As all of you who understand anything about me know, I’ve spent much of Life Time in the quest of knowledge about the human’s pathway towards Higher Self. At the zenith of all advancing human consciousness is the individual moving away from the bounds of desire and emotion, as those are known to be two of the key elements that not only create negative, hurtful karma in the life of a person but also holds them back from becoming all they can be due to their focus on purely transient physical reality. Certainly, in my writings, perhaps most notably my book, Nirvana in a Nutshell, which has gone through a lot of printings in a lot of different languages, I try to detail a direct understanding of how to transcend the limitation of common thinking, thereby gaining deeper insight into the ultimate goal of human existence, (enlightenment), for those who care about such things, and wish to live that better promised life.   
 
This being said, each religious and philosophic pathway has detailed various methods of how their understanding, methods, and techniques will guide one towards the pathway to ultimate knowledge. Following is a piece I wrote for a journal a while back on the Hindu understanding of this pathway towards enlightenment. You may find in useful.    
 

Enlightenment in Hinduism

By Scott Shaw
 
Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest religions, encompasses a broad spectrum of beliefs and practices aimed at achieving spiritual enlightenment, known in Sanskrit as "Moksha." The Hindu path towards enlightenment is typically viewed as a gradual process involving several stages of spiritual development. In this document, we will examine these stages, their significance, associated practices, and the ultimate goal of attaining liberation.
 
The Concept of Moksha
Moksha, or spiritual liberation, represents the ultimate goal of life in Hinduism. The term Moksha is derived from the Sanskrit word "Muc," meaning to release or liberate. It signifies the release from the bondage of karma and the attainment of a state of eternal bliss and union with the divine. Unlike salvation concepts in other religions, Moksha is not a place or a reward but a state of being, characterized by profound knowledge and perfect peace.
 
Moksha denotes release from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (Samsara) and the realization of one’s true nature as part of the divine. Achieving moksha is regarded as the highest state of spiritual enlightenment, whereby the soul (Atman) merges with the supreme reality (Brahman). To attain this state, individuals must progress through various stages of spiritual development.
 
Samsara and Karma
To understand Moksha, it is crucial to grasp the notions of Samsara and Karma. Samsara is the continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth, driven by one's actions and desires. Karma, the law of cause and effect, dictates that every action has consequences that shape future experiences. Liberation from Samsara is achieved by transcending Karma through righteous living, self-awareness, and spiritual practices.
 
The Pathway to Moksha
Moksha is a central concept in Hinduism, representing the ultimate goal of human life. It is the state of liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (Samsara) and the realization of one's true self, free from the illusions of the material world. The journey towards enlightenment in Hinduism is multifaceted, involving various practices, philosophies, and disciplines.
 
The Four Stages of Life (Ashramas)
Hinduism traditionally outlines four stages of life, known in Sanskrit as "Ashramas." This understanding provides a framework for an individual's spiritual journey:
 
Brahmacharya (The Aspirant Stage)
The initial stage, Brahmacharya, involves learning and self-discipline. Individuals are expected to live a celibate life, focusing on acquiring knowledge and developing moral virtues. Under the guidance of a guru (spiritual teacher), students study sacred texts, learn rituals, and cultivate mindfulness, laying the foundation for future spiritual growth.
 
Grihastha (The Householder Stage)
The second stage involves family life and social responsibilities, including marriage, raising children, and engaging in professional and community activities. The emphasis at this level is on learning how to correctly and consciously fulfill one’s duties (dharma) to family, society, and the divine while balancing material pursuits with spiritual practice and ethical conduct.
 
Vanaprastha (The Hermit Stage)
During this stage, individuals transition from worldly involvement to a more contemplative existence as they grow older, and their children become independent. They retreat to seclusion, such as a forest or ashram, to engage in meditation, study, and self-reflection, deepening their spiritual understanding and preparing for the final stage of life.
 
Sannyasa (The Renunciant Stage)
The final stage is marked by renunciation and complete devotion to spiritual pursuits. Individuals renounce all material possessions, social ties, and worldly desires to focus solely on achieving Moksha and spiritual realization. Sannyasis (renunciants) often lead ascetic lives, practicing intense meditation and seeking direct experience of the divine, aiming to attain oneness with Brahman.
 
Pathways to Enlightenment
Hinduism recognizes multiple pathways to spiritual enlightenment, tailored to different temperaments and inclinations. These pathways, or Margas in Sanskrit, include:
 
Karma Marga (The Path of Action)
This pathway emphasizes selfless action and performing one’s duties without attachment to outcomes. Karma Marga purifies the mind and aids in progressing towards enlightenment. It integrates spiritual practice into daily activities, making it suitable for those leading an active, worldly life.
 
Bhakti Marga (The Path of Devotion)
Bhakti Marga focuses on cultivating a deep emotional bond and love for the divine through rituals, prayers, and acts of devotion. Bhakti Marga seeks divine grace and emphasizes surrender to the divine will.
 
Jnana Marga (The Path of Knowledge)
The path of Jnana Marga teaches that one should obtain spiritual knowledge through the study of sacred texts, contemplation, and meditation. Jnana Marga aims to discern the true nature of the self and the universe, transcending material illusions (maya). This intellectually and spiritually demanding path requires intense discipline to achieve liberation.
 
Raja Marga (The Royal Path)
Also known as Raja Yoga or the King’s Yoga, this is a systematic approach combining physical, mental, and ethical disciplines, including Asanas (postures), Pranayama (breath control), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and finally Samadhi (enlightenment). Raja Yoga aims to calm the mind, purify the body, and achieve inner stillness and union with the divine.
 
Stages of Meditation
Meditation is crucial in the quest for enlightenment, involving several stages culminating in samadhi, where the individual experiences complete absorption in the divine. These stages are:
 
Dharana (Concentration)
Dharana focuses the mind on a single point, such as a mantra or the breath, cultivating mental discipline and reducing distractions.
 
Dhyana (Meditation)
Dhyana represents uninterrupted meditation, where the mind fully absorbs the object of focus, leading to profound inner peace and unity.
 
Samadhi (Enlightenment)
The highest meditative stage is samadhi. Samadhi encompasses complete union with the divine, characterized by pure consciousness free from ego and worldly attachments.
 
The Role of Guru and Satsang
Guidance from a Guru (spiritual teacher) and support from a Satsang (spiritual community) are invaluable throughout the spiritual journey. Gurus provide wisdom, inspiration, and personalized guidance, while Satsang offer a supportive environment for sharing experiences and drawing strength from the group's collective energy.
 
Varying Schools
Various Hindu philosophical schools interpret Moksha somewhat differently, contributing to the rich tapestry of Hindu thought. Each details a pathway that leads the devotee towards liberation.
 
Advaita Vedanta
Advaita Vedanta, founded by Adi Shankaracharya, teaches non-dualism, asserting that the individual soul (Atman) and the supreme reality (Brahman) are one and the same. Enlightenment is the realization of this unity, transcending all illusions of duality.
 
Vishishtadvaita
Vishishtadvaita, propagated by Ramanuja, emphasizes qualified non-dualism, where the individual soul is distinct yet inseparable from Brahman. Devotion and surrender to God lead to liberation, with ultimate union in the divine.
 
Dvaita
Dvaita, introduced by Madhvacharya, upholds dualism, distinguishing the individual soul from Brahman. Moksha is achieved through devotion to God and grace, leading the soul to eternal bliss in the divine presence.
 
Practices and Rituals
Hinduism incorporates a myriad of practices and rituals aiding the pursuit of enlightenment.
 
Meditation and Prayer
Meditation and prayer are fundamental practices for achieving Moksha. They help calm the mind, focus thoughts, and foster a deeper connection with the divine.
 
Yajna and Puja
Yajna (sacrificial rituals) and Puja (worship) are performed to honor deities, seeking blessings and guidance on the spiritual journey. These rituals symbolize the surrender of ego and material desires to the divine.
 
Self-Reflection and Study
Regular self-reflection and study of scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Vedas provide insights into the nature of reality and the self, guiding individuals towards enlightenment.
 
Challenges and Obstacles on the Path to Enlightenment
The path to enlightenment presents challenges and obstacles, such as:
·      Ignorance (Avidya): Misunderstanding one’s true nature and reality.
·      Attachment (Raga): Clinging to worldly pleasures and possessions.
·      Aversion (Dvesha): Avoiding unpleasant experiences.
·      Ego (Asmita): Identifying with the individual self, creating a sense of separateness from the divine.
·      Fear of Death (Abhinivesha): Deep-seated fear of mortality and the unknown.
 
Overcoming these obstacles requires perseverance, self-discipline, and cultivating positive qualities like humility, patience, and compassion.
 
Enlightenment in Hinduism is a profound and transformative experience, leading to the realization of one's true self and union with the divine. Through various paths, practices, and philosophical insights, individuals can transcend the cycle of samsara and attain Moksha, the ultimate liberation and eternal bliss.