Sin Forgiveness in Hinduism
Sin begins in the realm of consciousness. When we are young we are taught by our guardians that which is "right" from that which is "wrong". We grow up with the understandingthat stealing our playmate's toys or hitting our grandparents is wrong and therefore, a sin. As wemature the concept of sin begins to change; it is no longer quite so easy to define or to explain and its repercussions become much more severe than a grounding. Sin is a malicious act, intent-full, deliberate and harmful. An act is considered sinful when, though the perpetrator maygain some form of momentary satisfaction, the action inflicts harm to someone or something else. In reference to Hinduism, a sin is an immoral act; It is ungodly or unethical. The conceptof ahimsa (to do or cause no harm) to a Hindu is very sacred and from childhood he is taught to respect and abide by this ideal. Therefore, any step towards dishonoring this paragon is a sin.
This is the achievement of egolessness (24). In a Hindu's life there are different stages which he must pass through before he reaches the end of his life. Forgiveness, for the Hindus, begins with self realization that one has sinned. Therefore, it is not for theindependent individual to judge whether forgiveness is merited or not. Forgiveness saves one form becoming selfish and egotistical. Much like the Western traditional views of sin and forgiveness, a Hindu is bound to the same principles; he must consciously realize his sin and with a sincere heart, ask for forgiveness, both to the person he has sinned against and then to God. Each stage is representative of different levels of learning, understanding and growth. The boy was so proud of himselffor having learned the Vedas that his high opinion's of himself stood in the way of his most important lesson and understanding; that of faith. Rather, Hinduism teaches that it is better to forgive, to receive freedom and gain liberation for oneself, this is fulfillment, this is moksha. Karma, often misunderstood or improperly used in the Westernculture, can best be described as the proverbial "to each his own". At the source of Hinduism lies transcendence. It is through consciousness that one may avoid that which is bad, harmful and evil, both to oneself and to others. Not to forgive is a sin in itself for it furthers one from complete liberation. Here, Svetaketu's ego served as a maya andkept him from realizing moksha.
Common topics in this essay:
Gods Hinduism,
,
Svetaketu Aruneya,
Forgiveness Hindus,
Hindu's God,
Shiva God,
sin begins,
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