World Religions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

World Religions - Essay Example Path of desire is not condemned in the Hindu religion, but the problem with path of desire is its un-fulfillment, as there is no end to desires and wishes which lead to wanting more and more. The followers of Path of desire follow false happiness and chase illusive dreams. Even, if an individual were able to find success, soon he/she would realize that there are still better things in life to be achieved. Man often man desire true happiness and success, which can only be satisfied by following Path of Renunciation. Thus, Path of Renunciation refers to renouncing one desire in order to achieve some thing more important (Moksha). And one can reap the benefits of Path of Renunciation only, when one has achieved maturity in the Path of Desire and wish to go beyond one’s own pleasure and success through renunciation personal desires. It is only possible by becoming part of the community and fulfill the duty of contributing greater good towards society. However the peak of the Path of Renunciation is beyond community and desires, which is the ultimate liberation from matter to attain enlightenment. 2) What are the "Four Paths to the Goal" What is the definition of 'yoga' Discuss each yogic path and its attributes. The Hindu scriptures have mentioned four paths to achieve goal in life: Dhrama, the righteousness in life; Artha, the economic development; Kama, Sensual enjoyment, and Moksha, ultimate liberation and union with God (through yoga). Yoga is training oneself (mind) to achieve perfect state of mind and peace through a system of exercises. Each exercise prepares body for further spiritual awareness and unites the body and spirit for greater control. Yoga is meant to train the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility. A system of exercises practiced as part of this discipline promotes control of the body and mind." These exercises prepare body for a full on spiritual awareness enables an individual for complete control of ones actions. The first one is Karma-yoga, which starts with an understanding that man is bonded to actions, thus the purpose is to relieve oneself from these selfish actions. It does not mean giving up all activities; instead Karma yoga refers to the sacrifices being offered to various deities to attain material necessities, however at the highest level it means dedication of all activities to God only. The next form of yoga is Jnana which is meant to promote knowledge through study and thinking. It asks for minimizing the life activities in the belief that the pursuit of wisdom means a simple life. The third kind of Yoga is Astanga, which is divided into eight different stages called Yoga Sutras. The sutras discuss the super-states of consciousness and attainment of several mystical powers, such as the power to become smaller in size. However yogis are not to be fascinated by such mystical powers and instead keep the mind focused on God within. The last form of Yoga is Bhakti, which is meant for mature individuals Within modern Hinduism, Bhakti-yoga remains the predominant path towards spiritual fulfillment. It includes the external and symbolic