What is meant by the term, "The New Age Movement?"

NOTES

1 Swami Prabhavananda, The Spiritual Heritage of India (Hollywood, California: Vedanta Press, n.d.) p. 140.

2 "Sharira," The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion (Boston, Massachusetts: Shambhala Publications, 1994) p. 316.
The Nature of Salvation, Liberation or Enlightenment

In Hinduism there are three main paths (marga) to salvation or liberation: (1) The Way of Knowledge (jnana-marga-study of the sacred texts and contemplation of the soul’s oneness with Brahman); (2) The Way of Devotion (bhakti-marga-loving surrender of the self to God, often in the form of worshipful service of an individual deity); (3) The Way of Works (karma-marga - the way of good deeds, as well as properly following religious ceremonies, traditions and ethical duties).

These three paths could also be otherwise identified as Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Karma Yoga. Many teachers, including Ramakrishna, identify a fourth main path as Raja Yoga, differentiating between the pursuit of knowledge (Jnana Yoga) and the psychophysical techniques aimed at subduing the mind and experiencing the super-conscious state (Raja Yoga). These methods include body postures, breath control and concentration or contemplation: all aimed at the ultimate goal of achieving samadhi. Following one or all of these paths can finally deliver a person from samsara (the cycle of rebirths). Many Hindus would say that total liberation (moksha) comes when the soul achieves undifferentiated union with Brahman.

In contrast, the Sankhya Yoga School within Hinduism teaches that final liberation is not signified by an absolute, monistic oneness with Brahman: a perception of everything being in the Self and the Self in everything. Instead, it involves the freeing of the individual soul from the cycle of rebirth, yet simultaneously, an isolation from all other ‘Selves’ within the sphere of its own personal, omnipresent, omniscient, divine, eternal existence. In this viewpoint, absorption into Brahman does not mean the absolute loss of individuality.

This sect also teaches eight stages in the practice of yoga: (1) Self-control - yama; (2) Religious observance - niyama; (3) Postures - asanas; (4) Breath and life - force control - pranayama; (5) Withdrawal from control of the senses - pratyahara; (6) Concentration, steadying of the mind - dharana; (7) Meditation - dhyana; (8) Profound contemplation – samadhi - which ultimately ends in complete absorption in God. Though not emphasized as much today, in historical Hinduism animal sacrifices were particularly cited as a means of atonement and an answer for the human dilemma.
Dimensions or Planes of Existence

On a fundamental level, Hinduism defines existence as being comprised of three worlds. (1) The First World (Bhuloka) is the material universe, the physical plane. (2) The Second World (Antarloka) is the subtle, astral plane, the mental and emotional sphere, occupied by angels, spirits and devas (divine beings). (3) The Third World (Brahmaloka) is the causal plane, the spiritual universe of the Mahadevas, "great radiant entities," the gods and highly evolved souls spoken of in Hinduism. This superior, superconscious realm has also been referred to as Karanaloka or Sivaloka (by Saivites who believe Shiva is the Creator). The philosophy of Hinduism revolves around the harmonizing and interaction of these three worlds. In Hindu Scripture is found the prayer, "Make me immortal in that realm where movement is accordant to wish, in the third region, the third heaven of heavens, where the worlds are resplendent." (Rig Veda 9.1113) Some Hindus would list the three worlds as: (1) Heaven (Svarga); (2) Earth (Bhumi) and; (3) The Underworld (Patala).

More specific categorization speaks of "seven underworlds" (known collectively as Patala and Sapta Adholoka) and "seven upperworlds" (known collectively as Sapta Urdhvaloka).¹ The seven "upper worlds" are a more detailed breakdown of the "three worlds" already mentioned. First there is Bhuloka, the physical, material plane. Then the second, third and fourth planes (Bhuvarloka, Svarloka, and Maharloka) make up the subtle plane, Antarloka. The fifth, sixth and seventh (Janaloka, Tapoloka and Satyaloka) make up the highest realm of the gods, the causal plane.²

Another reference speaks of "twenty-one hells beneath the netherworld."³ Hordes of snakes inhabit all of these "hells". They are considered only temporary planes of existence for disembodied souls who deserve such negative treatment because of their karmic debt. Such persons must go through a preparatory purging as they await the next reincarnation on their journey toward ultimate perfection and liberation.

NOTES

1 Vasudha Narayanan, "Hinduism," The Illustrated Guide to World Religions, gen. ed. Michael D. Coogan, (New York: Oxford University Press, 1998) p. 157, under "Hindu Heavens and Hells."

2 Most of the names for these various realms were obtained from the lexicon offered on www.himalayanacademy.com though the information is not rendered verbatim. The exact address for the lexicon is www.himalayanacademy.com/books/dws/lexicon/t.html. The names for these various realms are found under "Three Worlds." (Accessed May 12, 2001)

3 "Hell," Miriam-Webster’s Encyclopedia of World Religions (Springfield, Massachusetts: Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 1999) p. 421.

The Spiritual Journey and Ultimate Destiny of Man

Adherents are directed toward four successive goals in life: dharma (moral law), artha (wealth), kama (pleasure) and moksha (liberation of the soul, ultimate God-consciousness). These bring satisfaction to the four divisions of a person: the physical body (sharira), the mind (manas), the intellect (buddhi), and the self (atman). Individuals are also described as owing "three debts": first, to God, second, to the sages and saints who have gone before, and third, to ancestors. Generally speaking, there are four stages (ashramas) in life: that of a student, a householder, an ascetic and the final stage of fully renouncing all worldly ties and pursuing the depth of contemplation.

Reincarnation is a foundational belief in Hinduism, the idea that the soul passes through numerous incarnations (mineral, plant, animal and human) on its journey toward perfection. Conditions in each life are determined by past karma. Any negative thoughts, attitudes or deeds cause proportional, negative results in the future, either in the same life or a future one. Any positive thoughts, attitudes and deeds are likewise reaped in a positive way. It is important to understand "Hindus hold that God… does not punish or reward anyone. We create our own destinies by our own thoughts and deeds."¹

Numerous means are offered within Hinduism enabling spiritually inclined persons to escape negative karma. Not only do wicked deeds produce binding karma; righteous deeds performed with the desire of obtaining a sense of fulfillment or recognition from others also bind a soul to rebirth. Non-attachment to both good and evil are, therefore, promoted in the Hindu scheme of salvation. Moksha (liberation) cannot be achieved until the soul is rid of all worldly desire, including the desire for moksha itself.

There is a certain soul or 'self' that is transferred from one incarnation to the next on its journey toward perfection. One source explains, "The two sheaths, vijnanamaya kosha (the intellectual sheath) and anandamaya kosha (the causal body), are the bodies that go from birth to birth; the other three sheaths are grown again in each life."² (See "Hinduism" under The Origin and Nature of Man.)
In between incarnations, the soul (in the form of a subtle or astral body) lives in the subtle or astral realm. In this plane, the soul experiences an existence very similar in some ways to its previous earthly sojourn. Sometimes, unrealized hopes and unfulfilled dreams may even be brought to realization and fulfillment.

Though a variety of beliefs exist in Hinduism concerning the soul’s ultimate state, two main veins of thought seem to dominate. Sankara, an eighth century teacher, believed that when souls (atman or jiva) are finally released from the cycle of rebirths (samsara) they do not retain their individual personality. Instead they are absorbed into God. They actually become God. Ramanuja, an eleventh century philosopher, argued that souls retain their individuality in the ultimate state and instead have eternal communion with God. Sankara’s system of thought was based on the idea that God is impersonal; Ramanuja’s view was based on the premise that God is personal.

Yama, the first person to die in the world, is considered the Lord of the dead. He reigns over the dead, determines the retribution for deeds done in the previous life and the conditions of the soul’s next incarnation. He bears a noose, by which he catches the "dead," who must rush past his four-eyed guard dogs that guard the gate to his kingdom.
NOTES

1 Bansi Pandit, The Hindu Mind (Glen Ellyn, Illinois: B & V Enterprises, Inc., 3rd ed., 1998) p. 30.

2 Ibid., p. 119.
Cycles, Ages and the Ultimate State of the Universe

Vedanta cosmology (a view based on the Vedas) speaks of the manifestation and the non-manifestation of the universe. In the former state things are seen in their tangible form, and in the latter, they go dormant as seed. These two universal states are called the "day of Brahma" and the "night of Brahma" (Brahma being the creator-god in traditional Hinduism).

The period of manifestation is called a kalpa, or cycle. One kalpa consists of 4,320,000,000 years. Two kalpas make a day and night of Brahma-a total of 8,640,000,000 years. 360 such days and nights make one year of Brahma. One hundred such years constitute Brahma’s lifetime of 311,040,000,000,000 years. Brahma then dies and another Brahma is reborn, a process infinitely repeated.¹

When Brahma dies everything dissolves, returning back to the primordial substance (prakriti). Some sources say that even the highest divine beings, gods and demigods, are subjected to this process. If this is the belief held, those who experience release (moksha) from the cycle of rebirths will eventually be recaptured by the merciless turn of the wheel… again and again… ad infinitum. Other sources say that liberated souls are not affected by this final dissolution and "night of non-manifestation" – Mahapralaya - but rather, remain in the highest state of oneness with Brahman.

Each kalpa is made up of 1000 maha-yugas. A maha-yuga is comprised of four yugas or world ages: Krita (or Satya) Yuga (1,728,000 years), Treta Yuga (1,296,000 years), Dvapara Yuga (864,000 years) and Kali Yuga (432,000 years). These four yugas are named after the four throws in a dice game, progressing from the best to the worst. Added together, they make up a Mahayuga ("great yuga"). Notice that each age is a multiple of 432,000. The reasoning behind this is as follows: the Krita Yuga is the golden age of perfection when dharma, the moral order of the world, is one hundred percent manifested. There is a progressive degeneration in every age, with twenty-five percent of dharma being lost with each age. The Kali Yuga, being a fourth as long as the Krita Yuga, is the darkest of all ages subsisting "on twenty-five percent of the full strength of dharma. Egoistic, devouring, blind and reckless elements now are triumphant and rule the day. Kali means the worst of anything… During the Kali Yuga, man and his world are at their very worst."² The general consensus is that this dark period began in 3102 B.C. and will, therefore, end approximately 426,898 years from now.³ Conditions will increasingly worsen until virtue and religion disappear, chaos reigns and the destruction of the world takes place. Then the cyclical process begins all over again, beginning with another Krita Yuga.

In breaking down this cyclical view even further, there are three levels at which partial or complete dissolution of the universe takes place: (1) laya-at the completion of a mahayuga the material world is destroyed; (2) pralaya - at the close of a kalpa, both the material world and the subtle worlds are destroyed; (3) mahapralaya - after the full cycle of a mahakalpa takes place, all three worlds (physical, subtle, and causal) are re-absorbed (some say into Brahman, others say into Shiva).

NOTES

1 Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, a leading voice in Hinduism, offers a slightly different interpretation and timing for these cosmic cycles. To see his view go to www.himalayanacademy.com and go to the Online Lexicon. Look up the key words: cosmic cycles, yuga and kalpa.

2 Heinrich Zimmer (Edited by Joseph Campbell) Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization (Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1946) p. 15.

3 "Yuga," Miriam-Webster’s Encyclopedia of World Religions (Springfield, Massachusetts: Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 1999) p. 1159.

Islam

http://www.thetruelight.net/religions/islam.htm


THE CRESCENT MOON — The lunar calendar determines the Islamic year with its system of religious devotions. The Qur’an explains that Allah created the stars to guide people to their destination. So the crescent moon (hilal) and the star (najm) have become the traditional dual symbol of Islam. Note: Some Muslims insist that this symbol is nothing more that a carryover of the symbol representing the Ottoman Turkish Empire.
Mohammed (570-632 AD), the founder of Islam, is considered in this religion to be the last and greatest of all prophets. Born an orphan, he was raised by his uncle and grandfather. Although he was a member of a poor family in Mecca, his family was still well respected. Known for his organizational ability and honesty, he was employed by a wealthy widow who he eventually married. Mohammed periodically went to a cave outside of Mecca for prayer and meditation. According to Muslim tradition, it was there that the archangel Gabriel appeared to Mohammed, declaring him to be a prophet of God.

Mohammed’s teaching stressed his belief in only one God, social and economic justice and the final judgment. His emphasis on social reform brought him into conflict with the wealthy merchants of Mecca. In 619 A.D. he was offered a prominent position in arbitrating feuds in the city of Medina. Mohammed accepted the position and encouraged his followers to immigrate there. In Medina he began to lay the foundation for Islamic practices and continued his efforts toward societal improvement. The city of Mecca finally surrendered to Mohammed in 630 A.D. after warring against Medina for a season. Soon after this, tribes from all over Arabia were converted to Islam. There are presently over 150 Islamic sects in the world.

The Qur’an is the main Scripture base for Muslims. Believed to be divinely inspired, the Qur’an was allegedly revealed to Mohammed by Gabriel over a period of approximately twenty-two years. The second source is the Sunna (the example of the prophet) known through "Hadith" (traditions concerning the sayings or actions of Mohammed as he dealt with various issues). The Qur’an is considered infallible; Hadith is not.
The Origin and Nature of the Universe

Muslims believe that God brought creation into being by the power of a spoken command, "Be" (Kun). The material world is separate from God.

The Nature of God

Islam is strongly monotheistic, teaching that Allah is the only true God. This name for the Creator probably stems from al illah, meaning "the God". To associate God with any created thing is the most abominable of sins and is called shirk. Because of this, Islam does not accept the pantheon of Hindu gods, the Trinity of Christianity, or the deification of any religious leader. God has no partner nor equal. The word "Allah" in Arabic cannot be plural and is actually neither male nor female.

Though Allah is a personal God, most Muslims consider him so lofty as to be incomprehensible to the minds of finite men. God never speaks directly to men; he always sends a messenger: either an angel or a prophet. However, for those who are truly devoted God grants noor hidayah-the "light of guidance". This is the 'opening of a person’s heart' to understand Allah’s nature and ways. Sufism, an offshoot of Islam, teaches differently: that Allah is personally accessible, and that ecstatic, mystical experiences with God are obtainable, especially through a whirling kind of sacred dance.

Allah has 99 names, all of which describe various divine attributes (e.g., the Living, the Eternal, the Supreme, the Tremendous, the Merciful and the Compassionate). He is transcendent, independent of the material universe and perfect in all his ways. Muslims believe strongly in the sovereignty of God, to the point that all events in life are traceable to his will. A byword often heard among Muslims is, "if Allah wills". A great emphasis is placed on Allah’s justice and mercy. Idolatry or image worship is strictly prohibited in Islam.

The Origin and Nature of Man

Though accepting a slightly altered version of the biblical story of Adam and Eve, Islam does not teach that their fall caused a transfer of the "Original Sin" to Adam’s seed. Human beings become sinners by sinful acts only, not because of a sinful, fallen nature. Satan, the tempter, is called Iblis. He was rejected by God in the beginning because when the angels did obeisance to Adam, he refused to do so.

Man, though admittedly frail, is believed to be the noblest of God’s creatures. He is commanded to serve God, to honor God, but is too distanced from God to experience the indwelling of his personal presence. One belief, quite unique to Islam, is the story of God, not only creating the first man, Adam, out of clay, but also out of a blood-clot. (Sura 96, ayat 1-2) Also unique is the belief that the original man and woman were created from a single soul. (Qur’an 4:1) Islam teaches man is bipartite: possessing a body and soul.
The Nature of Salvation, Liberation or Enlightenment

The primary path to salvation centers around submission to Allah, submission to the Qur’an, and submission to the "Five Pillars" of Islam: (1) Shahada -The daily profession of faith, "There is no God but Allah and Mohammed is his prophet"; (2) Salat - Prayer must be made toward Mecca five times a day; (3) Ramadan - This is the month of fasting. During the month of Ramadan Muslims cannot eat, drink, smoke or have sexual relations between dawn and sunset; (4) Zakat - Almsgiving: two-and-a-half percent (1/40th) of the annual savings must be donated to charity; (5) Hajj - Pilgrimage: a Muslim is expected to make a journey to Mecca once in his lifetime. Another major emphasis is repentance. It is always possible to repent (tawbah) and those who do are restored to a state of sinlessness.

Adherence to the teachings of all the prophets of Allah is a major expectation in Islam. Twenty-eight prophets are mentioned in the Qur’an. Twenty-two of these are found in the Old Testament, including: Adam, Enoch, Methuselah, Noah, Abraham, Lot, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, Solomon, Elijah, Elisha and Jonah. Three are discovered in the New Testament: Zechariah, John the Baptist and Jesus. Mohammed is presented as the final prophet, surpassing all others in greatness. God’s prophetic spokesmen are honored, but none are considered divine.

An interesting offshoot of Islam is Sufism. This is the esoteric branch of Islam. For most Muslims, Allah is so far above this material world that, to finite men, he is incomprehensible and unattainable. Sufis, on the other hand, claim mystical experiences with God are available through meditation and a whirling kind of dance that brings on an ecstatic experience.
Dimensions or Planes of Existence

"The seven heavens declare his glory and the earth (too)." (Surah 17.44) "Allah is He who created seven firmaments and of the earth a similar number. Through the midst of them (all) descends His command: that ye may know that Allah has power over all things, and that Allah comprehends all things in (His) Knowledge." (Qur’an 65:12)

The wicked, as well as Satan (Shaitan) and his demons, will be confined to an eternal hell. A realm of hell called Djahannam (Heb. Gehenna) is said by some theologians to be reserved for those Muslims who have committed "grave sins" and have not repented. They are punished only for a season before they are finally accepted into the presence of God. Paradise (Djanna) is the ultimate goal of the righteous. Its location is directly under the Throne of God and just above the highest heaven.
The Spiritual Journey and Ultimate Destiny of Man

The Muslim faith teaches two judgments. First, all human beings will face a personal judgment after death. Two angels, Munkar and Nakir, will scrutinize their earthly existences. After this initial determination is made, the soul remains in the grave until the resurrection of all humanity and the final Day of Judgment. There will be a preliminary experience of the misery of hell or the bliss of heaven even in the grave.

Second, there will be a final judgment at the end of this age. At the first blast of the trumpet, all living things will die. At the second blast of the trumpet, the resurrection (al-kiyama) will take place. All who have ever lived will be brought to the "place of gathering" (al-mashar). Allah will personally question each individual. All deeds will be reviewed from God’s book, as well as the individual book written on each person’s life. Evil and righteous deeds will be weighed in God’s balances, to see which is dominant. An appropriate reward or judgment will then be meted out.

The judgment that God brings upon men and women will hinge primarily on their response to the teachings of Mohammed and, to a lesser degree, those recognized prophetic voices preceding him (twenty-eight are named in the Qur’an). If they have been disobedient to the divine will their destiny is hell. If they have been obedient, paradise (al-jannah) is promised. Paradise (also called heaven) is a beautiful garden where those who have eternal life can dwell near to Allah. It is also depicted as a place of sensual pleasure (where wine is consumed and men may marry as many wives as they desire). Some Muslim theologians feel these descriptions are allegorical, not to be taken literally.

Submission to the Muslim worldview is normally emphasized in order for a believer to be saved. However, there are "several verses in the Qur’an that speak of the resurrection of distinct communities that will be judged" by the standard of "their own book." (See Qur’an 45:27-29.)¹
NOTES

1 "Islam," Miriam-Webster’s Encyclopedia of World Religions (Springfield, Massachusetts: Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 1999) p. 519.

Cycles, Ages and the Ultimate State of the Universe

This present age will continue until the Final Judgment takes place and all human beings stand before Allah. They will either be allowed entrance into paradise or condemned to hell. These two locations, paradise for the righteous and hell for the wicked, are actual, permanent and eternal.

Muslims who commit grave sins and do not repent will go to hell only temporarily. After a sufficient punishment they will be allowed to enter paradise. Some Muslims, who believe in the Imam Mahdi, teach that this messianic leader will usher in a golden era of justice, goodness and true religion in the earth, but it will only last seven to nine years before the end of the world at the Final Judgment. There is also a belief that sometime in the future there will be an emerging of the Antichrist (al-Dajjal) who will suffer destruction when Isa (Jesus) returns just prior to the judgment.