Eastern Religions

Most religions are based on the premise that something is wrong with the world that impedes the realization of our ultimate objective, happiness. The phrase the human predicament is a technical term used in theology referring to this mortal physical existence in time as opposed to eternal divine existence outside time. It reflects the truth that unlike other species, humans are keenly aware that suffering and injustice permeate this temporalIs a technical term used in theology referring to this mortal physical existence in time as opposed to eternal divine existence outside of time. more existence. Religions generally strive to 1) make sense out of people aspiring to an ideal temporalIs a technical term used in theology referring to this mortal physical existence in time as opposed to eternal divine existence outside of time. more existence that is beyond their reach and 2) explain the presence of evil and injustice that plagues every community.1

Eastern religions generally deal with the human predicament by asserting that the real problem we face is maya, which is a term referring to humans’ universal illusion of reality and our need to completely reintegrate with the eternal essencethe English word generally used for the Greek term ousia, that is also translated as “being” or “substance” and refers to that which makes something what it is such as human nature is the essence of a human being. This... more. This is achieved either through mokshaA Hindu term referring to one’s release from the cycle of existence and realization of the ultimate goal for Hinduism. more, a term referring to the ultimate goal in Hinduism of realizing release from the cycle of existence through reunification with the eternal essencethe English word generally used for the Greek term ousia, that is also translated as “being” or “substance” and refers to that which makes something what it is such as human nature is the essence of a human being. This... more, or by obtaining the blissful state of nirvanaThe ultimate goal in most Eastern religions referring to the end of the cycle of existence in the phenomenal world. This term in primarily associated with Buddhism, that teaches it is achieved through the extinction of the fire of life... more, the ultimate goal in Buddhism, referring to extinguishing the cycle of existence in this sensory world.2

Hinduism

The oldest recorded major world religion is Hinduism. Even though Hinduism did not play a direct role in the development of Christianity, the dominance of its precepts in the East was so great that they spilled over beyond the boundaries of its adherents to influence religious and philosophical thought of people who interacted with early Christians.

Hinduism recognizes 330 million gods and includes hundreds of religious traditions that vary greatly from one another. However, they are linked through a general worldview based on, 1) the lawIs a fundamental concept of Luthernism and is contrasted by Luther with the Gospel. For Luther, the law consists of God’s commands regarding how one should live which no one can fully obey. Consequently, the law functions to condemn and... more of karmaA core belief of most Eastern religions that eternal justice is realized through a process where one’s actions directly relate to one’s future station in the eternal cycle of death and rebirth. more; 2) the cycle of existence consisting of creation, dissolution and re-creation; and 3) potential release from the illusion of existence through reintegration with the ultimate reality or spiritual essencethe English word generally used for the Greek term ousia, that is also translated as “being” or “substance” and refers to that which makes something what it is such as human nature is the essence of a human being. This... more called “Brahman.”

Karma is basically the moral application of what westerners call the law of cause and effect and is expressed more accurately in the East as the lawIs a fundamental concept of Luthernism and is contrasted by Luther with the Gospel. For Luther, the law consists of God’s commands regarding how one should live which no one can fully obey. Consequently, the law functions to condemn and... more of deed and result. At its essencethe English word generally used for the Greek term ousia, that is also translated as “being” or “substance” and refers to that which makes something what it is such as human nature is the essence of a human being. This... more, Karma is a lawIs a fundamental concept of Luthernism and is contrasted by Luther with the Gospel. For Luther, the law consists of God’s commands regarding how one should live which no one can fully obey. Consequently, the law functions to condemn and... more of justice that connects one’s actions with one’s future condition in the reoccurring process of life, death and rebirth. Karma answers the question of why bad things appear to happen by asserting that the universe is simply executing eternal justice that we do not see.

Eastern religions are centered on the cycle of existence (“samsara”) that resets every four billion years. Everyone has a soul essence (“atman”) that is part of the eternal essence, Brahman, which is the only thing that is actually real. Humans are trapped in the illusion (“maya”) of a physical realm through an ongoing cycle of existence where we are subject to the law of karma.

The ultimate goal of each individual is to escape the illusion of physical existence through reunification with the brahman (the essencethe English word generally used for the Greek term ousia, that is also translated as “being” or “substance” and refers to that which makes something what it is such as human nature is the essence of a human being. This... more of reality) by obtaining full consciousness known as “mokshaA Hindu term referring to one’s release from the cycle of existence and realization of the ultimate goal for Hinduism. more.” This is realized through a multi-life process of aligning the essencethe English word generally used for the Greek term ousia, that is also translated as “being” or “substance” and refers to that which makes something what it is such as human nature is the essence of a human being. This... more of one’s soul with its eternal essencethe English word generally used for the Greek term ousia, that is also translated as “being” or “substance” and refers to that which makes something what it is such as human nature is the essence of a human being. This... more. To some extent, all of Hinduism’s numerous gods act as icons pointing the way to this ultimate reality.3

The concept of creation emerging from a primal substance or cosmic egg creating a semblance of order out of chaos is found in many Hindu traditions, along with myths of creation resulting from the sexual union of a primal male and female. These traditions were widely embraced and modified by tribal societies and civilizations in the middle east leading to sexual rituals that were condemned by the Jewish and Christian religions.

Buddhism

Buddhism is a major religion that spun off from Hinduism and retains some of its core tenets such as the lawIs a fundamental concept of Luthernism and is contrasted by Luther with the Gospel. For Luther, the law consists of God’s commands regarding how one should live which no one can fully obey. Consequently, the law functions to condemn and... more of karmaA core belief of most Eastern religions that eternal justice is realized through a process where one’s actions directly relate to one’s future station in the eternal cycle of death and rebirth. more and the cycle of existence. However, it rejects the concept of Brahman and a soul essencethe English word generally used for the Greek term ousia, that is also translated as “being” or “substance” and refers to that which makes something what it is such as human nature is the essence of a human being. This... more in humans. Individuality does not exist beyond death but the essencethe English word generally used for the Greek term ousia, that is also translated as “being” or “substance” and refers to that which makes something what it is such as human nature is the essence of a human being. This... more migrates similar to one flame kindling another. Instead of seeking complete integration with the ultimate reality, Buddhists’ objective is to escape this cycle of transmigration through a release of all desire so the flame of attachment can be extinguished to realize the peace and stillness of non-existence (“nirvanaThe ultimate goal in most Eastern religions referring to the end of the cycle of existence in the phenomenal world. This term in primarily associated with Buddhism, that teaches it is achieved through the extinction of the fire of life... more”).

Buddhist theology is based on the premise that all existence is suffering which comes from desire, which leads to attachment to transient things such as people, status and things. Consequently, life is enmeshed with loss and disappointment. Seeking fulfillment through attachment to temporalIs a technical term used in theology referring to this mortal physical existence in time as opposed to eternal divine existence outside of time. more existence is the big lie about reality. Following Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path to enlightenment enables disciples to let go of desire and attachment to realize joy and eventual fulfillment in a transcendent state of nothingness, nirvanaThe ultimate goal in most Eastern religions referring to the end of the cycle of existence in the phenomenal world. This term in primarily associated with Buddhism, that teaches it is achieved through the extinction of the fire of life... more. This path consists of following eight steps consisting of right view, right aspiration, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right contemplation.4

Some of these Hindu and Buddhist concepts are similar to the teaching of Christian mystics that we will be explored in subsequent chapters.

Sikhism

Like Buddhism, Sikhism is a distinct religion that emerged from Hinduism and has grown to become a major world religion. Sikhism is a mix of monotheism and panentheism. It is founded on Hinduism but incorporates aspects of IslamIs one of the three Abrahamic religions (Christianity and Judaism the other two) that stresses the importance of the only one true God and man’s forgetfulness as source of sin. The religion was founded by Muhammad in the early 7th... more, Buddhism, and Greek philosophical concepts found in Christianity, along with ideas found in mystic traditions such as Islamic Sufism. Sikhism is a relatively new religious traditionThis word comes from a Latin term meaning “to hand down,” that originally referred to the teaching of the apostles as handed down in the churches they founded, which led to these churches gaining authority of other locations due to... more that grew out of the teachings of Guru Nanak in the fifteenth century, and nine gurus who succeeded him over the following two hundred years.

Sikhs believe in one god, Waheguru (literally, the wondrous teacher), who, like Plato’s concept of the Good, is beyond time and space, invisible and incomprehensible, and the formless creator and source of all things. “There is one supreme being, the eternal reality, the creator, without fear and devoid of enmity, immortal, never incarnated, self-existent, known by graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more through the true Guru.”5 This deity is also referred to as “the one supreme reality,” “the one creator,” and “the all-pervading spirit,” expressing the concept of a god that has diffused itself to create existence but remains unified with creation.6 Accordingly, Sikhs believe in the mutual coexistence of the temporalIs a technical term used in theology referring to this mortal physical existence in time as opposed to eternal divine existence outside of time. more and spiritual realms. Even though Sikhism’s god has no gender, metaphorically, it is often referred to as masculine and its power as feminine. For example, all humans are soul brides who long for their husband Lord.7

Similar to Hinduism and Greek philosophy, humans naturally seek and will realize fulfillment through union with their creator. This is achieved by living an “active, creative, and practical life” of “truthfulness, fidelity, self-control and purity,” to become a personDerived from the Latin term persona and the Greek term prosopon. It is a technical term in Christian theology for the concept that the Trinity consist of three separate persons united as one essence with one of the persons (the... more who “establishes union with God, knows His Will, and carries out that Will.”8 Hence, striving to live a good moral life in reality is a higher calling than seeking vague metaphysical truth. However, faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more, meditation, and music play significant roles in Sikhism. A personDerived from the Latin term persona and the Greek term prosopon. It is a technical term in Christian theology for the concept that the Trinity consist of three separate persons united as one essence with one of the persons (the... more reconnects with the divine through their selfless search for truth and learning. Through the accumulation of truth, they realize that the consciousness within them is the ultimate teacher (“guru”), the voice of the spirit and the guide to liberation and reunion with the divine, which is salvation. So our body provides the means to connect with truth because the creator is universally immanent throughout creation. As the truth resonates within us, we are able to understand and appreciate the essencethe English word generally used for the Greek term ousia, that is also translated as “being” or “substance” and refers to that which makes something what it is such as human nature is the essence of a human being. This... more of the holy books from all religions. Consequently, Sikhs reject the idea that any specific religion has a monopoly on ultimate truth. Additionally, because of the divine unity of humanity, Sikhs strive to establish universal equality, justice, and prosperity.

Similar to Hinduism, Sikhism incorporates a concept of maya, but unlike Hinduism, which defines maya as our whole temporalIs a technical term used in theology referring to this mortal physical existence in time as opposed to eternal divine existence outside of time. more existence being an illusion, Sikhism equates the illusion of maya with worldly attractions that temporarily satisfy our desires or the disillusionment created by pain and heartache, both of which distract us from true devotion to God. Humans’ main challenge in life is to conquer maya’s five thieves that distract us. These are the influences of lust, greed, ego, anger, and attachment. Sikhs believe that we currently live in an age of darkness because the world has gone astray by its attachment to maya. This situation can only be remedied by overcoming the five thieves that separate us from God through arduous and persistent devotion.

Sikhs also believe in reincarnation and karmaA core belief of most Eastern religions that eternal justice is realized through a process where one’s actions directly relate to one’s future station in the eternal cycle of death and rebirth. more, similar to followers of Hinduism and Buddhism, but they are subject to the power of God’s graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more that saves them. Sikhs believe that we can draw closer to God and access His graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more to be liberated from the cycles of reincarnation by avoiding maya and overcoming the five thieves that distracts us from discovering truth, helping others, meditating on the name of God, singing sacred hymns, and associating with people who live in truth. Sikhism also incorporates the unique doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more of Miri Piri, which represents the union of spiritual and temporal powerRefers to the worldly political power of kings, princes and magistrates in contrast to the spiritual power of the clergy and is sometimes referred to as the “temporal sword” that administers justice in the temporal world. This distinction was important... more.

Taoism

Taoism (also call Daoism) is a philosophy that is also referred to as a religion by some people. It originated with the philosopher Lao Tzu around 500 BCE. Its primary teaching is the importance of living in balance with the universe. This is realized by following the way (Tao or Dao), which means much more than just a path to follow. It more fully refers to the universe and nature itself and the pattern and substance of everything that exists. Taoism does not believe in an omnipotent being who created and controls the cosmos, but that the universe sprang from a universal impersonal essencethe English word generally used for the Greek term ousia, that is also translated as “being” or “substance” and refers to that which makes something what it is such as human nature is the essence of a human being. This... more (Tao), which continues to guide existence on its way. However, Taoists believe that humans have a spirit that will reunite with the universe upon death.

One can discover how to navigate through life in balance with the Tao through the wisdom expressed in a collection of simple sayings contained in its main book, the Tao Te Ching (also Dao De Ching). These concise maxims provide guidelines on how to simplify life and achieve harmony in what may appear to be a complex world. The following four quotes provide an insight into the essencethe English word generally used for the Greek term ousia, that is also translated as “being” or “substance” and refers to that which makes something what it is such as human nature is the essence of a human being. This... more to Taoism philosophy.

Simplicity, patience, compassion are your greatest treasures. Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being. Patient with both friends and enemies, you accord with the way things are. Compassionate toward yourself, you reconcile all beings in the world.9

“When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.” This quote exemplifies the key Taoist concept of wu wei, which means natural nonintervention or what some people refer to as going with the flow. Instead of trying to force our way through life, we should simply allow things to take their natural course. Taoism explains how one should act in accordance with the alternating cycles of nature in order to remain in balance with the universe, thus realizing peace and fulfillment.

This is also achieved by following this instruction in the Tao Te Ching: “If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve.” In other words, let things go. Similar to Buddhism, Taoism emphasizes that change and death are the only constants in this material world, and attachment to temporalIs a technical term used in theology referring to this mortal physical existence in time as opposed to eternal divine existence outside of time. more things leads to disappointment and the loss of peace and harmony.

The last pillar of Taoist philosophy is harmony, as expressed in this quote from the Tao Te Ching: “Tao produce unity. Unity splits into two. Two gives birth to three. Three produces everything. Everything carries Yin and embraces Yang. Yin and Yang work together to make harmony.” The concept of yin (female, shade) and yang (male, sun, and light) describes nature as two opposite, complementary, and interdependent forces working together to create harmony. Yin and yang always flow and change together over time. As one aspect increases and the other decreases, the two halves balance each other to make a whole. Learning how to be flexible and live in balance with these forces in an ever-changing world brings the greatest opportunity to realize peace and happiness.10

Confucius

Confucius’s teachings have been the bedrock of Chinese culture for millennia and were so ingrained that they survived Mao’s cultural revolution despite its efforts to eradicate them from society. Confucius presented a systematic philosophical approach to important social, political, and ethical issues. He taught that communal harmony could be realized through his vision modeled on family and traditionThis word comes from a Latin term meaning “to hand down,” that originally referred to the teaching of the apostles as handed down in the churches they founded, which led to these churches gaining authority of other locations due to... more and that education was key to transforming individuals and society.

Confucius was born when the historically unified Chinese society had collapsed into chaos with multiple independent warring states. In his early twenties, Confucius embarked on his life mission to find a solution to the distress surrounding him. He looked to the past to help find answers to his quest. Confucius recognized that the mutual assent found in the family structure and traditionThis word comes from a Latin term meaning “to hand down,” that originally referred to the teaching of the apostles as handed down in the churches they founded, which led to these churches gaining authority of other locations due to... more provided the model to solve societal ills, not intimidation and the sword. The family hierarchal structure with husband, wife, eldest son, children, and siblings established a stable environment in which everyone knew their place and responsibility. Affection and care were directed downward while respect and loyalty were directed upward, all founded on loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more. Through this arrangement, individuals developed the admirable characteristics of obedience, duty, honesty, and loyalty, which were necessary for a harmonious society.

To facilitate the broader acceptance of this model, Confucius reinterpreted and stressed the importance of past rituals involved with ancestor worship. Attention to the details and precision of execution focused the mind and soul on the beauty of the symbolism, the harmony between the physical and the spiritual realms, and the peace one can realize. Sincerely performing these rituals would bring out virtuous feelings that could transform individuals from the inside out to become a virtuous personDerived from the Latin term persona and the Greek term prosopon. It is a technical term in Christian theology for the concept that the Trinity consist of three separate persons united as one essence with one of the persons (the... more. These formal rituals involving service to one’s loved ancestors was the way to point one’s mind and soul to eternal truths needed for a stable and orderly society. They helped individuals know how they should treat others based on the idea that “what you do not wish for yourself, don’t do to others.” 11

Confucius taught that a harmonious society was only possible if its culture was based on mutual respect, and individuals did not interfere with or inconvenience others. He emphasized a practical application of his teachings instead of the ethereal ideas found in Taoism. The way to harmony was not some cosmic intangible force but was found in learning and applying true principles in daily life at the individual, family, and community levels. The concept of Ren, roughly translated as humanity and is centered on the individual’s relationship with others, was the ultimate virtue and one’s life quest. Its key concept is that one’s charactercomes from a Latin word that basically means an “indelible mark” like a tattoo. Under Roman Catholic theology, this word is a term of art that refers to an indelible mark made on the soul by the sacraments of baptism,... more develops through positive social interaction, empathy, and compassion. The root to goodness and wisdom is within reach, and anyone can attain the status of a Junzi, the ultimate ideal moral gentleman, through devoted effort to improve their interactions with others.

Confucius strongly believed that education was the key to transforming society, and its rulers needed to take an active part in exemplifying and teaching individuals how to be good, even in the midst of upheaval. He believed in a meritocracy in which the most moral individuals should be selected to be rulers and officials, and the choice should not be based on heredity or nepotism.

Confucius collected seventy devoted students and traveled throughout China spreading his teachings. He was disappointed and felt he was a failure when he died in his seventies because no ruler had adopted his teachings. However, that soon changed and his teachings became the foundation of the Han dynasty and Chinese culture thereafter.12

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