Emphasis Preaching Journal

The religion of Hinduism understands the entrapment of living a self-centered life. Hinduism is the oldest established religion in the world and the third largest. At the end of the first century CE, the Laws of Manu were established. These laws report the four basic goals that motivate humanity, thus they have also come to be called the "Four Ends of Human Life." A young man should transcend from a lower level to the next until he discovers the true meaning of life. The journey begins with kama or pleasure, to discover purpose by gratifying the senses. At this stage Kama-sutra may be a familiar phrase to us, having become a part of the English lexicon. Kama-sutra is an often-quoted text for its picturesque descriptions of various positions for sexual intercourse. It is here, at kama, as a hedonist, that one begins the journey of life. Unfulfilled, the young man moves to artha, which means financial success or wealth. This is the first attempt to set some real goals, but it reflects a misplaced ambition. He continues to sense an inner disquiet, because as well as being successful he equally desires to be respected. Therefore he strives for dharma, which is righteous living. As a viable contributor to the community he knows he is doing good for others, but there still remains an emptiness. His goal now becomes moksha, which means liberation or spiritual freedom, and it is here that the real purpose of life is realized. Moksha is attained by disidentification with the body and mind, which becomes the realization of our true identity.

Application: Hinduism understands what it means to be weak in the faith and how we must move beyond that boundary of self-centeredness. For Paul it means a Christian begins to walk by faith.