Moksha, Atman, Brahman and Samsara: Hindu-Buddhist Concepts
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Moksha, Atman, Brahman and Samsara
Moksha
Moksha — means liberation. Path of renunciation (what people really want). Being, knowledge, joy.
Atman and Brahman
Atman (hidden self) — Brahman (creator). We must cleanse ourselves of pain, frustration, boredom to find this already divine, existing nature. We are seeking this eternal truth.
Sanatana Dharma
Sanatana Dharma — (external truth). See Sanatana Dharma. Set of duties / religious practices:
- Honesty
- Do not injure living beings
- Purity
- Goodwill
- Mercy
- Patience
- Self-restraint
- Generosity
Raja Yoga
Raja Yoga — realization of Brahman through psychophysical exercise. Takes determination and consistent practice. Use the mind to go to a higher level. A form of meditation. Buddha sat under the Bodhi tree / remained immobile for days.
Jivas and Reincarnation
Jivas — individual souls come from water (chaos, universe) through illumination (order, liberation), then reincarnate / transmigrate from body to body (known as samsara) until the best home or host is found through the test of karma.
Samsara
Samsara — the cycle of death and rebirth to which life in the material world is bound.
Sikh
Sikh — disciples.
Guru
Guru — gu (dispeller of ignorance), ru (bringer of enlightenment). A sect of Hinduism begun by Guru Nanak in 1500 CE. A spiritual teacher, especially one who imparts initiation.
Shiva
Shiva — godhead as destroyer. Most temples devoted to Shiva. Part of the Holy Trinity. Also protector of the Vedas (religious texts).
Dukkha
Dukkha — part of the Four Noble Truths. Life is suffering (seven sufferings of life).
Tanha
Tanha — life is desire (we suffer because we are selfish). The hope of overcoming Tanha. Thirst. Craving. Desire.
Nirvana
Nirvana — "to extinguish" the boundaries of the finite self. Nirvana may be achieved by causation through several hosts and lifetimes.
Skandhas
Skandhas — components of the human self that hang together loosely to form the "heap" of the body.
Mahayana
Mahayana — the "big raft" / karuṇa (compassion).
Theravada
Theravada — the "little raft" / bodhi (wisdom).
Satori and Zen Practice
Satori — sudden enlightenment / awakening (comprehension; understanding). Zazen — seated meditation. Koan — mind riddles beyond logic. Sanzen — consultation with a roshi. Mystical experience or "ah-ha." Once satori has been reached, then true Zen begins.