddhism vanished from the land of its origin. Sankaracharya wrote clarifications on Vedic philosophy and Upanishads and sanctioned worship of Shiva, Vishnu, Kartikeya (Son of Siva), Ganapathi (Son of Siva) and Shakti (Mother Goddess) for people so that they could concentrate on the God of their choice. As a result, innumerable temples came up in entire India with various forms of Gods and Goddesses with weird shapes and forms and corresponding rituals. God could be represented in any form as he is absolute and infinite. Every good thing is also followed by evil. The practice of worship at temples with elaborate rituals and reciting of verses in Sanskrit resulted in rise of Priestly class of Brahmins and their hold on the society as masters on aspects of spirituality. This has resulted in the much exploited caste war in India at a later stage in the modern age where priestly class of Brahmins is ridiculed, hated, insulted and even persecuted at all places in India. The tragic aspect in India is the fact that all other castes hate Brahmins to the hilt and at the same time can not live without the involvement of Brahmins in their religious rituals. Certain political parties in India survive only on hatred of Brahmins.

The school of qualified monism established by Ramanujacharya did not agree completely with Sankaracharya and preached that world is a reality and is different from God. Madhwacharya completely established the separate existence of God and living entity. The two are never one. As a matter of fact, Hindu philosophy is centering round these three schools of thoughts of Sankara, Ramanuja and Madhwa. Madhwacharya took an uncompromising position on his theory of Dualism and strongly protests against tenants of Buddhism. Vaishnavism propagated by Ramanuja and Madhwacharya became very popular as it was open for all the Castes and salvation was propagated through devotional and congregational worship. In the Vaishnava View, Brahman, Paramatma and Bhagwan are considered different aspects of the same absolute truth and all are valid. One views these according to his spiritual advancement. Vaishnava teachers recommend meditation on the fullest truth, Bhagwan. The other processes were developed to elevate him to this point. Under the direction of an elevated Vaishnava, one can pursue realization of Bhagwan directly surpassing the levels of Brahman and Paramatma. The Vaishnava Philosophy of Bhakti (Devotional worship) was further propagated by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in 16 Th Century. Thus the person overcomes the cycle of birth and death and attains Salvation. Bhakti (Devotional worship) path is the most popular form of seeking salvation in the present ages. As per the Britannica Book of 1996, there are 70 % of Vaishnavites, 25 % Shivites and 2 % of neo Hindus of various leanings and the remaining are of different faiths in a total Hindu constituency of 800 millions. Thus a great and sizable portion of Hindus follow worship of Vishnu (3).

In the modern age, there have been some distinguished Philosophers in India who contributed greatly. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa (1834-1886) was born in a Brahmin family in Bengal and although he was not educated became ascetic and preached devotion to the God through meditation and Indian society has been greatly influenced by his teachings. He preached that all religions were good and lead to Salvation. Sri Vivekananda (1862-1902) (Originally known as Narendra) was born in a Kshatriya (Warrior class) in Bengal and became the ardent devotee of Ramakrishna. He preached that no one is a sinner and to call a man sinner is itself a sin. Therefore no conversions should be held. He preached in 1893 at Chicago in the United States of America. Ramakrishna Missions were established throughout India and other parts of the world and these are doing great services towards the spiritual path. Another notable contribution made in the last century towards spiritual path is by A.C. His divine Grace Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhu Pada who was originally known as Abhay Charan De and was born in Calcutta in 1896. He has founded the Institution of International Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) in 1965. Many revere Swami Shrila Prabhupada as India’s greatest scholar, philosopher, prophet and cultural ambassador. ( 4). He propagated Gaudiya Vaishnava Krishna Bhakti (Devotional worship) as a path for salvation as propagated by Chaitanya Maha Prabhu who lived from 1486 to 1533. Chaitanya Maha Prabhu is revered as incarnation of Lord Krishna. As per Swami Prabhupada, Vaishnavism is not only monotheistic, but also highly personalistic in its view of God. Krishna may have expansions and incarnations, but he is seen as the supreme lord, the father of all that lives and as the creator of cosmos. Another distinguished saint Philosopher of last century was Swami Chinmayananda who has established Chinmaya trust and has done yeomen service to the cause of Hinduism by taking the philosophy to the western nations though his lucid writings and explanations. Other noted philosophers who have greatly contributed to the cause of Hindu philosophy and Hinduism are Late Ramana maharshi, Swami Late Vidya Prakasananada Swmi of Kalahasti in the State of Andhra Pradesh, Swami Sundara Chaitanya and Ganapathi Sachhidananda Swami Sri Ramanuja China Jiyyar Swami. All these philosophers preach Bhakti marga of the chosen deity to attain salvation. This path has attracted majority of ordinary Hindus being the majority in the society are attracted by the simplest path devoid of other rituals and is most suited for the low intellect.

Buddhism. To refrain from evil, to do good and purify heart is the core of Buddhism and it shares its philosophy with other Eastern Religions. Buddhism is silent on the aspect of God and the origin of universe. It has been preached that world exists due to casual actions. What we see is only transitory factors of existence which depend on each other. It has completely identified itself with morals, ethics and overcoming evil in the world. The world has been seen as engulfed in Dukkha and suffering. Buddha said that there is always a craving for some thing and more you get the desires fulfilled craving further possessions and fulfillment of desires increases. We also want things to remain permanently in our possession and attachment is developed towards our possessions. This is futile as nothing is permanent and therefore, one suffers. As long as man is not freed from the desires he would be caught in the eternal cycle of birth and death and there is no escape and can never attain salvation (Nirvana).

It has identified four noble truths and suggested eight fold paths to overcome the Dukkha and suffering and attain Nirvana. The eight fold path consists of (i) Right understanding,(ii)Right thought, (iii) Right speech, (iv)Right action , (v) Right livelihood, (vi) Right effort, (vii)Right mindfulness, (viii)Right concentration.

Right thought and right speech are concerned with wisdom and combat ignorance. Right speech, right action and right livelihood are concerned with morality and combat hatred. The right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration are concerned with concentration and combat greed. A person would be able to achieve Nirvana that is liberation from the cycle of death and birth or salvation by following the eight fold path.

The state of Nirvana is not defined clearly although it amounts to attaining salvation free from the cycle of births and death as stated above. Buddha has preached that people should choose a middle path to lead a life avoiding over indulgence or extreme asceticism. By following eight fold path of right conduct, right motive, right resolve, right speech, right livelihood, right attention and right effort and right meditation and behaving in a good way. Buddhism believes in the law of karma and cycle of birth and death. Theravada Buddhism that claims to be the original one aims at individual Nirvana while Mahayana Buddhism believes in the concept of Bodhisatwa who is a liberated and does not aim at individual salvation, but takes birth one after the other to ensure that others obtain Nirvana(5).

Sikhism. Sikhism as explained earlier, has been found by Guru Nanak in 16 Th century when the society was engulfed with Islamic violence and people were overtaken by the evil practices of Sati ( Burning of women on the funeral pyres of their husbands), dowry system, idol worship( evil in others view) and caste system prevalent in Hindu society. The philosophy of Karma, cycle of birth and death, transmigration of soul from Hindu philosophy has been accepted. The soul is caught in the cycle of transmigration due to the sins committed. God has been seen as absolute, irrespective of any religion, merciful, omnipotent, infinite and all prevalent. He created the world. A virtuous path has resulted in human birth (Sorath, Ravidas).

It is entrapped in the cycle of births and deaths due to past sins. All that available in universe is also in the human body. Whoever searches the truth, would find it. The life is not to be considered sinful and one has to lead a purposeful life. The world has been seen as a garden with God as the spring (Bilawal, M. 5). Asceticism does not lead to salvation. He who practices not truth, but wears a saintly garb, remains far from God, even though he proclaims: “I have arrived” (Suhi M 5). God is merciful and is ever ready to extend his helping hand to his devotees. Although the law of Karma is believed, one can attain salvation in this human birth itself, by following the path shown by Guru. Nanak said:

“He who is affected not by pain or pleasure, nor ego, nor attachment nor greed, he O Nanak is the embodiment of God, He who is affected neither by praise nor by dispraise , to whom iron is gold, he O Nanak is the emancipated being”(Shalokas, M. 9).

Complete surrendering to the God Wahe Guru will lead to realization and salvation.

“Surrender thyself to thy God and shed all thy cleverness and thy God will merge thee in Himself”(Gauri Bawan, M.5)

One has to live and should not withdraw from the challenges. Moderate living with truthfulness on the path shown by Guru leads to salvation. Thus Sikh philosophy adapted the best of Hindu and Islamic teachings (6) and most modern.

Christianity. Christianity believes that Jesus is the savior and whoever has belief in Jesus Christ he would be saved from the past, present and future sins. The God has sent his son into the world to spread the divine Gospel and he has sacrificed himself on the Cross that the people are saved. In all the hearts of the people who believe in Jesus, Christ would arrive and stay. They will be protected by the Holy Spirit. Christianity does not believe in transmigration and all the dead and living at the Day of Judgment would be judged by the God and sinners would be eternally cast into hell for undergoing sufferings while those saved would enjoy paradise eternally and reach salvation (7).

Islam. It believes that Allah is the only God who is absolute, omnipresent, merciful and infinite and uphold that Prophet Mohamed (Peace be on him) is the greatest one and the last. No other God is accepted equivalent to him and believes that all such non believers would be punished. Islam prescribes strict code of conduct for Muslims and they have to observe, Shahdah, Salar, Zakat, Siyam and Haj that are the five pillars of Islam. Islam does not believe in renunciation and exhorts Muslims to lead a fruitful and devoted life observing the strict tenets of Islam. Submission to Allah completely and strict observance of code of conduct are the highlights of Islam. Islam believes that on the Day of Judgment, Allah would decide the fate of each and every one. Sinners would be condemned to suffer eternally in hell while others would enjoy eternally in the paradise and would gain salvation. This is analogous to belief in Christianity. It does not believe in cycle of birth and death like Eastern religions (8).

Conclusion . Eastern religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism believe in the law of Karma, cycle of birth and death and transmigration. Salvation is achieved by knowledge, devotion and complete submission to God. There are many concepts and paths to achieve salvation in Hinduism preached by various schools. Bhakti (devotional worship) Marga has been found to be the most easy and widely followed concept for attaining salvation and worship of various Gods and Goddesses has originated from this concept. Once the soul attains salvation, it is freed from the cycle of birth and death. God is universal and infinite and formless. Therefore, he can be represented in any form or image and worshiped. The idol is not the God but a mere tool to develop concentration. The Semitic religions however misunderstand this as idol worship that is not correct. Sikhism although has adopted good aspects of Hinduism and Islam does not sanction idol worship and believes that in the present human birth itself salvation can be achieved by truthful devotional living shown by the Guru and the soul would be freed from the bondage. Buddhism is silent on concept of God, origin of man and creation of Universe. It has completely devoted itself on the aspect of human suffering in this world and analyzed cause and effects. It in nut shell has propagated that following a middle path not resorting to over indulgence, or severe asceticism and keeping away from all types of evil would lead to Nirvana that is Salvation. Christianity is firm that Jesus is the only savior and whoever has belief in Jesus would be saved of present, past and future sins. All such people would be judged at the time of Day of Judgment and they would be sent to live in paradise eternally while the sinners would be thrown into hell eternally from which there is no escape. Christianity and Islam both do not believe in law of Karma and transmigration of soul and cycle of birth and death. Islam is firm that Allah is the only universal God and Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) is the greatest Prophet and last one. It does not accept Jesus as the son of God and accepts him only as a prophet. Idol worship is strictly prohibited. Muslims who follow the strict code of conduct of Islam and submit completely to Allah would be judged on the Day of Judgment and would be sent to paradise to enjoy the pleasures while the sinners would be condemned to suffer in hell eternally and there is no escape. The fact to note is that all religions believe in some supernatural power that is termed as God and human beings are seeking to join him through various routes. Paths are different, but goals are same. It is like different paths to reach the summit of a mountain. The religions must arrive at this concept and agreement instead of fighting each other on superiority of their God, remaining in the nut shell, and forcing others to accept their version. Lack of this knowledge is nothing but ignorance and peace would be established, only when the veil of darkness is removed from the blurred eyes of all such men and women who are struggling in darkness and ignorance and self glorification.

Bibliography

1. www.comparativereligion,com/salvation.html

2. Vidyaprakashanandagiri swamy, Gitamakarandam (Bhagavadgita), Suka Brahmasramam, SriKalahasthi, Chittor District, AP, India, 1999

3. Steven J Rosen, The Hidden Glory of India, Bhakti Vedanta Book Trust, Hare Krishna land, Juhu, Mumbai, 400049, India, ISBN 0-89213-351-1, PP 6

4. Ibid, PP 142,143

5. H Wolfgang Schumann, Buddhism, Translated by George Feuerstein, Theosophical Publishing House, Wheaton, iii, USA, 1974, 1974

6.Dr Gopal Singh, Sikhs, Cultural and Religious Patterns in India, Published jointly by Seshachalam and Co and Popular Prakashan, Bombay, India, Edition 1, 1970,

7. Father Nicholas Maestrini, Forever love.. of God. Plan for happiness, Translated by Guntur Yesu padam ( in Telugu), Published by catechist sisters of Saint Ann, Nacharam, Hyderabd, AP , India

8. . Dr Ismail R Al Faruqi, Islam, Major World Religions, Argus Communications, Niles, Illionois, 60648, USA, 1979

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