Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 279

What Indian religion states that the ultimate purpose and goal of every person, according to the Vedas, is to reunite his soul with the world soul.

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the religious texts and beliefs associated with each option.

Correct Answer: A) Hinduism

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

Hinduism is one of the oldest and most complex religions in the world, with a rich tradition of sacred texts and philosophical teachings. The ultimate goal in Hinduism, as per the Vedas, is the concept of Moksha, which refers to the liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). This liberation is achieved through the reunion of the individual soul (Atman) with the world soul (Brahman).

The Vedas, which are the oldest and most sacred texts in Hinduism, provide the foundational teachings and philosophical principles that guide the pursuit of Moksha. The Vedas are a collection of hymns, prayers, and philosophical insights that have been passed down through generations. They are considered to be the ultimate authority in Hinduism and are believed to contain the eternal truths of the universe.

In Hindu philosophy, the individual soul (Atman) is seen as a part of the universal soul (Brahman). The ultimate goal of every individual is to realize the unity between the Atman and Brahman. This realization is achieved through various spiritual practices, such as meditation, yoga, and devotion (bhakti). The ultimate purpose of these practices is to transcend the limitations of the individual self and merge with the universal consciousness.

It is important to note that the concept of Moksha is unique to Hinduism and is not found in the same form in other religions. Buddhism, for example, emphasizes the cessation of suffering and the attainment of Nirvana, which is a state of liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Confucianism, on the other hand, focuses on social harmony and proper conduct, rather than the reunion of the soul with the world soul. Taoism emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao, the fundamental nature of the world, which is different from the Hindu concept of Moksha.

Therefore, the correct answer is Hinduism, as it is the religion that states the ultimate purpose and goal of every person, according to the Vedas, is to reunite the individual soul with the world soul.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Hinduism, as per the Vedas, states that the ultimate purpose and goal of every person is to reunite the individual soul (Atman) with the world soul (Brahman), a concept known as Moksha.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Buddhism focuses on the cessation of suffering and the attainment of Nirvana, which is different from the Hindu concept of Moksha.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Confucianism is a philosophical and ethical system that emphasizes social harmony and proper conduct, rather than the reunion of the soul with the world soul.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Taoism emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao, the fundamental nature of the world, which is different from the Hindu concept of Moksha.

Mnemonic: Vedas Voice Vedic Vision: V for Vedas, V for Voice (of the soul), V for Vision (of Moksha)

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