How do Hindus respond to evil and suffering?
Many Hindus respond to natural evil by trying to help those affected by it and through understanding of what life is. Examples of natural evil include:
- death
- natural disasters
- pain
The Bhagavad GitaThe Bhagavad Gita is one of the most revered and important Hindu texts. The Gita tells the story of Krishna’s incarnation as a chariot driver to Prince Arjuna and forms part of the Mahabharata. encourages readers to 'detach from the world' and appreciate that everything is just part of an eternal cycle. The role of humans is to do as little harm and as much good as possible so that they may escape this cycle. Liberation from rebirthThe belief that some part of a person (perhaps their energy) passes into a new life form after death. is called mokshaUltimate goal for all atman (spirits/souls) as laid out in Hindu scripture; escape from the cycle of reincarnation.. Humans only suffer because they cannot accept how 'limited' their existence is in the scheme of things.
Many Hindus believe that moral evil is caused by other people. They feel that Hindus should act with kindness and non-violence to all living things, called ahimsaThe Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh principle of total non-violence, in thoughts, words and actions. . This means treating all living creatures and the planet with consideration and kindness, and never causing harm to any being.
Hinduism teaches that those who deliberately hurt others or harm the Earth will face karmicThe adjective of karma. Actions or the law of cause and effect. consequences, but it is the duty of everyone else to both challenge such people and help them to 'see the light'.
Mahatma GandhiA Hindu who was given the title 'Mahatma', meaning 'great soul', because of his work for and commitment to equality and peace. Born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. taught Hindus that it is their duty to help people who are suffering:
…non-cooperation with evil is as much a duty as is cooperation with good.
