Four Paths to the Goal - Hinduism - Essay Example

Final Synthesis Paper Theme from Hinduism One of the most notable lessons learned from Hinduism is the theme on “Four Paths to the Goal” which was detailed and expounded in Huston Smith’s The World’s Religions Our Great Wisdom Traditions. These paths were clearly identified as: path through knowledge, path through love, path through works and path through psychological exercises (Smith). At the onset, Hinduism acknowledged that differences in personalities of people contribute to the disparities in taking one path over the other. As noted, four basic types of people are reflective; emotional; active; and empirical or experimental. As such, despite taking different paths, ultimately, patronizers of Hinduism aim to achieve a common goal: to achieve liberation and to be limitless. It is also enlightening that for this particular religion, liberation means freedom from the plagues that afflict human experience. This theme is perceived to fit the concepts learned in world religions through the universal goal of being liberated from the bondage of sin and to attain eternal life (Catholic) or from the bondage of plagues (Hinduism); and for one’s religion (Islam), the spiritual goal is to attain this state of peace in the soul. The theme of four paths to the goal, as presented in Hinduism, is unique in its presentation but despite identifying different paths or roads to liberation, it shares the common theme of salvation and freedom from earthly difficulties and challenges that cause pain and anguish to the body and mind. Theme from Buddhism A remarkable theme from Buddhism, as presented by Huston is the “Four Noble Truths”, to wit: (1) life is suffering; (2) that selfish desire is apparently the cause of pain; (3) that there is hope to be released from suffering; and (4) and that the cure to end pain and suffering is commitment to the Eightfold Path (right knowledge, right aspiration, right speech, right behavior, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right absorption) (Smith). What is noteworthy with the lessons learned from these particular themes from Buddhism is its clarity and accurateness in defining what needs to be done to prevent the occurrence of pain and suffering. One therefore observed and deduced that just like the theme from Hinduism, these themes relay messages on the techniques and strategies that must be done to release a person from pain and suffering. Therefore, both religions acknowledge the presence of suffering (Buddhism) and plagues (Hinduism). Likewise, for religions like Catholics and Christianity, the cause of suffering and pain is committing sin of which the Ten Commandments were given as the religious laws for rightful behavior. The Eightfold Path of Buddhism could be integrated in other religions in terms of universality of concepts of teaching what is morally, ethically and legally right. When all actions and communications conform to the right path, then ultimately, pain and suffering could indeed be avoided since people would be expected to observe the right behavior at all times. What is commendable with Buddhism is that Buddha, identified to be the promulgator of this religious belief acknowledged that he is not a God. Unlike in other religions, there is a divine power or being that is continually being worshipped and honored by religious practitioners. Islam believes in Allah; while Christians and Catholics believe in the Divine Trinity. Theme from Taoism From the themes discussed on Taoism, the theme that moved one most was the “Three Meanings of Tao” which is synonymous with way or paths of life. As expounded, the three ways or paths are: the way of ultimate reality; the way of the universe and the way of life (Smith). Again, as observed, Taoism is similar with other world religions in terms of trying to define the right path of life – a life free from suffering and pain. However, its definition of the paths or ways of life differs in terms of providing complex definitions terms such as the way being transcendent or that it exceeds the capacity to reach and grasp the senses. In addition, the path was noted to be immanent or manifesting it as the norm, the rhythm and the paramount driving power of all things. Finally, the way was also emphasized as the rules by which one is governed and directed to live. Unlike the two previously discussed religions, the theme of Taoism in describing the paths or way of life failed to provide clear and accurate directions; unlike Hinduism and Buddhism. The rationale for this could be due to the difficulty of identifying the man behind the Tao (Smith). Thereby, as a religion, it focuses beyond man and society and therefore provides more profound teachings that are not easy to grasp. Theme from Islam One of the most popular themes of one’s religion, Islam, is the Five Pillars: the Islam Creed, prayer, charity, observance of Ramadan, and pilgrimage (Smith). In deeper perspectives, these pillars provide the direction towards observing living in the right path of life. As one learned from the world religions, Islam shares universal teachings of peace, living in harmony, respect for other religions and observing the teachings and practices needed for appropriate and right behavior. Just like the teachings and themes in Hinduism and Buddhism, the Five Pillars are most accurate in defining what specific activities need to be observed to avoid pain and suffering. Likewise, the teaching of charity provides opportunities for practitioners of Islam to share their blessings to others. When done in conjunction with the other pillars, especially through devout and religious prayers, Muslims are ensured of salvation in eternal life. As noted and learned through practice, actions on earth determine one’s fate in an eternal afterlife. Therefore, Muslims observe the Five Pillars religiously and devoutly. The topics that were found to be inspiring touched on detailing actions and behaviors that individuals should take to follow the right path of life. These guiding paths were revealed in the theme from Hinduism, Buddhism and even in Taoism, in addition to being clear through the Five Pillars of Islam. One therefore realized that the universal objective of respective religions focus on doing what is right to prevent suffering and pain and to be ultimately given the chance to live a happy and peaceful eternal afterlife. Works Cited Smith, Huston. The Worlds Religions: Our Great Wisdom Traditions. Harper Collins, 1991. Print. Read More