The Supreme Self is Brahman alone. Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, Yama (Death), the Sun, the Moon, the gods, the demons, men, women, animals, etc.; the immobile, the Brahmanas, the Kshatriyas, the Vaishyas, the Shudras etc.; are that very Spirit.
The concept - hell is the deep association with that which brings about this worldly existence - is in line with certain Hindu philosophical perspectives, particularly those that emphasize detachment and liberation from worldly desires and attachments. In Hinduism, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) is believed to be perpetuated by desires and attachments (karma) to worldly existence. Hell, in this context, could be interpreted as the suffering or bondage that arises from being deeply entangled in the material world and its illusions, thereby inhibiting spiritual progress and enlightenment.
Various Hindu scriptures and philosophical texts, such as
the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, discuss the importance of transcending
worldly attachments and desires in order to attain liberation (moksha) from the
cycle of samsara. This liberation is often associated with realizing one's true
self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman), which lies beyond the
transient and illusory nature of the material world.
It's important to note that Hinduism encompasses a wide
range of beliefs and interpretations, and different schools of thought within
Hindu philosophy may have varying perspectives on the nature of existence,
liberation, and the concept of hell.
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The statement - he is ignorant who has the egoistic
conception of the body, caste, orders of life, actor, enjoyer and others - highlight
the notion that ignorance stems from holding egoistic conceptions about various
aspects of existence, such as the body, caste, social orders, roles as an actor
or enjoyer, and other facets of life. Let's break down the key elements of this
statement:
Egoistic Conception: This refers to viewing oneself or
certain aspects of life from a perspective that is centered on the ego, or the
sense of self-importance and self-centeredness. It implies a lack of awareness
or understanding beyond one's own individual perspective.
Body: In this context, the body likely refers to the
physical form of an individual. Viewing the body from an egoistic perspective
might involve excessive concern with its appearance, capabilities, or desires,
without considering its deeper significance or connection to the broader world.
Caste: Caste traditionally refers to a social stratification
system, particularly prevalent in certain cultures, where individuals are
grouped into hierarchical categories based on birth, occupation, or other
factors. Viewing caste from an egoistic perspective might involve pride or
prejudice based on one's own caste identity, or a sense of superiority or
inferiority towards others based on their caste.
Orders of Life: This could refer to the different stages or
phases of life, such as childhood, adulthood, old age, etc., or it could refer
to the societal roles and responsibilities associated with different life
stages. Viewing these orders of life from an egoistic perspective might involve
selfishly pursuing personal interests or desires without consideration for the
well-being of others or the broader community.
Actor, Enjoyer, and Others: This likely refers to various
roles individuals play in life, such as being an actor on the stage of life, an
enjoyer of its pleasures, or other roles within society. Viewing oneself and
others solely through these roles, without recognizing the deeper
interconnectedness and interdependence of all beings, reflects an egoistic
perspective.
Overall, the statement suggests that true wisdom and understanding require transcending egoistic conceptions and recognizing the inherent unity and interdependence of all aspects of existence. It implies that ignorance arises from being trapped in narrow, self-centered views of oneself and the world, rather than embracing a more expansive and inclusive perspective.