Sunday, 21 September 2014


This Paper Entitled

JESUS CHRIST IN THE HINDU SCRIPTURES
Is submitted in partial fulfillment of the course of

CONTEXTUAL APOLOGETICS

Towards the Degree of

MASTER OF THEOLOGY IN CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS

By

PRAVEEN TURUK
CA/....

July 10, 2014

CENTRAL INDIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Itarsi



CONTENTS
Introduction
1. Cultural and Theological Similarity
2. The Vedas
    2.1. Gods in Veda
3. The Way to Get Release from Bondage
4. Atonement for Sins
5. Vedic Requirements for the Sacrificial Purusha
6.  Jesus Christ is the Fulfillment of Vedic requirements
7. Jesus Christ in Bhavishya Mahapurana
      7.1Sahasranamavali Acknowledges Jesus Christ
8. Many Ways and the One Way
       8.1. The Way of Works (Karmamarga)
       8.2. The Way of Knowledge (Jnanamarga)
       8.3 The Way of Yoga and Bhakti  
9. The Three Ways Are One Way
10. The Holy Bible Also Proclaims the One Way  
Conclusion
Bibliography

           


Introduction
God is the father of all the human beings. But the eyes of human beings are being blinded by the Satan they are not able to understand their father. If God is the creator, then He is the father of all creations.  Bible presents clearly that God is love (1 John 4:8). He loves with an everlasting love (Jer 31:3). For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). The loving God does not want anyone to perish. So he revealed himself in various ways including as the incarnate God called Jesus Christ (Heb 1:1, 2). Since God does not want anyone to be lost, he lightens every human being who is born into this world (John 1:9). So the loving God has graciously revealed himself through the Hindu scriptures in order that the teeming millions of Hindus may not be lost in the total darkness of sin. In such context this Paper display that the supreme Jesus is unveil in the Hindu scriptures. The ultimate God the Purusha which speaks in the Hindu scripture is The Lord Jesus Christ. And this paper also gives a great challenge to the Hindus to think of what their scripture is saying and to evaluate their faith concerning their salvation.








1. Cultural and Theological Similarity
The festival of Shivarathri is celebrated by keeping a vigil throughout that night to thank god who had saved a hunter, who lost his way in the jungle. The Bible says that the Lord kept a vigil on the day of Passover and delivered the people of Israel from Egypt. In remembrance of this day and to honor the Lord, the Israelites in turn keep a vigil on this night every year.[1] On this day, God instructed Moses to mark the main doors of their houses and the top and two side posts with the blood of the lamb, which was to be sacrificed by each family, as a mark of identification for the purpose of protection. These same markings with the red powder can be seen in every Indian house, even today.[2] While on a journey, Jacob slept for the night by keeping a stone as a pillow and dreamt, seeing angels of God ascending and descending on a ladder set between earth and heaven, and the Lord stood above it. Next morning he took the stone, and set it up as a pillar, and poured oil over it, and he named that place as Bethel (house of God). In India also one can see the stone with oil, which has become Shivalinga[3] In the Bible, God told Moses to bring a red heifer without spot and kill it as a sacrifice for the Lord. Her skin, her flesh, blood and dung shall be burnt. A clean man shall gather up the ashes of the heifer and keep it in the holy place. This ash will be mixed with water and will be sprinkled on the body of the people, for the purpose of purification from their sins (Numbers 19:1-9).[4] During the Vedic period, three different kinds of sacrifices were in practice. 1. Nara (human) medhya (body) yagna (sacrifice), 2. Ko (cow) medhya yagna, 3. Aswa medhya yagna. For Ko medhya yagna, the cow should be a red one. Even today, if a Brahmin wants to do some ceremonial duty in his house, he will look for a red cow and do pooja before it. The sacrificial cow has now become a sacred cow, because cow is no longer sacrificed by law. Therefore, people burn only the cow’s dung and they collect these ashes and mix it with water and apply it on their body or generally on their forehead as Vibhooti.[5] Since the sacrificed cow was to be positioned upside down on the altar before burning, a long three headed fork like tool was used. In addition, to collect and store these ashes, several types of vessels were used. In the Bible the Lord told, “you shall make its pans to receive its ashes, and its shovels and its basins and its forks and its fire pans; you shall make all its utensils of bronze” (Exodus 27:3).[6] Similarly in the Indian temples also, all these vessels are made out of bronze. This has now become “Trishool”. In the Bible, the priest, while he is inside the holy of the holiest part of the temple, should make a sound with the bells, as well as while coming out of it. He should have his undergarments from the waist to the knee. The sacrificial animal should have a small string, bearing the name of the family. The priest should mention the name of the family and then sacrifice. He should wear an engraved plate on his turban saying, “Holy to the Lord” (Exodus 28:34-37, 42).[7] In the Indian temples also, when the priest goes inside the holy of the holiest place for prayer, he makes the noise of the bell and comes out with the noise of the bell. He wears a piece of cloth from his hip to the knee over his clothing. When the people bring their offerings to God, he always asks them on whose name should it be offered?[8] As the Bible says, that “God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24)”, the Yazur Veda also says, “Nathasya prathima asityasya nammahastha (32:3)”, God has no image and His name is Holy.[9]
 2. The Vedas
Veda is the religious scripture of Hindu religion. Veda means, sacred scriptural knowledge. This knowledge was obtained through dedication, devotion and meditation, by several hundred Sages for years. These scriptures are divided into two parts. One in Shruti (which is revealed) and the other one is Smruti (which is believed). Shruti contains Vedas (which gives light or knowledge); Smruti contains Ithihasas (parables like Maha Bharat, Ramayana and Bhagavat Gita) and Puranas. These Ithihasas and Puranas were written at latter date to explain the morals of these Vedas.[10]
There are few classes of Vedas. The first one is called the Samhitaas or Mantras, the second one is Aagamas (Commandments), the third one is Bhramanas (this contains the meanings for Samhitaas) and the fourth one is the Aranyakas and Upanishads (which contains philosophies and meditations).Again the Samhitaas are of four different types. The first one is the Rig Veda Samhitaa (which is a collection of Hymns). The second one is the Yazur Veda Samhitaa (a collection of sacrificial formulas). The third one is Sama Veda Samhitaa (again a collection of songs). The fourth one is the Atharva Veda Samhitaa (a collection of spells and charms).[11]
2.1. Gods in Veda
Vedas begin with the worship of gods of nature, namely; The terrestrial gods- Prithvi (earth), Agni (fire), Bruhaspati and Soma (plants).The atmospheric gods- Indra, Rudra, Maruts, Vayu and Parjanya (storm, thunder and rain). The celestial gods- Dyaus (heaven), Varuna, Ushas & Asvins (twilight morning stars) and Surya, Mitra, Savitri, Ka, Vishnu (all associated with the sun).[12] As we have already seen, these gods were the result of man’s search for the truth, which finally culminated in Prajapati the Creator. The 10th mandala of Rig Veda chapter 121 verse 10 says, Prajapati Lord of life, Lord of Creatures and Lord of Creations. “This understanding of the Creator, made man to cry to Him, as it is written in Bhruhat Aranyaka Upanishad (1.3.28) saying, Asatoma sat gamaya, Tamasoma Jyotir gamaya, Mruthyoma amrutham gamaya, which means, from untruth lead me to truth, from darkness lead me to light, from death lead me to eternal life.”[13]  After having reached this stage of knowing the truth, the next step is obviously to follow the truth, which will ultimately help mankind to attain mukti. It is at this stage, that man comes across the major hurdle, which is very well described in Prartha Snana Mantra, Papokam, papa kanmokam, papathma papa samphava; thrahimam Pundarikaksha sarva papa hari hare. Which means, I am born in sin, doer of sin, and a sinful self; I am the worst of all sinners, Lord save me from all my sins. Why sin is a hurdle? Because it is an offense against God (Rig Veda 7.86.3). Sin has many names in Sanskrit Scriptures namely pap (sin), aagg (fire), dushkrit (evil deeds), thamas (darkness), prakrit (inborn nature), asathya (untruth) etc.[14]
Dr. S. Radhakrishnan says, we have sin with us from the beginning of history. The Bruhad Aranyaka Upanishad says, that the Jeeva (soul) acquires evil, right at birth. “What are the fruits of this sinful tree which is our body? Sickness, sorrow, pain, bondage and many other kinds of sins”.[15] No man is free from this bondage of sin.
3. The Way to Get Release from Bondage
Man out of his own wisdom and knowledge, invented many ways such as Karma marga (way of works), Gnana marga (way of knowledge), Yoga marga (way of concentrating mind) and Bhakti marga (way of devotion), to get rid of this bondage of sin.[16]
The word Karma means several things. (a) It may mean the deed or deeds of the individual human being. These deeds are (i) Satvik- virtuous, (ii) Rajasik- pride, (iii) Tamasik- evil. These three are known Triguna or triple nature. (b) It may mean the Cycle of karma, karma samsara or karma chakra. (c) It may also mean karma yoga or nishkarma, or a deed or deeds done without any desire for reward.[17]
The main purpose of this rebirth cycle is, that the soul in each birth may reap the good or bad of all its karma of the past and present. As per this doctrine, no one can ever know about his or her accumulated deeds, thereby not having any opportunity to correct his or her past, resulting in a hopeless uncertainty. In other words, karma is being stamped on the forehead of every human being, and the destiny of the soul is ceaselessly determined without the control of the individual.[18] This has made Shri Shankaracharya to say in Bajagovindam, repeated birth, repeated death, and repeated lying in mother’s womb, is a difficult process to go through. Oh destroyers of death, save me by your grace.[19]
4. Atonement for Sins
Thertiriya Aranyaka verse 3 says, “Sarvapapa pariharo raktha prokshna mavasyam” which means, that the redemption is through shedding of blood only. For this purpose God allowed mankind to sacrifice animals, in order to make them realize that there is a penalty for everyone’s sins. Though the animal’s blood is not a substitute, it was expected that man would repent and turn away from his sinful ways, by seeing the blood of the animal which is being shed on his behalf. But mankind started practicing it just as a ritual, and thus came into condemnation.[20]
If mankind were to be saved from this predicament, as Thertiriya Aranyaka 3rd verse says again, “…thad raktham Paranatmena punyadena baliyagam” which means, that blood has to be through the sacrifice of God himself. The Purusha Sukta says, there is no other way other than the sacrifice of Purusha Prajapati. Purushao vava yagna (Chandokya Upanishad 3.16.1), God, the Purusha is the sacrifice. Sama Veda Dandiya Mahabhramanam says, “Prajapathi devapyam aathmanam yagnam kruthva prayachita” which means, God will offer himself as a sacrifice for the redemption of mankind. Sathpatha Bhramanam says, “Prajapathi yagnayaga”[21]
Hinduism's most ancient text, the 3000 to 4000 year old Rig Veda, contains a prophecy about a "Lamb which must be sacrificed for the sins of mankind- a Lamb without blemish"! The Vedic Literature shows us at least ten important features of the Prajapati-sacrifice which was are completely fulfilled in Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. The outstanding results of the Vedic sacrifices are also present in the results of Christ's crucifixion.[22]
The Vedas were written in Sanskrit, between the period 2000 and 1200 B.C. To the Hindus the Vedas are the sacred Scriptures and the final authority of their religion and philosophy.[23] “It is surprising to encounter the hidden Christ in the Vedas, the Purusa-prajapati (the Son of Man and the Lord of all) who gave Himself in sacrifice for the salvation of mankind.”[24] The Prajapati Sacrifice portrayed in the Vedas is literally fulfilled in the real Prajapati Sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the Vedas, the birth of our lord and savior Jesus Christ, and the good news of the gospel are revealed in the Upanishads. When the ancients wrote about the sacrifices for attaining Moksa (eternal life) and the sacrifice of Prajapati (Lord of All), they were quire unknowingly portraying the Lord Jesus Christ and His crucifixion as the way of salvation Purusha or Jesus Christ.[25]
5. Vedic Requirements for the Sacrificial Purusha 
The Rig Veda specifies ten important requirements for the sacrificial Purusha.  Sacrifice plays a vital role in Vedic literature. The Rig Veda says: “The sacrifice is extended in all directions by means of its threads.”[26] In another place, it is written that the sacrifice is the navel of the world. The Vedas proclaim that sacrifice is the way to attain heaven and the remission of sin.[27]
i. The Purusha has to be without Blemish.   Kaatyaayana Srautasootram describes in chapter six, that the water and fire were to be used for the purification of the animals, since blameless (defect less) animals are not available in this world.
ii. The Purusha has to be Separated from Others
While sacrificing the horse, the sacrificial horse is always separated from other horses. A bush of thorns is usually placed on the head of the horse to inform the people that this horse is separated from the sacrifice. Also the head of the horse is considered to represent the Purusha. (Sathapatha Brahmana 13th kanda, 6.22).
iii. The Purusha has to be Rejected by His own People
  In Itareya Brahmana it is written that the sacrificial animal should be rejected by its father; mother, brother, sister and friends (2.16).
iv. The Yagna Purusha has to Suffer Silently
Rig Veda 5.46.1 says, "Like a horse I have yoked myself, well knowing to the pole. I seek neither release nor turning back".[28]
v. The Purusha has to be Tied to a Post
In Satapata Brahmana it is written, never do they immolate an animal without tying it to a pole. "Na varute yapaat pasum alabhate kadachana .It is important to tie the animal to a sacrificial pillar before it is sacrificed. This pillar is called "Yupastampa (sacrificial pillar)", which has now become a flag mast.[29]
vi. The Blood of the Sacrificial Man should be Shed 
Bruhad Aranyaka Upanishad (3.9.28.2) says, "Tvacha evasya rudhiram, prasyandi tvacha utpatah, Tasmaattadarunnaat praiti, raso vrukshadi vahataat",
As the sap comes out of the cut tree, blood comes out of the Purusha who is cut.
vii. The Sacrificed Animal's Bones should not be Broken
In Itareya Brahmana 2.6 it is stated that the sacrificer separates the twenty-six ribs of the animal without breaking them [30]
viii. The Sacrificed Purusha should Return to Life
The Bruhad Aranyaka Upanishad says, "Yad Vruksho vrukshano rohati, mulannavatharah punah, martyah svinmrutyuna vruknah, kasmaanmulaat prarohati, Retasa iti maavocata, jivatastat praja yate, dhanaruh a iva vai crau vruksho, anjasaa pretya sammbhavha", Which means, if the tree is cut, it will grow again from its root. But after the man was cut off by death, from which root does he come forth? Do not say that has is from the ratas (seed or semen) because ratas comes from the one who lives. Remember this man is dead. But this man (Purusha) comes alive, on his own.[31] 
ix. The flesh of the Purusha should be Eaten by his Saints 
 In Satpata Brahmana(5.1.1.1,2) we find that Prajapati gave Himself up to them, thus the sacrifice became theirs, and indeed the sacrifice is the food of the gods (saints). [32]
x. The Sacrifice is for All
Verse 8 in Purusha Sukta explains, Tasmaad yagnatsarvahutah, pasuntamscakre voayaryaa, naananyaan gramyaasca ye. By that sacrifice, all these originated: sprinkled ghee and all kinds of animals of the sky, forest and country. The significance of sprinkled ghee represents the original sacrifice. From that sacrifice, Purusha offered everything that he had, including the Rig, Sama, Yazur Vedas and the Chandas (sacred writings). [33]
6.  Jesus Christ is the Fulfillment of Vedic requirements
 i. Jesus Christ was without any Blemish
In the Old Testament Bible it is written, "Do not bring anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf"(Levi 22:20). "Whether male or female, present before the Lord an animal without defect” (Levi 3:1).The New Testament says, "In Him (Jesus Christ) there was no sin"(1 John 3:5).
ii. Jesus Christ was Separated from Others
The Bible says, "The soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe" John 19:2, thus separating Him from others.
iii. Jesus Christ was Rejected by his own People
The Prophet Isaiah wrote, "He (Jesus Christ) was despised and rejected and they shouted to crucify him". Jesus said on the cross, "Eloi Iama sabaktani", which means, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mathew 27:46).
iv. Jesus Christ Suffered Silently
"He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open his mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before the Shearer's is silent" (Isaiah 56:7).
v. Jesus Christ was Tied
Ps. 118:27 says, "Bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar".
vi. Jesus Christ's Blood was Shed
This was fulfilled in Jesus Christ when he was nailed to the cross.  "He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but entered the most holy place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. Without shedding blood there is no redemption" (Heb 9:12, 22).
vii. Jesus Christ's Bones were not Broken
In the Bible, Exodus 12:46 says that the bones of the animal should not be broken. Three hours after crucifixion, "when they (soldiers) came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs"(John 19:33).
Viii. Jesus Christ Rose again from the Dead
"Him (Jesus Christ) God raised up the third day, and showed him openly" (Acts 10:40). "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept"(1Cor. 15:20).
ix. Jesus Christ gave His body to be Eaten
At the last supper Jesus took the bread, gave thanks and gave it to his disciples saying, "Take and eat; this is my body. Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and offered it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many, for the forgiveness of sins" (Mat. 26: 26, 27).
 x. Jesus Christ was given to All
"He who did not spare His own son, but gave him up for us all, how will he not also, along with him graciously give us all things?" (Rom 8:32).
7. Jesus Christ in Bhavishya Mahapurana
The Bhavishya Purana is the ninth in this set of eighteen sacred books. Bhavishya means future It contains a number of future events, including the information about the virgin birth of Christ and his name Its third part is entitled Bharathkhand, and the second chapter in the third part is entitled Pratisarg. [34]This chapter has thirty-four verses that clearly tell the story of Jesus Christ and His incarnation. The following verses show the main parts.  It is the only scripture book which contains the name of Jesus.
Verse 31:
“Yeeshmoortiparaptanityashuddhashivakari:
Yeeshamasihitticha mam namaprathishtatham”
Translation:
The revelation of God who is eternal, Holy, Compassionate and giver of salvation; who dwells within our heart is manifested. His name is yeeshaMasih [Jesus Christ]. Speaking of this Savior and God incarnate, the sages call Him Purushashubham (blameless and Holy person), Balwaan raja gaurangshwetavastrakam (sovereign king in a holy person robed in white) Yeeshputra (Son of God), Kumarigarbhasambhavam (one who is born of a virgin), and atyaVarathaParaayanam (one who is the sustainer of the path of truth).This man is all that has been, all that is and all that has to be. He controls the eternal life and it is for the redemption of mankind. He surpasses His immortal sphere and descends to the mortal sphere. He comes to give everyone reward as per their deeds.
7.1Sahasranamavali Acknowledges Jesus Christ
Ohm ShriBrahmaputrayanamaha: Oh Lord, The Son of God, we praise you.
Ohm ShriUmathyayanamaha: Oh Lord who is born of the Spirit, we praise you.
Ohm Shrikannisudhayanamaha: Oh Lord who is born of a virgin, we praise you.
Ohm Shritharithranarayanayanamaha: Oh Lord who became poor for our sake, we praise you.
Ohm Shrividhiristayanamaha: Oh Lord who is circumcised, we praise you.
Ohm Shripanchagayayanamaha: Oh Lord who bore five wounds on your body, we praise you.
Ohm Shrivrukshashularuthayanamaha: Oh Lord who offered yourself as a sacrifice on a trishool like tree (three headed spear), we praise you.
Ohm Shrimruthyamjayanamaha: Oh Lord who got victory over death, we praise you.
Ohm Shrishibilistayanamaha: Oh Lord who willingly offered your flesh to be eaten by your saints, we praise you.
Ohm Shrithatchinamoorthyayanamaha: Oh Lord who is seated by the side of the Father, we praise you.
Ohm Shrimahadevayayanamaha: Oh Lord who is Lord of lords, we praise you.[35]
The Hindu scriptures point to the efficacy of the blood of Jesus Christ which cleanses from sin.
If you want to be delivered from the sin which you commit through eyes, mouth, ears and mind, bloodshed is necessary. Without shedding the blood, there is no remission for sin. That must be the blood of the Holy one. God is our creator. He is our King. When we were perishing, He came to save us by offering even his own body on our behalf. (MahaBrahmanam 4.15)
God is the ruler of people. He will offer His body as a sacrifice, for His people; for the remission oftheirsins (Samaveda, part 2, ThandiyaMahaBrahmanam). [36]
These statements clearly describe the suffering and the death of Christ. No one else qualifies. These Hindu scriptural references will be a great help to present Jesus to the orthodox Hindus. As a second step Jesus can be presented as the true incarnated God, meeting their full expectations by using Hindu scriptures themselves.[37] These scattered but clear-cut references to Christ led some Hindu seekers of the truth to the Bible and Christ.
8. Many Ways and the One Way
According to modern Hinduism there are many ways of salvation. They believe that eventually all of them reach heaven as every river flows to the ocean. As the Hindu philosophers often say, Hinduism can tolerate and even accept all other religious thought and still it can keep its own identity. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, was right when he wrote: “Hinduism as faith is vague, amorphous, many sided, all things to all men.”[38] Normally, Hindus do not have any difficulty accepting Jesus as one among the many but most of them do not agree with the statement that Jesus is the one and the only way of salvation.[39] Here we see that the Upanishads and the Vedas unanimously proclaim that the way to the land of eternal life is to know the Purusa. They also declare that there is no other way to reach there. We have seen that the main theme of the Purusasukta is the sacrifice of the Purusa Prajapati which is for the remission of the sin of mankind. The Purusasukta confirms the message by proclaiming that there is no other way for salvation of mankind.[40] Moreover, we see the name of this way given by the sages throughout Vedic literature is: Prajapti (The Supreme Way). “The word para or supreme means the highest or the climax and this alone is the ultimate.”[41] There cannot be two supreme ways at the same time.
8.1. The Way of Works (Karmamarga)
The word ‘Karma’ means work, deed, action etc. The karma marga (the way of works) is the most popular way of salvation in the world. The yajna (sacrifice) is considered as the highest karma. Therefore, karma marga is also known as yajna marga. Actually karma marga originated from sacrifice. Sacrifice is an action of man to obtain salvation. It is also true that we have numerous verses in the Vedas to support the idea of obtaining salvation by the act of sacrifice.  Man could not be justified by the imperfect works of sacrifices performed by man. Therefore salvation is not based on the work of man. Jesus presented Himself to God as the sinless atoning Lamb and only through His perfect work are we able to enter into eternal life.[42]
Today people are trying to do many good works for salvation without knowing Purusa – Prajapati’s perfect sacrifice. The Holy Bible says, “All our righteous deeds are like filthy rags.” (Isaiah 64:6) In fact nobody can do good works without the Spirit of the Purusa. Jesus said to us: “Without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) At the same time we will automatically produce good fruit if we join together with the tree who came down from heaven. [43]
8.2. The Way of Knowledge (Jnanamarga)
 The Vedas and Upnisas unanimously say that we have to know the Purusa who has sacrificed His life for us. We have seen that Purusa is the supreme knowledge (paravidya) to travel through the supreme way to achieve the supreme goal.[44]
8.3 The Way of Yoga and Bhakti  
The word yoga originates from the Sanskrit root yuj which means joins, or unites with something or somebody. So yoga originally means union. V. S. Apte’s Sanskrit English Dictionary gives all these meaning along with the following explanation: “Deep and abstract meditation, concentration of the mind, contemplation of the Supreme Spirit.” This is the original purpose of the way of the yoga. There is only one answer in the Vedas and the Upanishads when the question is asked on whom we must concentrate our attention; Purusa, the Almighty.[45]
  Union with God is possible through Purusa, His beloved Son Jesus Christ. Without Purusa no one knows God. In order to reach this unity with God we have to travel in precisely the opposite direction to TM. For the realization of God, the Kathopanisad shouts and says: Uttistatjagrata which means arise and keep awake. “TM wants to bring us from the state of waking to the state of dreaming and sleeping but the ancient sage boldly tells us to awake from our sleep and keep on watching for attaining salvation.”[46]  In order to reach this ultimo ate stage of salvation we must meditate on Purusa the Lord Jesus Christ. “For that the Upanisads and the Holy Bible tell us to wake up (uttistata jagrata) and listen to the word of God.” This is the true Yoga in which we have filled our minds with the best and the supreme goodness. This is the way to eternal life.[47] While TM requires us to evacuate our mind s and leads us into a dream state, deep sleep and finally to death, true Yoga fills our minds with God and leads us to everlasting life.[48]

The literal meaning of bhakti is devotion or faithfulness. But Hindu scholars often translate this word as love. Certainly, this love is spiritual. Swaminikhilananda writes on this as follows: “Spiritual love, or bhakti, is directed only to God, whose effulgence brilliance puts to shame ‘a million suns, a million moons, and a million gods of beauty.”[49] Some of the philosophers consider that this is a fourth way of salvation. But on close observation we discover this is not a fourth way of salvation but just one of the parts of the one way. For salvation we have to concentrate our mind on Purusa with bhakti (love) and diligently seek Him. In this way we will find Him and know Him and will then continue to love and serve Him. We do good works (karma) not because the Law demands it but because it comes automatically and spontaneously on the basis of the knowledge of Purusa’s love towards us. This is the way of immortality.[50]
9. The Three Ways Are One Way
From our discussion it is very clear that the Vedas and Upanishads never taught four ways of salvation. “They are all four aspects of the one way of salvation. In order to know Him, the Purusa, we have to seek Him with all our being, concentrating our mind on Him.”[51] So we see jnana marga and yoga marga are uniting together. If we know Him we have to follow in His footsteps and produce the fruit of sacrifice in this period of our being a living sacrifice as St. Paul writes in Romans 12:1-2. Here karma marga works together with the way of knowledge and the way of concentration. The Holy Bible says that faith (knowledge) without deeds is useless. We offer our lives as a living sacrifice but not because the law requires it of us. Most willingly we follow Him because of the covenant of love. We experience His great love and from that divine love we love Him and others. Thus the way of love (bhakti marga) also works together along with the other three ways. When we start to walk with Him in the supreme way of eternal life we immediately understand these ways are not separate ways but are united in a single way to heaven. Now we are able to understand better the significance of the Vedic proclamation: “Only knowing Him, the Purusa, does one pass over death. There is no other path leading to eternal life.”[52]
10. The Holy Bible Also Proclaims the One Way  
We have already seen that the Holy Bible also proclaims this same way for salvation. In conclusion we recall the words in the prayer of Jesus: “Now this is eternal life: that they may know You (Heavenly Father), the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (Jn 17:3)Jesus Christ says: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes of the Father except through Me.” (Jn 14:6) St. Peter proclaims: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by whom we must be saved.”[53] (Act 4:12)  St. Paul writes: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the Man (Purusa) Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all men the testimony given in its proper time.” (1. Tim 2:5)[54].
Conclusion
It is so amazing to see the Hindu scriptures bear witness to Jesus Christ by name and his vicarious death. The Hindu scriptural passages show clearly that Christ was born to a virgin, is holy and blameless, he suffered and died, and redeemed the sinners by shedding his holy blood.
We have seen that there are some of cultural and theological similarity between Christian and Hinduism, which shows there is also the revelation of God in other religions and culture. As the Veda says the blood has to be shed for the deliverance from the bondage of sin, and it provides different ways to attain it, which is impossible for a human to do throughout his/her life span. The Vedas also speak about the Purusasukta.  And the main theme of the Purusasukta is the sacrifice of the Purusa Prajapati which is for the remission of the sin of mankind. The Purusasukta confirms the message by proclaiming that there is no other way for salvation of mankind. Moreover, we see the name of this way given by the sages throughout Vedic literature is Prajapti (The Supreme Way). The supreme means the highest or the climax and this alone is the ultimate. And in the Hindu scripture there is no mention of any Hindu god or goddesses have fulfilled this requirements, for deliverance of the human kinds from the bondage of sins, but all these requirement have fulfilled in Jesus Christ. If Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the entire requirement then He is only the supreme way, and there cannot be two supreme ways at the same time, therefore Jesus Christ is the way, truth and the Life.

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[3] Alex Abraham,” Christ In Vedas,”  http://www.indiadivine.org/content/topic/977749-christ-in-vedas/,(accessed on 15/2/2014).
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[35]  Stephen. Knap,” Jesus Predicted in the Vedic Literature”, http://www.stephen-knapp.com/jesus_predicted_in_the_vedic_literature.htm (Accessed on 3/8/2014).
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[39] Joseph Padinjarekara, Christ In Ancient Vedas, (Canada: Welch Publishing Company, 1991), 183.
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[51] Padinjarekara, Christ in Ancient Vedas, 195.
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[53] Padinjarekara, Christ in Ancient Vedas, 194.
[54] Padinjarekara, Christ in Ancient Vedas, 194.
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