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I have read that there are people who follow the Hindu religion that claim that original Hinduism was a form of pure monotheism, that changed over time whereby monotheism was reflected in qualities that became identified as separate gods. I don't know how true this is, but it is an interesting idea, as to whether Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and other gods are merely considered by Hindus to be qualities of the One God. Is this what was taught by people in what is called Vedanta such as Swami Vivekananda?
Is anyone familiar with two movements in India that have wanted to emphasize monotheism called Brahmo Samaj and Arye Samaj?
I always thought of it as one god, many facets. The parts (facets) may not look like they relate to each other until the whole thing is seen. Just like there is one you, but many parts. Those blind men fondling elephants comes to mind.
Everything is dream of Brahma. Hence, whatever you worship, your worship Brahma.
Not all rather complex concepts may be understood by everyone. For some, Brahma is easy concept for others - soil that gives crop or ocean that gives fish or cow that give smilk or sex that gives birth or pleasure, are equivalent gods.
I think, it does quite well. There's ONE "deity" in Hinduism, represented by a pantheon of "gods" for any choice and fancy. That does not change the base line - EEVRYTHING is dream of sleeping Brahma.
You can look at it this way. There's only one eternal Consciousness that gives birth to everything. The rest is only its emanations, in forms various.
Can't make is any simpler. As I said, some concepts, no matter how simple they might be, may not be easily grasped.
I think, it does quite well. There's ONE "deity" in Hinduism, represented by a pantheon of "gods" for any choice and fancy. That does not change the base line - EEVRYTHING is dream of sleeping Brahma.
You can look at it this way. There's only one eternal Consciousness that gives birth to everything. The rest is only its emanations, in forms various.
Can't make is any simpler. As I said, some concepts, no matter how simple they might be, may not be easily grasped.
I think, it does quite well. There's ONE "deity" in Hinduism, represented by a pantheon of "gods" for any choice and fancy. That does not change the base line - EEVRYTHING is dream of sleeping Brahma.
You can look at it this way. There's only one eternal Consciousness that gives birth to everything. The rest is only its emanations, in forms various.
Can't make is any simpler. As I said, some concepts, no matter how simple they might be, may not be easily grasped.
And for those, who still do not understand, what I said.
In respect to only ONE source being origin to everything, Hinduism is a mono theistic faith. In its core principle.
But, just like in Christianity, where there are I lost count how many denominations, sects, groups, lines, deviations, heresies, you name it - Hinduism is poly theistic in its personal paths of worship.
And for those, who still do not understand, what I said.
In respect to only ONE source being origin to everything, Hinduism is a mono theistic faith. In its core principle.
But, just like in Christianity, where there are I lost count how many denominations, sects, groups, lines, deviations, heresies, you name it - Hinduism is poly theistic in its personal paths of worship.
Namaste
It is monism. But i am not sure what the difference is.
Personally I find it doubtful that Hinduism began as a monotheistic religion. Religions tend to move from polytheism to monotheism, not the reverse. A very early animist religion would have gods for many things, and only after reflection, systematization, and probably encounters with foreign gods did people find it necessary to begin ordering gods in a pantheon, and later on reducing all gods to one.
However if there is evidence that Hinduism bucks this trend I'd be open to it. I'm basing my opinion mainly on western religions.
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