Did Jesus Study Hinduism
Many religious texts and figures speaking of the divine nature of Jesus Christ throughout the centuries allude to the possibility that Jesus studied Hinduism from his time spent in India. Numerous interpretations of such texts, beliefs, and scriptures discuss the possibility that Jesus wished to impart spiritual knowledge to his followers and that what he had gained spiritually in India served as a basis for this. While the majority of theologians may argue that Christianity does not have any definitive connection to the religion of Hinduism, certain particular spiritual aspects of Jesus Christ’s life may have been inspired from Hinduism.
In the book Jesus Lived in India, authors Holger Kersten and Elmar R. Gruber suggest that there are several clues in ancient Sanskrit and Christian texts that point to Jesus studying in India as a young adult. The authors argue that if Jesus did indeed absorb teachings directly in India, this would help to explain some of the parallels between Christianity and Hinduism, such as resurrection, self-transformation, and universal love.
Some scholars debate the historicity of early Christian literature that makes direct mention of Jesus’ journey to India. Flemish theologian Arnold de Bidder argues that such endeavors are purely “apocryphal” and symbolically refer to Christ’s own spiritual journey or his ascension into a further level of divinity. However, other researchers, such as Holger Kersten and Elmar R. Gruber, argue that there are too many documents that point to the likelihood that Jesus did visit India. The authors argue that such statements from early Christian literature should not be dismissed from any relevant discussion.
Despite the controversy on the subject, there have been some compelling parallels drawn between Christianity and Hinduism which suggest a possible relationship. Some argue that Jesus’ messages are anchored in certain Hindu beliefs and practices, such as the notion of Karma, the cycle of birth and death, the idea of a spiritual awakening, and the emphasis on love and nonviolence as the paramount spiritual goals.
Stemming from these possible connections, some believe that Jesus may have wished to bring the wisdom he had learned in India to his community in the Middle East. Although no two religions are completely identical, many believe that Jesus sought to teach the same fundamental principles at their core—regardless of the differences in teachings.
In addition to potential connections between the two beliefs, there are also those who argue that there is no direct link between Hinduism and Christianity. Bishop Chrysostom stated, “The thoughts and ways of the Hindus are diverse from ours and there is no comparison between the two. Even if Jesus had traveled to India, there is little evidence that he would have been drastically impacted by the ancient Hindu beliefs.”
For many, believing that there are connections between Hinduism and Christianity is ultimately deeply personal and part of ongoing attempts to make sense of the universal truths behind all religious teachings. In the end, it is ultimately up to the reader to draw their own conclusions. Whether Jesus did or did not study Hinduism before returning to the Middle East, both Christianity and Hinduism are deeply meaningful to the millions of adherents around the world today.
The Hindu Trinity and Christian Trinity
The belief of a trinity is present in both the Hindu and Christian faiths. In the Hindu faith there are three Hindu gods that have merged into one entity, Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer). This trinity of Hindu gods makes up the Supreme God, that is responsible for the creation, upkeep, and destruction of the world. This three-in-one concept is also present in Christianity, where the Christian trinity is composed of God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy spirit, where they all make up the one Supreme Being.
The parallels between the Hindu and Christian trinities are not unknown, as the idea of three gods or three “souls” merging together to form one also appears in many other religious traditions. While the individual Hindu gods are not equivalents of the Christian version of the trinity, both beliefs serve as a reminder of the unity of all religions.
Karma
The Hindu doctrine of Karma is another example of a concept present in both faiths. According to the doctrine, a person’s actions and intentions result in consequences that either help propel a person’s spiritual evolution, or serves as a means to keep them from progressing. When Jesus spoke of the concept of sowing and reaping, he was referencing the same idea that is expressed in the doctrine of Karma — what you give, you will receive.
The general idea behind Karma being an alternative name for the law of cause and effect, a principle of energy in motion. In Hinduism, the effects of actions are said to return to the person in the form of rewards or punishments, either in the present or in future lifetimes. In Christianity, believers see karma as the outcome of their moral choices, which will determine the rewards they will receive in heaven.
The Alignment of Doctrines
Additionally, many try to draw further links between the core of Hinduism and Christianity, such as the importance of following spiritual paths such as Bhakti Yoga (the practice of devotion) and Atman (the divine self). In Christianity, these amounts to following Jesus’ commands, loving thy neighbor, and living a life of holiness. These examples of doctrines found in both faiths are intended to remind us of the common aspects of spirituality.
But it is also important to remember the differences too, as it may be a source of tension between followers of both faiths. Hindu followers may be wary of Christian proselytizing activities, while Christian believers may have issues with some of the Hindu doctrines, such as reincarnation, which is in opposition to the Biblical teachings of Resurrection.
Divinity of Jesus Christ
Finally, those who believe that Jesus studied Hinduism often point to specific elements in his teachings that suggest he was tapping into a deeper spiritual understanding of divinity. For example, many consider Jesus’ heals of soul and body to be a sign of his divine power, which could be similarities seen in Hinduism. Then there are his transfigurations, in which he seemingly was temporarily transformed or “transcended” into a higher, divine form.
While some may interpret such stories as mere symbolic references to a spiritual realm, others may view such passages as evidence suggesting that Jesus’ teachings were drawing from a greater understanding of the divine. In this interpretation, Jesus is seen as a person who, through his connection to Hinduism, was privy to the secrets of spiritual transformation.
The Significance of Jesus’ Teachings
In conclusion, regardless of whether or not Jesus studied in India and drew from Hinduism to shape his teachings, the spiritual legacy and eternal truth of his work still exists today. His teachings have brought solace to millions and continue to define the faith of millions more. Regardless of what beliefs you may have, they point to the ultimate unified nature of our universe and its potential for spiritual evolvement.
Parting Thoughts
There is a great beauty in appreciating the different religious and spiritual teachings throughout the world. In thinking of the commonalities that bind them together, we can develop a new level of understanding and respect for different doctrines and beliefs. In that sharing of understanding and respect, we can create a culture of love and human connection that transcends the labels and beliefs that we have given ourselves.
