To Hindus every person has an essential self or atman. Some view it as the same as Brahman and other as a form of Brahman. The ultimate goal of existence, Hindus believe, is achieving moksha, or union with Brahman. To do that, individuals must free themselves from selfish desires that separate them from Brahman. Most people cannot achieve moksha in one lifetime, but Hindus believe in reincarnation, or the rebirth of the soul in another bodily form. Reincarnation allows people to continue world toward moksha through several lifetimes.

Question

To Hindus every person has an essential self or atman. Some view it as the same as Brahman and other as a form of Brahman. The ultimate goal of existence, Hindus believe, is achieving moksha, or union with Brahman. To do that, individuals must free themselves from selfish desires that separate them from Brahman. Most people cannot achieve moksha in one lifetime, but Hindus believe in reincarnation, or the rebirth of the soul in another bodily form. Reincarnation allows people to continue world toward moksha through several lifetimes.

The following depicts the origins of the Hindu Caste system. The four major castes emerged from Purusha (the first human being). Purusha is identified with the creator god Brahma.

The Brahmins: The priestly class, born from the mouth of Brahma.
The Kshatriyas: Warriors and rulers, senators,
presidents, majors, born from the chest of Brahma
The Vaisyas: Farmers, merchants, lawyers, doctors.
The Sudras: Unskilled workers. Born from the feet of
Brahma.
Untouchables: Those who did jobs considered “unclean” (Butchers, street cleaners, etc)

8. What is ‘moksha’—explain it, do not just copy the definition. According to this diagram, who were the only people who could achieve moksha in their lifetime? How might this impact the culture?
(4 sentence minimum)
Answer:

Answer 1

Moksha is the ultimate goal of existence in Hinduism. It is the state of liberation or union with Brahman, which is the ultimate reality or supreme being. Achieving moksha means breaking free from the cycle of rebirth and attaining spiritual enlightenment. It is a state of transcendence where one is liberated from the cycle of suffering and desires that separate them from Brahman.

According to the diagram, the only people who could achieve moksha in their lifetime were the Brahmins, who belong to the priestly class and were born from the mouth of Brahma. This could have a significant impact on the culture as it may create a hierarchical society where the Brahmins are considered spiritually superior to others. Their position as the only ones capable of achieving moksha in their lifetime could lead to a sense of spiritual elitism and possibly reinforce social divisions based on caste. This could potentially limit opportunities for individuals from other castes to pursue spiritual liberation and perpetuate inequality.