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[MonroeMonkey]

I started this thread to discuss the major beliefs of Advaita Vedanta, such as found in the major Hindu scriptures. I'll mention the Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita, as they sum up the entire teachings of the Vedic tradition. I'll mention Buddhism and Philosophical Taoism in relation.

I'll keep this post short, and open with a definition of God in Hinduism. Hopefully, people will find this interesting and discuss it with me.



Brahman/God: according to the root definition of Brahman, it means, "The one who grows, or the one who expands." Brahman is the very substance of all things, who becomes the world, by growing into the world. All is Brahman. Brahman is pure bliss being, untouched by the stain of forms.

These views of God fall into Panentheism, which say God is the substance of the known universe and beyond the known universe. God is inside and outside all seeming individuals; the one unified and only substance.

Taoism calls this same substance and life-force Tao. Taoism doesn't believe this universe came into being by thought, but by Nature's (Tao's) intrinsic nature. Tao grows into forms according to its nature. - (I, personally, hold to this view) - This differs with some schools of Hinduism, which believe the universe came into being due to the desire or will of God, such as Ishvara; this view is transtheism, as it believes the universe is created by a theistic god, but ultimately God is only a player in an illusory play, and God's true nature is Brahman, who is beyond all thought, form, and duality; so, God would know his true nature is Brahman beyond seeming individuality.

Buddhism's view is like that of Taoism. They hold to one unified nature, Buddha nature, which is a manifestation of Dharmakaya, the ground reality. Due to the intrinsic nature of Dharmakaya, it grows into complexity through a co-dependent play of causes and conditions. Again, I lean toward this idea of universal growth.

I'll mention more stuff in the next post...

[MonroeMonkey]

In Hinduism, you often hear of Maya

Maya is the world of form, which Hinduism considers illusory in nature. Not that Maya doesn't really happen, but because of form's passing nature it's likened unto a dream-like illusion.

When you lay on your bed with eyes closed, there's pure consciousness within the mind. There is no up or down, left or right, just pure formless being/consciousness. Your mind becomes a void of pure potentiality, in which an infinite number of various dreams can arise. Then you dream and that consciousness becomes a world of form. You, the formless consciousness, become people, trees, mountains, etc., but when you awake they all vanish back into that one formless consciousness, which was the substance of your dream forms. The dream was somewhat real within its context, it really was a dream world, but compared to your formless consciousness, in which the dream took place, it was just an illusion.

This world is a passing play of elements, called Lila, and it's passing and impermanent nature makes it Maya, when compared to the eternal substance beyond forms. All forms, whether bodies, mass, thought, etc., arise and pass away within this everlasting substance, which is untouched by change.

The purpose then is to realize your true everlasting nature beyond the passing play of forms.

[sammy]

Typical Xerxes; let me tell you how it is, then we can discuss it.BUT' if you dare try to discuss, I will tell you why you are wrong, from your first keystroke. Then I'll make fun of your religion, if it is Christianity. If you are a Hindu, I won't make fun of your religion, but you can be sure I'll point out your shortcomings as a thinker. That about covers it.

[MonroeMonkey]

Sammy, can you do me a favor and stop trolling my threads?

Add something constructive or save your miserable comments?

[sammy]

Sammy, can you do me a favor and stop trolling my threads?

Add something constructive or save your miserable comments?

YOU call it trolling; I call it commenting. No one can add anything constructive to your threads, because you delight in belittling anyone and everyone who dares to comment. Look back, and see how true that is. I will continue to COMMENT as I see fit, unless compelled to desist by a HIGHER POWER! Frankly, I think you're just full of yourself, and have been since you were a "christian", and probably before that. There's probably a word for people like you, but since I only got a "B" in philosophy, I don't know what it is. Maybe one of your "commentors" will know. You'll notice I spelled commentors wrong; tried it twice and I just don't care!

[sammy]

Marilyn, Less, anyone?

[MonroeMonkey]

Too bad your *B* in philosophy hasn't helped you offer anything to a discussion on philosophy. But you seem quite able to offer unwarranted ad hominem attacks.

Alright, Sammy. If you feel the need to crap on threads without showing you have any education to share, then do so. Whatever feeds your own hypocritical ego.


It's nearly impossible to have a discussion on this forum... Some have no concept of what it means to address the subject matter in a constructive way. I hoped to discuss Eastern Philosophy here, but now it's covered in useless insults, which aren't even true, except in the mind of one who wishes to poison everything by his own miserable opinions.

[sammy]

Too bad your *B* in philosophy hasn't helped you offer anything to a discussion on philosophy. But you seem quite able to offer unwarranted ad hominem attacks.

Alright, Sammy. If you feel the need to crap on threads without showing you have any education to share, then do so. Whatever feeds your own hypocritical ego.


It's nearly impossible to have a discussion on this forum... Some have no concept of what it means to address the subject matter in a constructive way. I hoped to discuss Eastern Philosophy here, but now it's covered in useless insults, which aren't even true, except in the mind of one who wishes to poison everything by his own miserable opinions.

Oohh, man, I had hopes that your Hinduism/Bhuddism/Taoism would have given you a softer view of life events. OMMMM

[MonroeMonkey]

Anyways... Back on topic! If anyone wants to discuss Hinduism, Buddhism, or Taoism, I'd be happy too. I wouldn't say you're wrong, unless what you say contradicts the research I've done, then we can discuss it in light of resources.


According to Hinduism and Buddhism, the great problem is Samara.

Samara is the wheel of rebirth/reincarnation, which manifestations of Brahman/Dharmakaya are bound upon. They are bound upon this wheel of becoming because of attachment, lust, and ignorance.

In Hinduism, a man grows within Brahman and loses sight of his true nature because of identification with material forms and the senses. He always has a longing for fulfillment, but in his ignorance he looks outwardly, towards passing pleasures and materials to fulfill him. Looking for fulfillment outwardly he always chases a mirage and perpetuates in frustration. If he will withdraw from senses and sense objects, and center himself within his mind, he will find his true nature, which is Satcitananda Brahman/Pure bliss being; he will find true fulfillment of peace, happiness, and security are within his true nature alone, the unchanging Brahman. Although, that's one of many forms of yoga.

If he practices the spiritual practice of Yoga, he discovers the Atman within, which is the Spirit, one with Brahman; and then through his practice and knowledge the Atman unites with Paramatman - the undivided true nature - the Supreme Spirit.

In my next post I'l explain yoga and the trigunas. Then I'll explain liberation from Samsara according to Buddhism.


Personally, I don't accept reincarnation/rebirth, due to lack of evidence.

[sammy]

Yep, yep, I won't tell you you are wrong unless you really are wrong. If you dare tell me I'm wrong, YOU'RE WRONG! That's how "discussions" go with THE XERXES! Youdaman, X; go for it!

[MonroeMonkey]

Sigh... This is a waste of time. People hurl insults and refuse to address the subject matter.


I'll have to accept that this forum isn't the place for a thoughtful discussion on religion and philosophy. There's better forums online... I'll post on them.


With that I'll stop wasting my time here. I was sitting here and remembered that saying by Einstein: Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.


Anyways, take it easy... I'm done trying to have an *on point* discussion here.

[marilyn.monroe]

I have a big problem with the caste system.

Your too big for your britches Xerxes.

[MonroeMonkey]

Your too big for your britches Xerxes.

It's you're, not your. And comments like these are why these topics go nowhere.

I have a big problem with the caste system.

Someone said something that related to topic!

I don't agree with the caste system either. To believe people are born in certain castes due to past karma, etc., is absurd, without any evidence to back it, in my opinion; although, some say they have anecdotal evidence, which does nothing for the skeptic. Now, if for some reason I meditate and find this to be true through a higher knowledge within samadhi, then I'll accept reincarnation, until then, I can't accept it.


Anyways, I doubt I'll discuss much here until more thoughtful people join the conversation.

[marilyn.monroe]

It's you're, not your. And comments like these are why these topics go nowhere.



Someone said something that related to topic!

I don't agree with the caste system either. To believe people are born in certain castes due to past karma, etc., is absurd, without any evidence to back it, in my opinion; although, some say they have anecdotal evidence, which does nothing for the skeptic. Now, if for some reason I meditate and find this to be true through a higher knowledge within samadhi, then I'll accept reincarnation, until then, I can't accept it.


Anyways, I doubt I'll discuss much here until more thoughtful people join the conversation.

haha. I might be as good as it gets, which is why I suggested you may be more intellectually stimulated swimming in a larger pond!

Ok. It must be stressful thinking an insect could be grandpa.
Why would you put Hindu with Buddhism?

[MonroeMonkey]

Ok. It must be stressful thinking an insect could be grandpa.

True. 

Why would you put Hindu with Buddhism?

Buddhism grew out of Hinduism, rather Vedic tradition.