Hindu Theology

moksha

  • “Release”

  • Release from this ordinary, finite, limited realm of existence into the infinite ocean of the divine

  • Our illusions of an individual existence are replaced with a perfect unity with ALL

  • Takes MANY lifetimes to achieve - reincarnation

monism

the doctrine that all reality is ultimately ONE

Brahman

  • the common essence of all reality

  • Can only be discovered through contemplation

Upanishads

Main scriptures for Jnana Marga

Atman

  • the eternal Self, the ultimate reality within

samsara

  • “wheel of rebirth”, the individual is reincarnated from one life-form to another

  • Continue until Moksha

Bhagavad-Gita

“One who neither hates nor desires” - Bhagavad Gita

sannyasin

wandering ascetic

ascetic

kama

sensual, physical pleasure

artha

Material success

Karma Marga

The Path of Works

  • Centered on dharma & unselfishness

Jnana Marga

The Path of Knowledge

  • Shortest but hardest path to moksha

  • Not only learning, but experiencing oneness with Brahman

Vedanta

All reality is essentially one

Through meditation we can EXPERIENCE this truth

maya

illusion

Sankya

  • Selves get entwined with matter, and bound to the world of samsara

  • We work to free ourselves from samsara

Yoga

Deep meditation that aims at experiencing our TRUE nature

samadhi

  • experience of ONENESS while in DEEP meditation

  • Trancelike state

Diwali 

  • festival of lights that celebrates the victory of light over darkness

Holi

  • Hindu festival that celebrates the arrival of spring, love, and new beginnings. It's also known as the "Festival of Colors".