Compare and contrast salvation and the self - Essay Example

Nirvana and Moksha The two great ancient religions of the world, Hinduism and Buddhism which were both born in India, have many similarities whilehaving some basic differences. While Buddhism is atheistic in nature, Hinduism is a basically theistic religion, ranging from pantheism to monotheism and monism Theravada, or "the Doctrine of the Elders" follows the Tipitaka written in Pali, which is the earliest canon of Buddhism and is believed to be the words of the Buddha himself. Hinduism follows the teachings of the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita.

Another basic difference between Buddhism and Hinduism is about the "self", or soul. While Buddhism denies the existence of a soul or a distinct self, Hinduism affirms its existence in its most sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita. According to Theravada Buddhism, there is no soul or consciousness that is separate from matter. The world's sufferings are caused by the attachment to our ego. According to Buddhism, even the notion of an immortal soul or that of a loving God are delusions. On the contrary, the Bhagavad Gita of the Hindus affirms the existence of the immortal soul.

"But know that is indestructible By which all this is pervaded Destruction of this imperishable one No one can cause. ( Edgarton. Bhagavad Gita 2:15)According to Teravada, one who gains insight passes through four stages .The fourth and final stage is that of the Arhat., "who has attained complete freedom ..The Arhat is free from all bonds including the desire for existence in formed or formless worlds, as well as ignorance, excitability and ambition"(Encyclopedia Britannica) The Sthitaprajna of the Bhagavad Gita exhibits similar traits.

When his mind is not perturbed by sorrows And he has lost desire for joys His longing, fear and wrath departed, He is called a stable-minded holy man. (Edgerton The Bhagavad Gita 2:55) Salvation, whether it is the Nirvana of the Buddhist, or Moksha of the Hindu, is the highest goal one can aspire for. According to Theravada Buddhism, Nirvana is " beyond death,not caused, not born, not produced; it is beyond all becoming and devoid of all that makes up a human person"(Encyclopedia) It is the abode of supreme happiness, which is attained by one who has realized the Four Noble Truths.

The four Noble Truths were told by the Buddha in his first sermon after his enlightenment. They are, Suffering(dukkha), the cause of suffering (craving ), Cessation of Suffering ( by giving up the craving), and the noble eightfold path leading to the cessation of suffering. By giving up craving, and realizing the third Noble Truth, one can be on the path to Awakening which is the end of ignorance and suffering . Hinduism also advocates giving up craving and ego for the attainment of Moksha., the Supreme Peace.

Moksha is the liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth and all sufferings . Abandoning all desires, what Man moves free from longing Without self-interest and egotism He goes to peace. (Edgerton, The Bhagavad Gita 2:71)Although there are many similarities between the concepts of self and salvation in the two religions, there are also some fundamental differences .Both the religions stress the need for the renouncement of craving as the first step towards eternal peace, Nirvana or Moksha.

References"Theravada", Encyclopedia Britannica E/17 Macropedia. 2005 Chicago.Edgarton,Franlin {translator) The Bhagavad Gita (1994) Motilal Banarsidass Publ. Delhi.Walpola Rahula. What the Buddha Taught( 1997 ) Oneworld Publications.