Moksha in the Bhagavad Gita: A Christian theological reflection from Indian perspectives

• Main Author: Arulsamy, Antony, FSC
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 1993
• Subjects: Mokṣa; Salvation > Christianity; Theology; India > Religion.Bhagavadg > Relation to the Bible; Religious Education
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_doctoral/602
• Institution: De La Salle University

The purpose of this study was to find out the differences and similarities between the Hindu concept of moksha and the Christian concept of salvation with a view to engage in inter-faith dialogues for the promotion of peace and harmony in India. Secondly, it was to contextualize the indigenous concept of moksha to be more relevant and meaningful to Indian Christians.The researcher analyzed critically the various aspects of moksha and the means of attaining it as presented in Hindu Scriptures especially in the Bhagavad Gita, the writings and commentaries of famous scholars of Hinduism. Similarly, the researcher elucidated the nature, importance and the means of attaining salvation from the Christian scriptures with a particular reference to the Gospels and the teachings of the Church.After examining critically the converging and diverging elements of moksha and salvation, the researcher found out that the intense love of God, the necessity of God's grace, the universal scope of salvation and God's mercy are some of the major converging elements the doctrine of transmigration, the meaning of avatar or incarnation and the notion of God, were some of the major diverging elements.The method followed in this study was the dialogical approach which is based on mutual love and trust. The approach should be theocentric, rather than Christocentric, to get the full participation of Hindus in a fruitful dialogue. The researcher firmly believes that a sincere attempt to share ideas and views will provide a proper climate for peace and harmony in India. Instead of quarreling with the doctrinal differences between Hinduism and Christianity, the adherents of both religions should work for love, peace, justice and equality in order to create a better humanity. It is heartening to see that most of the religious leaders and adherents of both religions have positive attitudes towards the concept of moksha and salvation.For the researcher the concept of moksha is almost identical with the Christian notion of salvation. He believes that the Hindu experience of moksha and the Christian experience of salvation are complementary and enrich one another.