PHI - Lesson 3: The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit

Hinduism

the idea of human beings’ journey for absolute truth so that one’s soul and the Brahman might be one

Brahman or Atman

what Hindus consider as the god form from which all reality and all souls ultimately come from and will return

Aum (Om)

the most sacred sound; the root of the universe

1. karma

2. liberation of spirit

3. samsara

Hindu beliefs (3)

moksha

liberation

jiva

spirit

samsara

the endless cycle of birth and death in which spirits are continually reincarnated into a new life after the end of their previous one; can be broken by achieving enlightenment

karma

the concept that any action or thought will directly result in a fitting consequence in the present or future life state

dharma

vaguely means natural law, duty, moral order, right conduct, or role in the universe

dharma

way to salvation

ultimate liberation

freedom from rebirth

moksha

an enlightened state wherein one attains one’s true selfhood and finds oneself reunited with Brahman, the Ultimate Reality

true knowledge

vidya

true knowledge

consists of an understanding and realization of the individual’s real self

mantra

the utterance of syllables or words in a melodic way, which is believed to have spiritual power and can bring the person to a higher spiritual awareness

Hindus

they use mantras during rituals while worshipping gods

Buddhists

they use mantras as a meditation exercise to help the mind focus on certain things and let go of attachments

Hindus

they have varying purposes for meditations including physical, mental, and spiritual enhancement

Buddhist

they see meditation as a means of self-edification and attaining nirvana

Prince Siddharta Gautama

aka the Buddha; the founder of Buddhism

1. right spiritual attitudes

2. discipline

3. transcendence

4. rejecting philosophical speculations

Buddha’s dharma or way to salvation (4)

Eightfold Path

one of the most important teachings of Buddhism that is believed to help a person achieve nirvana and release him/her from the cycle of rebirth

right view, right resolve, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right samadhi

the 8 practices in the Eightfold Pathni

nirvana

enlightened wisdom of complete selflessness

(characteristics of) Buddhism

1. denies the existence of an eternal soul

2. emphasizes on sufferings in the existing world

3. believes in attaining nirvana through four noble truths and Eightfold path

4. reasons as to why one should seek a God which nobody is aware of

(characteristics of) Hinduism

1. based on the concept of atman & Brahman

2. believes that one can enjoy divine bliss through moksha

3. believes that there are several ways one can reach to God

4. believes in the existence of several gods