Full context:   The perspective unique to each system of thought, even within a single culture, necessarily shows up in one or another of these relational frameworks. Let us remain within the context of India for a moment, where four principal currents inform metaphysics. In Brahmanism (conjoining), salvation is attained by reunification with the brahman, that unique essence present in every being and with which each being may join in the form of the Self (atman). In Jainism (individuation), the monad of life (jiva), a spiritual essence unique and particular to each being, is thought to be completely separate from karmic materiality (a-jiva) from which one separates oneself through successive reincarnations. In Buddhism (objectivation), universal emptiness (sunyatta) explains the illusion (maya) of phenomena, which are artifacts of the consciousness that perceives them, and from which the individual can liberate himself through extinction (nirvana). In Hinduism (participation) the first, last and eternal conceptual framework of India, salvation is completely dependent upon intentionality and is obtained by disinterested action and by the renouncement of its benefits.   Vishnu has four arms and manifests through a theoretically infinite number of avatars that regenerate the world. Whether one disciplines oneself through exercise (yoga), or allows oneself to be consumed in the experience of the moment (bhoga), it matters little. The four paths lead to the same end: artha, kama, dharma and moksha are one and the same path.