Getting Familiar with Hindu Philosophic Terminology

Spiritual laws that govern human existence form the basis of Sanatana dharma or Hinduism, as it is more popularly known. Sanatana means universal and dharma can best be translated as ‘righteousness’ in this context.  These laws have universal applicability with a few underlying concepts that run as a common thread through all the perceived differences in Hinduism. An underlying belief in the rebirth of the human soul forms the basis of several of these concepts. 

A few abstract concepts

Moksha, a much bandied about word, is the goal of human existence according to Hinduism. Moksha is described as an exalted state reached by the human soul after release from the cycle of birth and death. Interpretations of the exalted state of Moksha, or Nirvana as it is also called, vary.  This is where differences creep in and are visible as different Hindu sects.

The word atman is used to identify the soul in a living being. This word has an Indo-European root and is derived from “et-men” which means breath – the very essence of life. The atman is one’s true Self, which continues to exist even after the body ceases to exist. The body is a vehicle that the atman uses to live out a cycle of birth and death. Release from this cycle enables the atman to attain moksha.

The spiritual laws of Hinduism also lay down the path to be followed for the atman to attain moksha. This path or method is called dharma and a life lived according to dharma will obliterate the cause of rebirth. Living life according to dharma means recognition of duties as per your role in life and performing those with the right mental attitude. Sounds like a new-age management mantra, right?

Belief in what causes rebirth ties up all these concepts together. The ‘blame’ is placed on desires that crowd a person’s mind. Every action that is performed has the capacity to generate further desires; however, actions performed in true dharmic spirit will ensure that there is no further build-up of desires, thus paving the way to moksha. This cause and effect principle is called karma, a popular Hindu concept.

To sum up the abstract concept of Hinduism – karmic repercussions cause the atman to be caught in a seemingly endless cycle of birth and death; living life according to dharma helps the atman negate karmic repercussions and attain moksha.

Tangibles leading to the intangibles

Not everybody can relate to abstract concepts. Something tangible is needed by most of us, especially if it is to be followed on a day-to-day basis. Hinduism seems to understand this need, which is why you see meditation, idol worship, myriad rituals and even music and dance as part of the spiritual pursuit.

A mandala is a symbolic depiction of the cosmos, trying to bridge the gap between the abstract and actual perception. It is a spiritual teaching tool and is used an aid to meditation. The rudraksha – berries of an evergreen broad-leaved tree – is another such tool.  Garlands with 108 rudrakshas are used to aid chanting. The beads help in keeping count of the number of times a mantra is chanted.

Meditation – a tool which when used properly calms the mind and enables it to function more efficiently – has always been a part of worship across all Hindu sects. Ancient Hindu texts tell us about the existence of a subtle body wherever there is a physical body. Chakras are energy centers in the subtle body.  Practices like mantra chanting and meditation are believed to cleanse and energize these energy centers. The effect of this cleansing and energizing permeates to the physical body, making it more energetic both physically and mentally.

A calm mind in an energetic body is the goal of all ritualistic practices of Hinduism. Once this goal is achieved, recognition of one’s dharma comes easily, bringing the spiritual goal of moksha closer.