A Hindu Perspective by Balliram Chadee. M.Hin.

 www.thehanumanmission.com. bally@thehanumanmission.com

or Bally 416-992-2487.

 

Hinduism and Beliefs – One God or Many Gods:

Question: Explain in brief, the various views regarding the “Theism” of the Veda as expressed by research scholars over the years.

Ans: According to scholars and educated personification of knowledge, there seems to be three major categories of religious belief, especially for Hindus which are conventionally recognized as: Monotheism, Henotheism and Polytheism. These three views were presented by various scholars based on their research and personal observation, others through negative portraits of Hinduism and some for the propagation of their own ideals or for the denigration of Hinduism and it’s “normalcy” as a faith or religion. These views basically categorized for all to believe that according to the Vedas, Hindus, either accept “one god”, accepts the theory of “one god but rejects another god” or belief in “many gods”, ascategorized into the three groups above .

With this type of perspective, the belief is that a person has to be adapted into one school of thought and practice, by following one of these three selected beliefs of Hinduism only. I personally disagree with this opinion and from my own experience as a Hindu; from the Caribbean and as a Hindu now living in North America, I have to disagree with these fundamentalists who portray and brand Hinduism in negative ways. Hinduism in my opinion and according to my years of extensive research, have given me the opportunity to evaluate various viewpoints and conclude that Hinduism though being a religion of “one god”, accommodates and embraces every other belief of every other individual. It is not uncommon to see Hindu people greeting friends and relatives of other religions in their own religious greetings, rather than the Hindus saying to the other faith followers Namaste or Sitaram, as they would to fellow hindus.. why? Correct, because in Ramayan, Lord Rama clearly states “Siya Ram mai saba jaga jaani”…see god (me) in all living beings… , we also know of “Eka Pita kay hama saba larkay…Dharti hai hama Maata”..we are all children of one father and mother earth is our mother….then how can we have different gods if we are guided by the doctrine of “Eka Pita”. There is one god but many manifestations stemming from Hindu philosophy and thoughts, such as the planetary system, nature, beliefs etc.

I personally believe and hold a very strong conviction that Hinduism is a “universal” religion, which can be and which does possess the deep ability to adapt to varying conditions and situations of its people and practitioners. By this, Hinduism allows for personal choices of one’s own belief in one’s own personal ambitions of “freedom” of choice and worship to that form of god which he is drawn too, or which he feels compassionate about. I do not believe that a person necessarily has to be branded into one of these views to be a Hindu or a good Hindu if he does or does not subscribe to a pre defined category from modern day scholars.

Finally, I personally believe as a young Hindu especially influenced by western forces that as a Hindu, it is not up to me to decide the faith and belief of the existence of the god to whom others worship. Therefore I also believe that it is not up to others to determine my belief as a Hindu, or my personal choice of belief in my god or gods as the case might be. I personally believe in “one god” and hold the firm conviction that there is only one god, irregardless of the naming convention used, the perspectives taken or the personal opinion of others. I believe in the eternal “Brahman” and also believe that Hinduism like the Vedas, originated and is controlled by the supreme forces through cosmic energy of that one form of “Shakti” or Eternal “Brahm an”.

Therefore I must disagree that there are multiple Gods and that Hindus pray to many Gods……we only pray to One God, who according to Hindu practices, thoughts and rituals, accept that there are manifestations of that one God whom we refer to by different names because of the cause they serve…. Just take into consideration a person who is a householder, e.g a Father or Mother, who is also a parent, a spouse, a brother/sister, a child, a neighbor, an aunt/uncle, a devotee etc…still one individual but know to others by different names for the different roles they play in different situations. See how easy it is to understand? If you disagree with me, then ask your Pundit to clarify, they should be educated enough to do so for you, failing that, please feel free to call me Bally.