I found this on the lds.org site:
"...The major Asian religions contain many truths and partial truths. Hinduism offers a multitude of examples. By 600 b.c. many Indian Hindu priests and philosophers believed in a doctrine labeled Karma-Samsara. Karma means action or acts, and refers to the accumulation of results a person reaps from his every act and thought, be it good or bad. There is a strong similarity between this and the “law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated.” (D&C 130:20.) The difference is that Hindus believe that the law of karma is absolutely unalterable. Their belief in Samsara, the wheel of rebirth or reincarnation, states that every person will be reborn into a status (which could be human, animal, or inanimate) that is the inevitable result of his actions. Thus, Hindus believe that people who are born into a high caste deserve to be where they are, and so with all creatures. We Latter-day Saints also believe we are born where we should be, but that a just and loving Father in heaven has decided where we can best perform in this mortal sphere of activity. We believe we reap the rewards of our actions, but we also believe in the atonement of Jesus. Were it not for this merciful provision, we would be left with nearly the same doctrine as the Hindus. That is, we would be left to eternally pay the price of our sins." -
New Era » 1975 » October
Latter-day Saints and Eastern Religions:
A Few Thoughts on Bridge Building
by R. Lanier Britsch
So, interesting stuff. At least to me... The balance of the sacrifice of Christ and our actions affecting our life (or lives?) seem very similar to Mercy and Justice working together for the soul's progression and benefit.
Another good link is this article about Hinduism from the lds.org site:
HERE.
I like getting new insights into things I may not have addressed in my belief system before, though I'm sure there are those that feel I'm deluded... But educating oneself is hardly resigning oneself to delusion.
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3 comments:
I have been thinking about these things too. I believe in reincarnation too!
I don't think we are deluding ourselves. One thing Buddha said was:
“Do not believe in something because it is reported. Do not believe in something because it has been practiced by generations or becomes a tradition or part of a culture. Do not believe in something because a scripture says it is so. Do not believe in something believing a god has inspired it. Do not believe in something a teacher tells you to. Do not believe in something because the authorities say it is so. Do not believe in hearsay, rumor, speculative opinion, public opinion, or mere acceptance to logic and inference alone. Help yourself, accept as completely true only that which you test for yourself and know to be good for yourself and others.”
There are too many things that the "Culture" of mormonism that people take for truth, because it has been "practiced by generations" but that even the Lord has said in D&C you must STUDY it out in your minds first. Many things have been lost because of the unbelieving. You always get me thinking. arrrhhh.
Very interesting stuff. It's especially cool to read of such similarities between Mormons and Hindus. (Removing Christ from the equation, though? Hmmm...)
I've thought quite a bit about reincarnation too (as you might know). Such an interesting idea. And, at very least, food for thought.
The main idea I've had kicking around in my brain after reading your thoughts and quotes has to do with procrastination. 'Cause, the way I'm looking at it right now, what better (belief system) tool to encourage people to put off changing for the better than this idea that "we can just do it all again"? (Of course, I realize that's not how a lot of people take it- as evidenced by the idea of going back where you belong. I can see how that would be a powerful motivator.)
Which makes me think, IF such a thing were a part of the plan of salvation (which, in some ways, makes tons of sense) at very least, it's sort of unnecessary knowledge to have. Possibly even harmful knowledge (for the reason I stated above). We're taught, "NOW is the time to prepare to meet God", "THIS DAY".
Reincarnation is such a fascinating idea. I really, really like it.
I love LOVE reading your blog. You always have such interesting and thought provoking posts.
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