Hi everyone! I'd like to preface by saying that our reading so far is way out of my wheelhouse of information. Coming from a Catholic Christian background, it is hard for me to think of things to write about without linking them in somewhat back to Christianity. So, please bear with me if I happen to draw connections that I'm not hoping to make.
Now, we discussed in class that there are different paths, or Yogas, to acheive this detachment from the Self. Why are they so different? If one is the path of action and one is the path of inaction, how is anyone supposed to determine which Yoga to follow? Is it based on your state in life, or is it based on a personal decision that benefits you the most? I guess, to me, it seems strange that two very different paths could have the same end goal. Normally, one would be easier or more difficult to follow, but that doesn't seem to be the case here.
So, an open question could be: if the yogas are totally different, how can they achieve the same outcome?
I think a possible answer lies in the structure of Hinduism. It is a religion that is very accepting and open to new religions and does not discriminate. They have various Gods with various ways to worship. Therefore following that logic, it may make sense that there are different paths for individuals to follow to achieve Moksha, or release from the cycle of rebirth, just as there are different ways to worship. I hope this makes sense I feel as if I am talking in a circle.
ReplyDeleteI agree that a path of inaction hardly seems equal to the path of selfless service, and that it is interesting how they both achieve the same goal. What really intrigued me though, was your question of how people choose a path. I do not know the answer , but I am guessing that they choose whichever they believe will make them a better person and help them achieve Moksha. In the book it says that a person who struggles with meditation will in their next life be placed in a house where meditation is practiced often; I suppose that person would choose the path of inaction.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that the path of inaction seems to be the easier choice; though different people need to learn different lessons in their lives, so not everyone would need the same path. The path of inaction seems that it would be easier to detach, and the path of action seems better if and individual has already grasped detachment.
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