| Nor do the
other religions simply say what Hinduism states but with different words. Hinduism has its
metaphysics of karma and rebirth, which is quite unlike the heaven-hell doctrines of
Christianity and Islam. Hinduism views liberation, Self-realization or communion with God
as the highest goal, not merely salvation from sin which is the Christian view.
Hinduism emphasizes spiritual experience, gained through
self-discipline, Yoga and meditation. It does not look to prayer, good works or conversion
of others as the answer to the human problem, or mere belief in a particular religion and
its dogma as being capable of changing our consciousness.
While it is true that there have been Christian and Islamic
mystics who have views or practices akin to the Hindu and engaged in the inner quest,
these individuals have been exceptions, were generally persecuted and rejected, and
represent very little of what goes on in the name of these religions today. |
