Comparative analysis of Buddhist and Hindu philosophical concepts

¶ … Buddhism and Hinduism

Both the terms and concepts of Moksha and Nirvana refer to liberation from the binding ties of Maya or earthly illusion. Both concepts are linked to the ideal of enlightenment and realization or spiritual awakening which leads to release from the suffering of continual rebirth or Karma. However, these concepts are also related to different religious and spiritual traditions. As a result there are subtle differences that can be discerned in the way that these terms are understood in different traditions. The following discussion will explore these different meaning of Moksha and Nirvana and the differences and similarities of these terms in the Hindu and Buddhist philosophical and spiritual traditions.

Moksha in Hindu Tradition

Traditional Hindu belief is that the present life or mundane existence is the result of past actions, feelings and perceptions from numerous lifetimes. This is the process of reincarnation which is aimed at eventual liberation the cycle of birth and death. As in Buddhism, the ultimate goal of the Hindu philosophy and faith is release from the continual cycle of birth and death. This liberation from the cycle of illusionary existence is known as Moksha. In other words, it is through the liberation that is offered by the process of Moksha, which is seeing through and illusionary nature of ordinary reality, that freedom is achieved and the cycle of birth and death is broken or transcended. The state of liberation is also referred to as achieving Nirvana.

In essence, the general Hindu understanding of Moksha is that it is mukti or a radical change of consciousness . This refers to the radical change from a mundane or worldly state of consciousness to a higher and transformed consciousness. An extremely important aspect of this view and of the concept of Moksha is that enlightenment also implies, in some cases, a union of the individual soul with the world soul or Brahaman. It is in this area of discourse which deals with a personalized union with God as opposed to a depersonalized dualistic view of liberation that we find different interpretations of Moksha in the Hindu traditions.

Moksha is therefore seen, from one perspective in Hinduism, as the realization and understanding of one's true being once the experiential world of duality has been exposed and overcome. This is referred to in Hindu philosophy as pure consciousness; which is a state of being that can only be described as ineffable and beyond dualistic descriptions through language. This view refers mainly to the Advaita Vedanta tradition in Hinduism.

However, while the essential aspect of liberation through Moksha is common to all traditions, the Dvaita tradition has a slightly different view of this ultimate union between man and God. This tradition is more dualistic in that the union between man and divine in the process of Moksha is not seen as total or complete, as this tradition believes that there are essential differences between man and God that cannot be overcome.

The Dvaita School, inaugurated by Madhvacharyam, differs from the Advaita school of thought in that Dvaita means dualism in Sanskrit and Advaita refers to a non-dualistic perception of Moksha and liberation. The central crux of the dualism inherent in Dvaita philosophy is that there are inherent and absolute differences in reality; for example, between the God and the soul or between God and matter or the material world. There are also further qualitative distinctions in this philosophy, such as the difference between the soul and matter. These differences are not superficial but rather inherent and qualitative and hence this philosophy is dualistic in that it see a coalescence and dissolving of illusionary opposites as does Advaita.

The result of this stance in terms of Moksha is that, if Moksha is seen as a union with God, then it is not possible because of the inherent differences between man and God. In Dvaita philosophy therefore, liberation or Moksha consists essentially in reflecting God's glory through Bhakti or loving devotion.

This view differs markedly from the Advaita school of thought. Advaita stresses the view that only the Absolute Self exists and that all else is false or illusionary. In this light liberation of Moksha consists of the understanding and realization that all difference and individuality is illusion and that the aim of Moksha is the transcendence of these opposites and becoming one with the Absolute or pure undifferentiated consciousness. This non-dualistic view means that Moksha is achieved when the oneness or unity of all things is realized. This central tenet is in strong contrast to the dualism of Dvaita and is closer in many respects to Buddhist perceptions.

Furthermore, Dvaita also posits a personal and independent God, known as Vishnu. Ignorance that prevents liberation and Moksha is therefore an ignorance of the true nature of God. From this perspective liberation can only be achieved through the grace of God and through decoction to God. This view can be contrasted to the Advaita School. Liberation in the context of Advaita thinking consists of the false illusion of individuality and the realization of undifferentiated consciousness.

2. Buddhism and Nirvana

Most schools of Buddhism explain Nirvana as a state of bliss or peace, and this state may be experienced in life, or it may be entered into at death. In essence, the term Nirvana means "to extinguish," or to put out. This "extinguishment" is not understood by Buddhists to mean annihilation however. It is in fact quite the opposite and the nothingness of Buddhist Nirvana is a completely different form of consciousness that is superior to ordinary or mundane consciousness. Therefore, Nirvana is the extinguishing of the false notions and desires of the mundane world and the realization and enlightenment that comes with this process.

There are two main schools of Buddhist thought that differ in some essentials and which have a consequently different view of Nirvana as a result of their different theoretical trajectories. This refers to the Theravada and Mahayana schools of thought.

On the one hand the Mahayana school of thinking is based on an ideal of collective enlightenment. This means that Nirvana or enlightenment is a process in which others are involved. (What is Mahayana Buddhism?) The Theravada school of thought is more individualistic and emphasizes a personal route to enlightenment and Nirvana. This philosophy or religious perspective holds that enlightenment or Nirvana is "discovered" by the individual who purposely seeks spiritual insight. The emphasis in this respect in on personal experience and not on faith alone. In this school of thought adherents follow the Noble Eightfold Path in order to realize ultimate truth or Nirvana through spiritual awakening. . The Eightfold Path consists of adherence to the as the right or correct view or aspiration, as well as the 'right 'form of concentration. This refers to the views and actions that are in line with spiritual knowledge.

On the other hand, in terms of the trajectory of Mahayana Buddhism, Nirvana is perceived more in terms of compassion for others and in doing good deeds that will result in salvation. This refers to the practice of Bodhicitta, or compassion and dedication to others, which is the process of enlightenment leading to Nirvana. (What is Mahayana Buddhism? ) The difference between the more individualistic search for enlightenment in Theravada, and the more externally orientated and outwardly compassionate Mahayana is evident from a brief overview of Mahayana Buddhism. In this philosophy those who have achieved enlightenment in fact avoid the eternal bliss of Nirvana to return or remain in the ordinary world of illusion known as samsara. They do so in order to help others to attain enlightenment. This act of selflessness is intended to liberate or enlighten every sentient being or soul.

However it should also be noted that Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the emptiness of all things. This is known as Sunyata. This refers to the view that nothing exists outside of the mind and that reality can only be understood in relative terms. (What is Mahayana Buddhism?)

3. Brief comparison

As noted above, there are many similarities between the Hindu and Buddhist views of Nirvana and Moksha. Both religions seek release from the binding illusions of the world. In essence, the Hindi and Buddhist views are on the same path and have the same aim -- whether we refer to nirvana, enlightenment or Moksha.