d. Is heaven in Hinduism the same as Christianity?

According to Biblical scholar Bart Ehrmann, Jesus didn’t preach about Heaven or Hell. These are later interpolations and misunderstandings that are glorified in modern religious dialog.

Hindus do believe there is a “place of no-anxiety” (Vaikuntha), which is the highest realm and the home of Vishnu, the creator. This is the place of no-anxiety, as the name suggests, but we do not live there as our currently embodied selves. In the Hindu tradition, our current bodies are like clothing that we wear and discard, while our inner self, Atman, is the one that continues the onward journeys. Relationships made by this physical body are also considered, therefore, impermanent.

There are lower realms that correspond a little more closely with the modern Christian concept of heaven or hell, except we don’t have harps and virgins. These realms are also meant for enjoyment of the results of our actions (if good, you go to the higher realm, and if bad, well, no soup for you, and you go to the lower realm). But this isn’t permanent. When you have done your time, you can return back to this physical realm, and start counting up your deeds again.

Hindus are more likely to interpret Jesus’ teaching of the “Kingdom of God” (which he talked extensively about), as a reference to the heart filled with devotion (and not to heaven, as such). Hindus would agree that God lives in our hearts filled with love. And if you can find your way to your heart, you are in a place of no-anxiety, or heaven. 

Welcome home, to your own heart!

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Other reading material: 

Relevant videos: Swami Nikhilanand Heaven in Hinduism, is it the same as in Christianity?, Hell in Hinduism, is it the same as in Christianity?, Bart Ehrmann’s interview on NPR 

Contributor: Gaurav Rastogi