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Hinduism_ A Christian Heresy

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<strong>Hinduism</strong>: What Really Happened in India – M. M. Ninan 217<br />

Before we go further, it is important to know what we mean by reality.<br />

Reality is that which exists in space and time. Thus Nirguna Brahman is<br />

not a reality. It is only an unknowable assumption. What we can know<br />

starts with Iswara. So are Jiva and Jada. And who is Iswara? He is<br />

Brahman who exists and therefore real and can be known by Jiva. Iswara<br />

and Jiva can act on Jada in creative process.<br />

This is also the stand of the Western Churches of <strong>Christian</strong>s.<br />

Hari is supreme Iswara. "harih paratarah": There is none superior to Hari.<br />

Madhava do not consider the option of a Nirguna Brahma because it<br />

does not really define anything. The word Hari simply means to<br />

overcome. Iswara the Supreme Lord is the overcomer. Overcomer of<br />

what? - Overcomer of sin, decay and death. He is the only one that can<br />

save. Thus, the word Hari could simply mean Savior.<br />

World is real, the Jiva (Living Beings) are many. Thus, we have three<br />

eternal entities. Iswara (God), Jiva (Beings) and Jagat or Jada (Cosmos<br />

or matter).<br />

There is substantial difference between all these three. It is this<br />

substantial difference ("Tattvatah bhedah") that causes sensation and<br />

perception. If there is homogenity and identity, one cannot differentiate<br />

one from the other. Jeevas and Jada are controlled by Iswara. "JIvagaNA<br />

hareranucarAh": Apart from the Tatva Bheda between Iswara an Jeeva<br />

and Jada so also there is a difference in essence between Jeeva. There is<br />

gradation among the jivas. Some are superior; some are inferior.<br />

(nIcoccabhAvam gatAh)<br />

In this system, Moksha is being in the likeness of Iswara. Since Iswara is<br />

independent of the Jiva is responsible for its own actions and do not<br />

affect the condition of Iswara except through the mercy and love of<br />

Iswara.<br />

This philosophy of dualism is basically the same as the concept of God<br />

in the Western churches.

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