Where is GOD?
Western philosopher and idealist Benedict Spinoza posited that everything in the world operates according to immutable laws. To truly understand God, one must comprehend these laws. This perspective is indeed profound.
Spinoza believed that God is manifested in Nature, and to grasp the reality of God, one must become closer to Nature and understand the laws governing it. For instance, if you wish to understand God, try comprehending the Law of Gravity. According to Spinoza, God is expressed through such laws, as seen in the phenomenon that whatever is thrown upwards will inevitably come down. The more you understand these laws, the closer you get to God.
Buddhism: The Absence of a Creator God
In Buddhism, there is no concept of a soul or an omnipotent creator like God. Consciousness arises based on past karmas and mental volitions. A person can escape the cycle of birth and death by attaining Nirvana or enlightenment. Ignorance is the primary obstacle to achieving Nirvana. According to Buddhism, there is no self (Anatta), and ignorance is the cause of suffering.
Hinduism: The Journey of the Soul
In Hinduism, there is a concept of the soul (Atman) that traverses from body to body based on past karmas and mental volitions. However, there is always a path to "Moksha" or liberation, which allows one to escape the cycle of rebirth (Samsara). This "Moksha" involves dissolving oneself into the supreme Brahman, where duality ceases to exist, and there is no distinction between "I" and "You." The concept of "Tat Tvam Asi" (Thou Art That) captures this non-dualistic realization.
Bhagavad Gita: The Principle of Nishkam Karma
Even if we don't believe in God or a supreme soul, cosmic energy governs the karma we perform. This cosmic energy, aligned with the principle of Dharma, ensures that good deeds done unintentionally and with a pure heart return to us in multiple forms.
Intentional actions, on the other hand, may not always yield the expected results, as anticipation of outcomes can lead to forced or insincere deeds. Nishkam Karma, however, is an act performed without attachment to its fruits, aligning with Dharma. This selfless action, done with a pure heart, is highly valued in Hinduism and is believed to bring positive outcomes naturally.
Radical Perspectives: Nietzsche and Krishnamurti
German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche famously declared, "God is dead," urging humanity to abandon traditional beliefs and prejudices and create their own values and purpose in life. He introduced the concept of the "Übermensch" (Superman), suggesting that individuals could transcend themselves by facing life's challenges boldly. His philosophy, closely related to nihilism, posits that life has no inherent meaning, and each person must create their own meaning through creativity and strength.
U.G. Krishnamurti, a philosopher known for his radical views, argued that the body operates purely on biological processes, devoid of concepts like life or death. He suggested that the mind constructs a false sense of self-awareness. According to him, the body doesn't need this awareness to function; it simply follows its natural processes. Krishnamurti’s perspective challenges traditional notions of consciousness and self, emphasizing the automatic, self-regulating nature of the body.
My Perspective
In my view, God cannot be confined to a physical form or defined by boundaries. God is indispensable to us, yet this connection is about understanding our oneness with Him. There is no way to perceive God as separate from us. The only path is to merge with the energy—what you may call the soul (Self/Mind) within us, which has the potential to unite with the supreme energy, the Absolute One.
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