Relationship Between the Transcendent and the Human (Leaving Cert Religious Education): Revision Notes
Relationship Between the Transcendent and the Human
Understanding dharma in Hindu life
Hindu philosophy teaches that human existence is fundamentally connected to the divine through the concept of dharma - the path of righteous duty and virtuous living. This isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, as each person's dharma varies according to their family background, social position, and occupation.
The concept of dharma is deeply personal in Hinduism. Unlike universal commandments, dharma recognises that different people have different roles and responsibilities based on their circumstances and stage of life.
The essence of dharma includes:
- Worshipping the divine
- Performing work duties with integrity
- Avoiding harm to people and animals
- Living honestly and truthfully
For Hindus, fulfilling one's dharma represents the primary purpose of human life and the way to maintain connection with the transcendent realm.
The four purusharthas - life's sacred objectives
Hindu teaching identifies four fundamental goals that give meaning and direction to human existence. These purusharthas create a balanced framework connecting earthly life with spiritual aspirations:
1. Dharma - Acting with virtue and righteousness This involves fulfilling moral duties and living according to divine principles.
2. Artha - Achieving material prosperity
Pursuing legitimate wealth and security to support oneself and family.
3. Kama - Experiencing appropriate pleasures Enjoying life's legitimate pleasures within moral boundaries.
4. Moksha - Attaining spiritual liberation Reaching ultimate enlightenment and union with the divine.
The key principle is maintaining proper balance among all four goals. Focusing exclusively on any single objective while neglecting the others prevents spiritual progress and ultimate liberation.
Practical Application of the Four Purusharthas
A Hindu business owner might:
- Dharma: Conduct business honestly and treat employees fairly
- Artha: Work to build a successful and profitable enterprise
- Kama: Enjoy time with family and appreciate life's pleasures
- Moksha: Dedicate time to prayer, meditation, and spiritual study
This demonstrates how all four goals can be pursued simultaneously in daily life.
Hindu understanding of human suffering
Suffering poses a significant question about the relationship between humans and the divine. Hindu philosophy offers several explanations for why suffering exists:
Karmic consequences: Much suffering results from negative actions performed in previous lives, creating a cycle where past deeds influence present circumstances.
Moral evil: Human choices that cause harm create additional suffering in the world.
Path to growth: Suffering can serve as a catalyst for spiritual development, encouraging individuals to seek inner peace through self-transformation rather than merely changing external circumstances.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches that achieving spiritual equilibrium involves remaining "friendly and compassionate, released from ego selfishness, patient, hate not being, the same in pain and happiness."
Additionally, Hindu dharma includes a responsibility to alleviate others' suffering whenever possible, connecting personal spiritual practice with compassionate action.
Understanding suffering as potentially meaningful doesn't mean accepting injustice passively. Hindu dharma calls believers to actively work towards reducing suffering in the world while developing inner spiritual resilience.
Sanatana dharma - eternal principles
Many Hindus describe their faith as sanatana dharma, meaning "eternal truth" or "eternal law." This Sanskrit term emphasises that Hindu principles represent timeless, universal duties that connect every soul to the divine according to ancient scriptures.
Sanatana dharma encompasses several core practices:
- Continuously considering right and wrong in all actions
- Keeping God present in heart and mind
- Learning about the divine through sacred texts
- Striving towards moksha (liberation)
- Offering worship both in temples and at home
- Caring for animals, plants, and the environment
- Showing respect for elders and helping those in need
This concept emphasises that Hindu dharma isn't culturally or historically limited but represents eternal principles applicable to all humanity. The term "sanatana" literally means "that which has no beginning or end."
Contemporary application - BAPS community
Modern Hindu communities like BAPS Swaminarayan Santha demonstrate how ancient principles connect with contemporary life. Based at temples like Neasden Temple in London, BAPS members follow the Shikshapatri - a guide for moral conduct that includes:
- Living according to dharma
- Avoiding violence and murder
- Abstaining from meat and alcohol
- Maintaining honesty in business
- Respecting all religious traditions
Members dedicate their lives to charitable work and improving the world, showing how the relationship between human and transcendent translates into practical service and spiritual discipline.
The BAPS community exemplifies how ancient Hindu principles can be lived authentically in modern contexts, combining traditional spiritual practices with contemporary social engagement and interfaith respect.
Key Points to Remember:
- Dharma forms the foundation of Hindu life - it's the duty-based path connecting humans to the divine
- The four purusharthas must be balanced together; focusing on only one prevents spiritual progress towards moksha
- Suffering has multiple causes in Hindu thought: karma, moral evil, and opportunities for spiritual growth
- Sanatana dharma represents eternal, universal principles rather than time-bound cultural practices
- Contemporary Hindu communities demonstrate how ancient transcendent principles guide modern ethical living and service to others