What is the Concept of Supreme God in Hinduism?
Hinduism is a polytheistic religion, meaning it recognizes multiple gods and goddesses, each with different forms of worship and reverence. Fundamental to Hinduism is the concept of Brahman, or the ultimate, transcendent reality. This is also referred to as Supreme God in Hinduism, or “Paramatma,” which is Sanskrit for the supreme soul or spirit.
The concept of Brahman is the basis of Hinduism, and the source of all creation, upholding the universe with moral principles and guiding the spiritual evolution of humanity. Brahman is infinite, beyond all form, but Hindu gods such as Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma are all aspects of the one Supreme God, representing different aspects of His power and wisdom. Each of these gods are given their own place in the Hindu pantheon, with their own stories, attributes, and myths.
How is Supreme God Viewed in Hinduism?
In Hinduism, Supreme God is seen as the Divine Creator and sustenance of the world. He is seen as the source of all the diverse aspects of the universe, from the everyday physical world to the more esoteric spiritual realms. He is seen as both the manifest and un-manifest, as both being present as well as omnipresent. He is believed to be beyond name, form and description, yet accessible in many forms such as Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu, as well as many other gods and goddesses.
All Hindu gods are believed to be the manifestations of Brahman, the Supreme God, yet the realization of Brahman is ultimately the ultimate goal of Hinduism. Through spiritual practices such as mantra recitations, austerities, yoga and meditation, one can achieve enlightenment or a direct realization of Brahman, the Supreme God. The spiritual path of a Hindu is to ultimately realize that all these gods and goddesses are ultimately the same, that they all lead to the same source, and to see them all as paths to connect to the Divine.
What Practices are Associated with Supreme God?
Hindus typically worship Supreme God through different rituals and practices. One of the most popular ways us through puja — offering flowers, food and other items to the Divine. Other practices include mantra recitation, meditation, and austerities. Devotional worship is common in many Hindu temples, and there are special religious festivals and celebrations to honor the various gods and goddesses. Additionally, many devotees celebrate special occasions and holidays associated with specific gods and goddesses.
In contrast to monotheistic religions like Christianity and Islam, Hinduism’s view of Supreme God has a more complex understanding of the Divine. Nevertheless, various forms of Supreme God are celebrated in Hinduism, as manifestations of One ultimate reality, Brahman.
What is the Significance of Worshiping Supreme God?
The worshiping of Supreme God is believed to help devotees understand the ultimate unity of all life and the universe, and to prepare them for Enlightenment, or the realization of the divine nature of the universe. Worshiping the Supreme God gives devotees an opportunity to practice unconditional love and devotion, offering the ultimate surrender to the Divine. Through this devotion, the individual’s sense of separation from the Divine melts away.
Through the various rituals and practices of Hinduism, one can experience a profound transformation of seeing reality in a different, more illuminated light. The various gods and goddess are seen as vessels through which to access the Divine, offering an opportunity to experience the mystical power and beauty of Supreme God.
What Do Scholars Say About the Religion’s Concept of Supreme God?
Many scholars have offered their insights into the Hindu concept of Supreme God. Scholar and Indologist Wendy Doniger O’Flaherty says, “Hinduism is a religion of many gods, but there is only one Ultimate Reality, Brahman, which stands behind them all. The oldest Vedic texts describe Brahman as ‘the one and only God of gods, the Lord of lords, the ruler of all.’”
In the Ramayana, Rama is said to be an incarnation of Vishnu, the Supreme God, and even during his struggles with the demon-king Ravana, he remains enthroned in peace and equanimity, symbolizing the power of the Ultimate reality and its ability to remain undisturbed despite the external battles and chaos in the world.
Other scholars, like William McDonell, have deepened this understanding of the Hindu concept of Supreme God. He says, “Brahman, the Supreme God, according to Hindu thought, dwells within us, as well as beyond us. He is both immanent and transcendent and is ultimately imperishable, eternal and formless. It is this unity that binds us all together and makes us who we are.”
What is the Goal of Understanding Supreme God in Hinduism?
The ultimate goal of understanding the Supreme God in Hinduism is to achieve moksha, liberation from the cycles of birth, death and rebirth. The ancient Hindu scriptures describe this as the ultimate goal of life, and when achieved, one is released from the cycle of suffering in the material world and unites with the Supreme God, Brahman.
The ultimate goal of moksha is not separation from the material world, but rather unity with the Supreme. The goal is to realize that the ultimate reality of God is omnipresent, without limits and boundaries, and is ultimately beyond any one name, form or description.
How Does the Concept of the Supreme God Manifest in Hindu Scriptures?
Hindu scriptures reflect the concept of Supreme God in various ways. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna, who is seen as an incarnation of Vishnu, states that He is the source of all creation, as well as the ultimate refuge in all of existence. He says, “I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from me.”
The Upanishads contain verses that explore the concept of Brahman. They describe Brahman as infinite, beyond what can be described or known, beyond time and space, but also as the source of all things in the universe, and beyond. They state, “He is in all things, and all things in Him. He transcends all, yet He is all.”
The Ramayana, regarded as one of the most important Hindu texts, touches on the concept of Supreme God in Hinduism in various ways. It tells the story of Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu, the Supreme God, who is seen as an avatar of light, with the power to wise and righteous action. Through this, the text points to the ultimate unity of all life, that all beings can transcend their earthly existence and join with the Supreme God.
What is the Impact of Understanding Supreme God in Hinduism?
An understanding of the concept of Supreme God in Hinduism has a profound effect on one’s spiritual practice. It provides a guiding light to navigate a path back to the ultimate source of all creation, and offering a deep understanding of the ultimate reality of Braham. This can lead to a profound transformation in the way an individual perceives the world and living life, with an increasingly focused effort of connecting to the Divine.
Such an understanding of Supreme God helps one to recognize the same Divine presence in each and every living being, offering profound awakening and understanding of the interconnectedness of all life in the universe. The understanding of Brahman makes possible union with the ultimate source of all creation, uniting the individual with the Supreme God, and embracing the notion of the unity of all existence.
