stic reality. Everything that exists in the reality of life on earth is different state of reality in which God controls life on earth. Samsara continues due to previous karma. Since the body of the atman can be changed, “no two selves are alike” (Radhakrishnan 509). Since both realities are different and God is the controller, the atman can never see God. In order to be free the atman must follow God and not desire the material world, for good karma. Devotion to God is necessary. It deviates on from maya and ends suffering. (Radhakrishnan)Out of India came Buddhism and the primary philosopher, the Buddha, was not a God but was a human, Siddhartha Gautama. He wanted to find a way to end human suffering. He believed that if man has no desires, then there is no suffering. His teachings apply not only to monks but also to all laypeople or common people who do not give up all material things like monks. (Carmody) “The five precepts of sila [ethics] are simple and negative: not to kill, not to steal, not to lie, not to commit unchastity, and not to take intoxicants” (41-42). The idea of unchastity is the most complex. Monks take a vow of celibacy but for the laypeople, they do not understand that impure thoughts cause bad karma. (Carmody) “The greatest impurity is ignorance. Free yourself from it. Be pure.” (Byrom 95) Humans as individuals are the only ones who can free themselves. Others can not free others, they can only help. It is up to the individual to perform the karma that is necessary to achieve nirvana or eternal bliss. Because Buddhism is not a divine doctrine, acts are not sins, they are acts upon ignorance of truth. (Rahula) Doubt is an example but “the root of all evil is ignorance and false views” (Rahula 3) One needs to also understand truth not just accept it. Misunderstanding is not logical. (Rahula) Some karma can lead an individual to heaven or hel...
