In Hindu philosophy, the pursuit of self-knowledge is indeed deeply intertwined with the concept of immortality, but it's crucial to understand it in the context of Hinduism's broader spiritual teachings.
Atman: Central to Hindu thought is the concept of
"Atman," the individual soul or self. The Atman is believed to be
eternal and beyond the confines of birth and death. It is seen as part of the
universal consciousness or Brahman.
Moksha: The ultimate goal of life in Hinduism is to achieve
"Moksha," liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
Moksha is attained when one realizes the true nature of the self (Atman) and
its oneness with Brahman, the ultimate reality. This realization brings an end
to the cycle of reincarnation and leads to eternal bliss and freedom.
Self-Knowledge: The path to Moksha involves gaining
self-knowledge, which goes beyond mere intellectual understanding. It requires
introspection, meditation, and a deep exploration of one's own consciousness to
realize the true nature of the self. This self-realization is often referred to
as "Atma-jnana" or "Brahma-jnana."
Immortality: In the context of self-knowledge leading to
immortality, it's important to understand that this immortality isn't about
physical immortality but rather the transcendence of the cycle of birth and
death. By realizing the eternal nature of the self (Atman) and its unity with
Brahman, one transcends the limitations of mortality and experiences a state of
timeless existence.
Scriptural Basis: These teachings are found in various Hindu
scriptures, including the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and various
philosophical texts. For example, the Bhagavad Gita, a revered Hindu scripture,
discusses the importance of self-knowledge in achieving liberation and
transcending the cycle of life and death.
In summary, in Hinduism, the pursuit of self-knowledge is
intricately linked to the attainment of immortality understood as liberation
from the cycle of birth and death. By realizing the true nature of the self and
its unity with the ultimate reality (Brahman), one transcends mortality and
achieves eternal bliss.