Freedom Is Not the Same as Freedom - Part three - Hinduism
The third part of Freedom is not the same as Freedom; how different cultures understand freedom. We in the West tend to believe that our understanding of freedom is the highest form, but that's only a high form of ignorance, to think this way. In fact, most people in the world interpret freedom differently. If you still have not read the first and second part of Freedom Is Not the Same as Freedom - [Part One, click here]. Where the European and Chinese viewpoints are described, [Part Two click here] and here is the Buddhist vision.
How we describe the different views in different cultures will only give a rough overview, focusing on the different views of freedom. In a global world where the Internet is omnipresent, the understanding of freedom is, of course, changing rapidly, but the basic understanding is still strongly influenced by the socio-cultural context.
Freedom in Hindu Philosophy
In Hindu philosophy, the concept of freedom, or Moksha, is a central tenet that deeply influences the spiritual and cultural framework of Indian society. Unlike the predominantly external focus on freedom in the West or the collective emphasis in Chinese traditions, Hinduism views freedom primarily as liberation from the cycle of Samsara—the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, similar to the Buddhist vision. Having in mind that both Hinduism and Buddhism have the same cultural origin. This freedom is not about political or individual liberties, but about achieving ultimate spiritual liberation.
The Essence of Moksha
Moksha, derived from the Sanskrit root _muk_ (to free), represents the highest goal of human life in Hindu philosophy. It is one of the four Purushartha (goals of life), alongside Dharma (righteous duty), Artha (material prosperity), and Kama (desires and pleasures)[^1]. However, while the other three goals pertain to worldly existence, Moksha transcends the material realm and signifies liberation from the constraints of human life.
Moksha is not merely freedom from suffering, but freedom from all dualities—pain and pleasure, success and failure, life and death. It is the realization of one's true nature, which is eternal, infinite, and inseparable from the ultimate reality, Brahman, which is described as infinite consciousness, existence, and bliss (_Sat-Chit-Ananda_).
In practical terms, Moksha is the dissolution of the ego and the understanding that the individual self (Atman)[^2] is not separate from Brahman, the universal consciousness. This non-duality (Advaita)[^3] is at the heart of many Hindu teachings.
Paths to Freedom: The Yogas
Hindu philosophy outlines multiple paths to achieve Moksha, recognizing the diversity of individual temperaments and inclinations. These paths, often called Yogas, provide a framework for spiritual liberation:
1. Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge):
This path emphasizes intellectual inquiry and self-realization. It involves studying scriptures, such as the Upanishads, and meditating on the unity of Atman and Brahman.
Knowledge here is not intellectual accumulation but a transformative understanding that dispels ignorance (Avidya), the root of bondage.
2. Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion):
For those with a devotional temperament, Bhakti Yoga offers freedom through complete surrender to a personal deity (e.g., Krishna, Shiva, or Vishnu).
The ego dissolves in love and devotion, leading to a state where the devotee feels unity with the divine.
3. Karma Yoga (Path of Action):
Karma Yoga advocates selfless action without attachment to results. By acting in accordance with Dharma and renouncing the fruits of one’s actions, individuals purify their minds and gradually transcend worldly concerns.
4. Raja Yoga (Path of Meditation):
Often associated with Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, this path involves mental discipline, meditation, and practices like _Asanas_ (postures) and _Pranayama_ (breath control) to still the mind and perceive ultimate reality.
Freedom and Dharma
In Hinduism, freedom is intricately linked with Dharma, the moral order of the universe. While Moksha is the ultimate goal, the path to it is paved by fulfilling one’s Dharma—be it as a student, householder, or ascetic. This intertwining of freedom and duty reflects a nuanced view: freedom is not a rejection of worldly responsibilities, but a transcendence of their binding nature.
Relative and Absolute Freedom
Hindu philosophy distinguishes between two kinds of freedom:
1. Relative Freedom:
This pertains to the worldly plane, where individuals seek freedom from social, economic, or political constraints. While these freedoms are important, they are not the ultimate aim in Hindu thought.
2. Absolute Freedom:
This is Moksha—the realization that the individual self is eternal and untouched by worldly limitations. It is a state of pure being, beyond dualities and distinctions.
Karma and Freedom
The doctrine of Karma (action and its consequences) plays a significant role in the Hindu understanding of freedom. According to this principle, every action leaves an imprint on the soul, creating a cycle of cause and effect that binds individuals to Samsara. Moksha is achieved by exhausting this Karma, either through righteous living or through the grace of the divine.
Interconnectedness in Hindu Thought
Hinduism, like Buddhism, emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings. While Buddhism focuses on _Pratītyasamutpāda_ (dependent origination), Hinduism expresses this interconnectedness through the concept of Brahman as the ultimate reality that pervades everything. Individual freedom is thus inseparable from the cosmic order. Recognizing this unity is central to attaining Moksha.
Freedom as Liberation from Maya
In Hindu philosophy, the world we perceive is considered Maya—an illusion that obscures the ultimate truth of unity with Brahman. Freedom is the ability to see beyond this illusion and realize the eternal nature of existence. This understanding of freedom challenges the Western notion of autonomy and individuality, suggesting that true liberation lies in recognizing the illusory nature of separateness.
Compassion and Freedom
While Hinduism focuses on individual liberation, compassion (_Karuna_) is a natural outcome of spiritual progress. Saints and sages who attain Moksha often dedicate their lives to guiding others. This aligns with the idea of a Jivanmukta, a person who achieves liberation while still alive and works for the betterment of all beings.
Footnotes
[^1]: The term "**Kama**" is a crucial concept in Hindu philosophy, representing the pursuit of desires, pleasures, and sensory enjoyments within a balanced framework. As one of the four Purusharthas (goals of life), alongside Dharma (ethical duty), Artha (material success), and Moksha (spiritual liberation), Kama is acknowledged as an essential aspect of human experience. It signifies the importance of embracing love, passion, and worldly fulfillment as part of a meaningful life. In contrast, "Karma" refers to the principle of action and its consequences, forming the foundation of the cause-and-effect cycle that influences rebirth and spiritual evolution in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The distinction between these terms is critical for understanding their respective roles in philosophical and spiritual contexts.
[^2]: Atman, in Hindu philosophy, refers to the eternal, unchanging essence or soul that resides within every living being. It is considered the true self, distinct from the physical body, mind, and ego. Atman is central to the Vedantic understanding of existence, often described as identical with Brahman, the ultimate, infinite reality in Advaita Vedanta. Realizing this unity between Atman and Brahman is the goal of spiritual liberation (Moksha), leading to freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth (Samsara). In contrast to the transient nature of material existence, Atman embodies pure consciousness and represents the ultimate truth of one's being.
[^3]: Advaita, meaning "non-duality" in Sanskrit. And it is the name (also called Advaita-Vedanta) of a key philosophical school of Vedanta in Hinduism, primarily articulated by Adi Shankaracharya. It teaches that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is singular and without a second, and that the apparent distinction between the individual self (Atman) and Brahman is an illusion (Maya). According to Advaita, the perception of duality—such as subject and object, or individual and universe—arises from ignorance (Avidya). The goal of Advaita is the realization that Atman (the individual soul) and Brahman (the universal soul) are one and the same, leading to liberation (Moksha) and the cessation of the illusory cycle of Samsara (rebirth).
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