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All Evils Are Only Expressions Of The Ignorance Of Supreme Truth – Hinduism Teaching

The Hindu teaching that "All Evils Are Only Expressions Of The Ignorance Of Supreme Truth" encapsulates a profound understanding of the nature of suffering and evil in the world. It reflects the idea that ignorance of the ultimate truth leads to misunderstanding, suffering, and what we perceive as evil. In Hindu philosophy, the ultimate truth, often referred to as Brahman, is seen as the underlying reality of the universe, and ignorance of this truth leads individuals to perceive separateness, attachment, and suffering. By seeking knowledge and understanding of this supreme truth, one can transcend ignorance and the resulting evils. This teaching emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and enlightenment as a means to alleviate suffering and foster harmony.

“Ignorance is the mistaking of the impermanent, impure and painful as the self, and the permanent, pure and joyful as not-self.” (Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 2.5)

Let's delve deeper into this concept:

Ignorance as the Root Cause: At the core of this teaching is the recognition that ignorance lies at the root of all suffering and evil. This ignorance is not merely a lack of information, but a fundamental misunderstanding of reality. It blinds individuals to the interconnectedness of all things and leads them to perceive themselves as separate entities.

Supreme Truth (Brahman): In Hindu philosophy, the concept of Brahman represents the ultimate reality or truth underlying the universe. It is infinite, unchanging, and beyond human comprehension. The ignorance of Brahman leads individuals to perceive the world through the lens of duality, seeing themselves as separate from others and the universe.

Consequences of Ignorance: This ignorance gives rise to a host of negative consequences, including attachment, desire, fear, and suffering. When individuals operate from a place of ignorance, they become entangled in the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and experience the ups and downs of life without understanding their underlying unity with Brahman.

“Cruelty and inequality (evil) cannot be attributed to Brahman.” (2.1.34)
In his commentary on this shloka, Adi Shankaracharya explains that all apparent injustice and cruelty in the world are due to avidyā—the deluding power that misapplies one’s own or others’ karma—and not the nature of the Supreme Reality.

Seeking Knowledge and Understanding: The antidote to ignorance, according to Hindu teachings, is the pursuit of knowledge and understanding (jnana). By seeking wisdom and enlightenment, individuals can transcend their limited perceptions and realize their inherent connection to Brahman. This journey of self-discovery often involves practices such as meditation, self-inquiry, and study of sacred texts.

Alleviating Suffering and Fostering Harmony: Ultimately, the goal of overcoming ignorance is to alleviate suffering and foster harmony within oneself and the world. When individuals recognize the unity of all things and live in alignment with the supreme truth, they transcend the illusion of separateness and cultivate compassion, love, and peace.

In essence, the teaching that "All Evils Are Only Expressions Of The Ignorance Of Supreme Truth" highlights the transformative power of knowledge and understanding in alleviating suffering and realizing the interconnectedness of all existence. It encourages individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth in order to transcend the limitations of ignorance and experience the profound unity of Brahman.