The Benefits of Spiritual Growth in Hinduism: Moksha and the Path to Freedom
People often engage in spiritual practices in the hope of avoiding suffering and achieving a more meaningful and fulfilling life. In Hinduism, the ultimate goal of spiritual growth is represented by the concept of Moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering.
Suffering in Life - The Need for Moksha
The quest for spiritual growth in Hinduism is deeply rooted in the need to transcend the suffering and striving that permeate everyday life. The teachings of the Mahabharata, as outlined in the Santi Parva Section CCCIII, emphasize the importance of Moksha as a means to achieve true peace and freedom from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Religion and Spirituality in Hinduism
It is essential to understand that being Hindu does not automatically equate to being spiritual or a seeker. The Hindu religion, like many others, is a set of routines and practices that condition the mind and does not necessarily lead to spiritual transcendence. True spirituality involves going beyond the limitations of the mind and connecting with the soul.
As the text highlights, any religion, cult, or creed is merely a conditioning that redirects one's focus and actions, whereas true spirituality is about transcending the dichotomy of the mind. It's important to recognize that the benefits of spirituality are fundamentally different from the rewards and outcomes of worldly life. Success is often measured by material wealth, and renunciation is judged by the amount left behind. However, the true essence of spirituality lies in transcending such worldly measurements of profit and loss.
Great Renunciates in History
The text points out that while individuals like Buddha, Mahavir, and Krishna renounced their lives and wealth, history often remembers only those who held positions of power and authority, such as kings and princes, like Ram and Krishna. This discrepancy is not a mere coincidence but a reflection of the dominated, materialistic mindset that equates renunciation with leaving behind wealth rather than a state of inner freedom.
The true renounciates of history, such as the 24 Tirthankara of Jainism who were also from royal families, exemplify the principles of true renunciation and inner freedom.
Jumping Out of the Materialistic Trap
The pursuit of true spirituality requires us to break free from the old habit of measuring everything in terms of money and physical possessions. Achieving spirituality means transcending the notions of profit and loss, and realizing that true freedom comes from within.
By shifting our focus from external material achievements to an internal state of transcendence, we can truly experience spiritual growth and the benefits of Moksha. This shift in perspective opens the door to a life of greater meaning, inner peace, and true liberation from the suffering and striving of the material world.