TRANSCENDENCE:

Transcendence in Hinduism

Transcendence can have a variety of meanings in different religions. Generally, it refers to a state of spiritual attainment that exists beyond the physical being. Some religions believe that God is a transcendent being in terms of physical transcendence. Other religions believe in immanence, which is the opposite of transcendence. Immanence means within, or in terms of God, that he exists completely in the physical.

Among many religions, Hinduism incorporates transcendence in its beliefs and philosophy. Navin Doshi discusses this topic in his book Transcendence: Saving us from Ourselves. Within Hinduism, transcendence carries different meanings with different scriptures and traditions. For the most part however, it describes a state of spiritual attainment. In this state of spiritual attainment, a person is no long controlled by basic human desires such as greed, and material goods. Immanence may also play a role in certain traditions in Hinduism; however, achieving this transcendent level of spiritual attainment is a theme in this religion.

One way that some people attempt to achieve this higher level of being is through meditation, such as yoga. This is a practice of mental discipline that helps people focus on ridding themselves of basic human desires in order to achieve a higher spiritual state that is beyond the physical being. Yoga is not only practiced in Hinduism but in many other religions, and also as a technique for relaxation in the United States. In Hinduism and other religions there are many methods of meditation and prayer that may help a person reach a higher state of being that surpasses the physical existence.