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Identify and briefly discuss the
key items in the Upanishadic doctrines of Hinduism.
INTRODUCTION
‘Sruti’ which is one of the dual sacred
scriptures of Hinduism, consists of a collection of sacred writings
collectively known as the ‘Veda’ of the ‘Veda’. In this write-up, the key items
which form the core of the doctrines in the Upanishads will be discussed.
HINDUISM;
THE UPANISHADS: BRIEF ANALYSIS
‘Hinduism’ is simply, the philosophy,
religion and culture of the Indian people. They call it ‘Sanatana ‘Dharma’ –
the universal law which regulates all things in the universe. It’s history is
traced back to the invasion of the ‘Aryans’ which migrated from North-eastern
Europe to India around 1500 B.C. Hinduism emphasizes the ‘asceticism’ of the
Indians and the ‘ritualism’ of the Aryans, combine together.
The ‘Upanishads’ is the last part of the Veda
– a sacred scripture of Hinduism. It is also known as the ‘Vedanta’, meaning
‘the concluding parts of the Veda. The Upanishads emphasizes the doctrine of
‘Pantheistic monism’. Also, it was written during the ‘Upanishadic period’ of
the development of Hinduism. Lastly, it rejects rituals and sacrifices as means
of ‘salvation’, but advocates esoteric knowledge and asceticism.
THE KEY
ITEMS IN THE UPANISHADIC DOCTRINES
Accordingly, the key items which form the
core of the doctrines in the Upanishads are hereby highlighted and evaluated.
i. Brahman vi. Dharma
ii. Atman vii. Yoga
iii. Maya viii. Ahimsa
iv. Karma ix. Moksha
v. Samsara x. Paramatman
i. Brahman
This means the ‘ultimate reality’ – the source of all things.
It is ‘Brahman’ that manifests itself in all beings (both living and
non-living); or all things are manifestations of Brahman. Thus, all things come
from Brahman and will in the end return to it.
ii. Atman
This refers to the ‘spirit’ or ‘soul’. Since ‘Atman’ comes
from Brahman, it is definitely anxious to return to Brahman. But, it cannot go
back until it has sufficiently purified itself from its misdeeds while here on
earth.
iii. Maya
This means ‘illusion’. It is believed that all the material
things in the universe are mere ‘illusions’. Thus, they are not substantial or
real, and cannot give satisfaction to man. So, attaching ourselves to material
wealth only weight down our souls and prolong our achievement of salvation.
iv. Karma
Refers to the ‘universal law of justice’ – the law of sowing
and reaping; cause and effect; action and reaction. It is ‘Karma’ that decides
what happens to a man here on earth; and this is based on what he or she has
done in a previous life. Thus, the law of Karma operates impartially.
v. Samsara
This means ‘re-incarnation’ or ‘rebirth’. If a man does not
purify himself from ‘illusions’, totally, before he dies, he cannot return to
Brahman. Thus, he would continue in the cycle of birth and death until he is
totally purified; then he can now gain salvation and re-write with Brahman.
vi. Dharma
This has a dual meaning. Firstly, it means ‘the eternal or
universal law which governs the universe’. Secondly, it means ‘duty and
responsibility’. Here, there are two aspects to it, thus:_
·
General
Dharma – The duty to be performed by all human beings (eg)
virtuous acts – Kindness.
· Particular
Dharma – The duty to be performed y an individual
according to one’s calling (eg) Doctors.
vii. Yoga
This implies a method of meditation aimed at freeing the
‘atman’ – soul from the body, which is less important, in order to temporarily
unite with Brahman. There is the vertical and the horizontal yoga.
viii. Ahimsa
This means ‘no violence’. It emphasizes the doctrine of, no
injury to any form of life, be it human or animals. This is because, Hinduism
does not encourage violence, as it entails the very destruction of life and
properties. ‘Ahimsa’ is Hinduism’s way of ensuring societal peace.
ix. Moksha
This means ‘release’, ‘salvation’ or ‘liberation’. When the
soul has sufficiently purified itself, it is then released from the body. It
attains salvation and re-unites with Brahman. This means that, it has being
released from the ‘Samsara’, so it does not return into this world.
x. Paramatman
This refers to ‘God’ – the universal spirit. In Hinduism,
paramatman is the highest manifestation of Brahman (ies) the highest level in
which Brahman can show itself. Hence, Brahman is higher than God.
CONCLUSION
All these key items of the doctrine in the
Upanishads all have their relevance in relationship with themselves. Hence,
none can be separated from the others, as doing this would render it
meaningless. Also, these concepts aid in the understanding of what Hinduism is
all about.
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