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Indic souls to apprehend the unity of God, the myriad divinities gradually dissolved and coalesced into one or other of the two mighty figures of Siva and Vishnu. Historians are agreed that this stage on the road towards the establishment of the unity of god was attained at least 2000 years ago.
IX.7 Buddhist Influence on Hindu thought
We now come to the greatest contribution made by the Buddha to Indian thought and world culture. Dr. Radhakrishnan, in his edition of 'Dhammapada" (which embodies Buddhist teachings), has stated that, judged by intellectual integrity, moral earnestness and spiritual insight, the Buddha is undoubtedly one of the greatest figures in history. The same scholar pointed out that, although there were different streams of thought operating on men's minds in the 6th century B.C. philosophic thought was agreed at that time on certain fundamentals. Life does not begin at birth or end at death; it is a link in an infinite series of lives: each of which is conditioned and determined by acts done in previous existences. Relief from the round of births, resulting in life in eternity is the goal, indicated by such terms as Moksha (deliverance) and Nirvana (union with the Brahman). The means of attainment are prayer and worship; ritual and sacrifice; and Vidya (realization by knowledge).
Even though the Buddha accepted the doctrines of Karma and rebirth and the non-reality of the
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