RLG100Y1 Lecture : Lecture Notes on Hinduism-March 5th
Hinduism March 5th
Nivrtti - Goal: Moksha (only ONE goal)
- devoted to highest religious pursuits
- oneness
Pravrtti ± engaged in life
1) path of knowledge - knowledge = experience
- intuitive knowledge
- get rid of ignorant ways of thinking
;
primal ignorance
;
distinguishing what is real/unreal
- ONE ultimate reality => Brahman (non-dual)
- However, Æ we perceive multiplicity (disillusion)
;
comes from MAYA (illusion) ± provisional reality
;
function ± we superimpose our idea of reality on to what is actually
reality (superimpose our idea of something onto the reality of that
something we believe to be true)
- we superimpose our perception on the primal reality disregarding the actual ultimate
real, BRAHMAN
- existence = provisional, temporary reality
o things can be real events but NOT ultimate reality
- ULTIMATE REALITY = unchanging
- Ontological (ultimate being) ± ultimately speaking
o in terms of ultimate reality
o there is only ONE reality
o limited level of knowledge leads to misperception
o higher level of knowledge = realization that other
things are not absolute
o e.g. ± snake and rope Æ not ultimate reality (existence)
but a sort of provisional reality (illusional for a certain
period)
o e.g. ± dreams
Higher perspective ± differences in different beings is irrelevant (unimportant); ultimately there
is only one reality
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2) Path of Action ± to get Moksha = gain knowledge and wisdom (philosophically inclined
people)
- activity oriented people
- the manner in which you act in the world
- to do the right thing
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Document Summary
Pravrtti engaged in life: path of knowledge - knowledge = experience. Get rid of ignorant ways of thinking primal ignorance distinguishing what is real/unreal. We superimpose our perception on the primal reality disregarding the actual ultimate real, brahman existence = provisional, temporary reality things can be real events but not ultimate reality. Equanimity: mental balance, calmness, serenity, formulation taken from hindu text, accepting both good and bad, acting in the world (duty) in a spirit of calmness; equanimity not by desire and aversion to do something. Your entitlement extends only to the action not to the result of the action authority over action: path of devotion (bhakti yoga) More emotionally inclined people learn through emotional involvement: not (suited) for everyone, nirguna beyond characteristics, beyond quality. Brahman (non dual); cannot be contained/limited in description. All quality is limiting (e. g. if light then not dark)
