A Hindu Perspective by Balliram Chadee. M.Hin.

www.thehanumanmission.com. bally@thehanumanmission.com or Bally 416-992-2487.

This is the 28th in a series of articles by Dr. Balliram Chadee and Hotshots Newspaper to bring a Hindu Perspective to educate our community. Comments and suggestions are welcome.

  The Concept of Sins and Rewards - How do we see it as Hindus?

 

Ans: Today I would like to touch on a topic which I have been asked by many people, from various religions and faith groups to share some insight into. It is a topic that some share a common view while others have a different perspective. Irregardless of how anyone sees this topic, the end result of “ Sin (paap) and Reward (punya)” has to be the same. If you do good, you shall reap good and if you actions reflect bad deeds or sinful actions, then your merits would yield such results. In so saying, according to “Hindu culture or Sanatan Dharma”, the views, opinions or thoughts on “sin” and the expiation or removal of sins, are in many cases different from other beliefs and faiths. Firstly we will attempt to look at this issue from a Hindu perspective and then seek to offer a comparison as best possible to the views of other practices and faiths. Hindus believe in “karma” and the rules of karmic success or failures which have adverse effects on their lives. It is believed, deep seated in the mind of almost every Hindu, that “as you sow, so shall you reap”. No one can pay for your sins except you and that no one can redeem you of your sins either. It is believed by Hindus that if a sin is committed, it must be removed through penance, sacrifice and repentance before that person can find a peaceful union with God and the supreme maker. It is also believed that, sins will be committed by humans because as humans, we are who we are. However there are prescribed ways of removing these sins and receiving liberation for salvation and final Moksha, based on the practices of vedic teachings, doctrines and rules of a “good life”, which are dictated very clearly in the scriptural texts. Knowing this, we still find ourselves immersed in sinful activities due to our greed, lust, desires, power cravings and ego tendencies. Therefore it is incumbent on all Hindus to seek forgiveness for their own sins (though they should avoid committing any in the first place) before they are incapable of doing so and have to depend on others to pray on their behalf. In situations of illness or the inability of a person to offer salutations to God, to pray on their own accord or to seek forgiveness due to their sinful actions, Hinduism allows for the offerings of the sacred prayers “mantras” on behalf of that person, for whom it is believed would still receive the deliverance of the “blessings” and be eventually freed from the sins committed, thereby allowing him to attain salvation and Moksha in unity with the supreme master and lord in the divine abode.

From my observations of other religions and faiths, “confession to the holy father” and “judgment day” are typical requirements and practices mandated. While it is the belief of some that you must confess your sins, and then execute whatever is delivered to you as a repentance penalty, Hinduism shares a different view. There is no judgment day at death; the effects of Paap and Punya (Sins and Merits) are dealt with daily, as are the effects encountered in such transitions. Hence we hear people talking about Karma and Karmic actions because the effects of sins and merits can be inherited from previous lives or committed in this life through our own conscious attitudes. One difference is that we do not confess our sins as Hindus to anyone but God. It is a Hindu view that no man knows your destiny but God (reincarnation) and as such, if you committed a sin or sinful act you must pay for it to the redeemer who is almighty God. Judgment day is everyday and so live your lives to the fullest but with virtues, values, moral conduct and high ethical standards. Do what you know is right; what you have been taught is right and forget the others, because when you have to pay (for your sins), no one will be there to help you share in your debts but you would always have many friends to share in your wealth and merits. So you can live your life as you wish, the price of pain or pleasure will be yours: Good or Bad – Sins or Merits. It is totally you choice to make what you want the end results to be. Now you know, so YOU be the Judge!