Some Important Concepts in Hinduism
By: Evi Erlinda
Karma, samsara, and moksha are concepts derived from Hinduism scriptures. Karma means action, and the consequences of action. It might be similar to the modern physicist theory of Newton which states that every action will be followed by a reaction. Every act we make, every thought, and every desire we have shape our future experiences. Our life is what we make it to be, and we ourselves are shaped by what we have done. We not only reap in this life the good and evil, which we have sown; but we also reap the result of our actions after we die physically.
Samsara is a term that is used to represent the cycle of life, death, and rebirth in which a person carries his or her own karma. The ultimate goal of human life is not for the creation of a good life by good deeds, but a clean escape from the karma-run wheel of birth, death and re-birth. To escape from Samsara is to achieve Moksha.
Moksha refers to liberation from limitation of time, space and matter through realization of the immortal absolute. The desire for liberation from an earthly existence is one of the foundations of classical Hinduism. Hindu’s strive to reach Moksha, or a state of changeless great joy. Moksha is achieved by living a life of religious devotion and moral integrity without any interest in worldly things. However, it may be many lifetimes within the wheel of life before Moksha is achieved. The ultimate reward is the release from Samsara and become united with God.
Brahman and Atman are terms that connect to each other. Brahman is a supreme entity that manifests in many forms and different ways. In the beginning, there was existence alone with the one and only supreme God. He then grew out of himself and projected the universe.He entered into every being. All that is has its self in him alone. Of all things, he is the subtle essence. People see Brahman in term of many divinities of Hinduism, either males or females. At the top of the list is Brahma (creator), Shiva (destroyer or transformer), and Vishnu (maintainer or preserver). These 3 deities are also called the Hindu triad or the Great Trinity, having the same meaning of three in One. Moreover, Atman means soul, in which Rishis (ancient sages that heard Veda from supreme entity) find Brahman as the subtle self or atman (soul) within themselves. So, Atman is the spirit of Brahman in the body of Rishis, and may also enter to all being.
In conclusion, Hinduism begins with Brahman, the highest entity. He developed himself in many forms. Three dominant forms of deities are Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu. Brahman’s subtle form or soul is called Atman which may enter the body of Rishis (ancient sages), thus Rishis could hear Brahman’s knowledge or accept many kinds of revelations. Then, Rishis transmitted the knowledge to their students. Vyasa (collector) compiled the knowledge into the Vedas (books of knowledge) through hundreds of years. The sacred scriptures describe the concepts of Karma, Samsara, and Moksha. Every action having a consequence is called Karma. People will carry their Karma through Samsara, the cycle of both life and death. It is what every Hindu has to go through before reaching Moksha. Moksha is salvation or freedom from the endless cycle of being reborn and dying over and over again. The ultimate goal is to be released from Samsara and unite with the highest supreme, Brahman.
