Hindu Theology emphasizes self as inherently liberated; however, suffering due to ignorance prevents humans from living a liberated life. Chapter 4 in A Hindu Theology of Liberation explores “The Liberated Life” and the challenges of achieving this state by examining the causes of suffering, the consequences of ignorance, and how love, compassion, and generosity exhibit actions of liberation. “The Liberated Life” not only helps define how liberation is reached in Hinduism, but also helped me reflect on how this concept applies to my life. The first obstacle in achieving a liberated life was suffering, which resulted from self-insufficiency and improper understanding of one’s self. The egocentric, finite pursuits of wealth, fame, and power
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Growing up in the Christian faith, I was taught about the perils of greed. For example, in Matthew 6:24, the Bible states, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” For Christians, greed prevents humans from having a relationship with God. Similarly in Hinduism, greed impedes liberation. This evil of greed is defeated through compassion and generosity towards others for both Hindus and Christians. Interestingly, the concept of desire is where these religions diverge. This difference is what truly resonated with me. Having desires is not harmful in Hinduism, unless the desire causes harm to others, since we are all interconnected. Reflecting on my desire to attend medical school helped me understand this concept. In Hinduism, my desire to attend medical school in order to serve others is in accordance with a liberated life. However, if my desire was instead motivated by the money and prestige therefore putting my desire of becoming a doctor before others needs, this becomes a greedy desire preventing liberation. In contrast, human desire is considered sinful in many Christian traditions, because desire can lead to sinful actions. Therefore, if my desire to attend medical school makes me envious of others who are accepted, this is sinful in
Growing up in the Christian faith, I was taught about the perils of greed. For example, in Matthew 6:24, the Bible states, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” For Christians, greed prevents humans from having a relationship with God. Similarly in Hinduism, greed impedes liberation. This evil of greed is defeated through compassion and generosity towards others for both Hindus and Christians. Interestingly, the concept of desire is where these religions diverge. This difference is what truly resonated with me. Having desires is not harmful in Hinduism, unless the desire causes harm to others, since we are all interconnected. Reflecting on my desire to attend medical school helped me understand this concept. In Hinduism, my desire to attend medical school in order to serve others is in accordance with a liberated life. However, if my desire was instead motivated by the money and prestige therefore putting my desire of becoming a doctor before others needs, this becomes a greedy desire preventing liberation. In contrast, human desire is considered sinful in many Christian traditions, because desire can lead to sinful actions. Therefore, if my desire to attend medical school makes me envious of others who are accepted, this is sinful in