Introduction
Hinduism is one of the oldest and most complex belief systems in the world. It has been practiced for centuries, and its influence is still felt and seen in many cultures today. While Hinduism has many forms, it is sometimes classified as either monotheistic or polytheistic. This means that some Hindus believe in one God, while others believe in many deities. In this article, we will explore the reasons why Hinduism is both monotheistic and polytheistic.
Hinduism & Its Adherents
The Hinduism system of belief is based on a variety of philosophical teachings and scriptures. According to Mahavira, one of Hinduism’s great teachers, the religion teaches that reality is composed of two elements: Brahman, which is the ultimate reality, and Atman, which is the individual’s Self in harmony with Brahman. Many Hindus believe in Brahman as the one Supreme Being, and that Brahman is in all of creation. At the same time, the many gods and goddesses Hindus worship are often seen as aspects of or manifestations of Brahman.
Hindus also believe in karma, or the law of cause and effect. They believe in the cycle of birth and rebirth, during which the individual is free to choose different paths and gain different experiences. Hindus also recognize many ancient Upanishads, which are books of spiritual insight. These often contain teachings of other deities and philosophies.
Why Monotheistic & Polytheistic?
Hinduism is both monotheistic and polytheistic because it allows believers to have a relationship with one Supreme Being while also allowing worship of many gods and goddesses. It also allows believers to pursue different paths, depending on what is right for them. Some may choose to focus solely on one God, while others may choose to worship multiple gods and goddesses in the belief that all are manifestations of the same ultimate reality.
By allowing for this flexibility, Hinduism allows for personal spiritual growth. A person’s religious beliefs can be shaped and changed over time as they learn more about their own spiritual journey. This openness leaves room for revelation, which can occur in new scriptures, new values, and new forms of worship.
Hinduism also incorporates many forms of prayer, ritual, and devotion, allowing for varied ways of connecting with the Divine. These forms can include meditation, chanting, and mantras, as well as offerings to gods and goddesses. This flexibility allows for personalized forms of worship that can be adapted to fit individual goals.
Philosophers’ Perspective
Historically, Hinduism has been interpreted in various ways by different philosophers. The Advaita Vedanta theorist, Adi Shankara, argued that Brahman is the one Supreme Being and that all other beings, including gods and goddesses, are aspects of Brahman. Other philosophers argued that worshipping multiple gods and goddesses can be seen as a form of devotion to one Creator that displays its infinite form through multiple manifestations.
Further, some Hindu philosophers argued that each deity could represent a different energy or cosmic power that is part of Brahman. For example, certain elemental forces might be associated with specific gods or goddesses. This view allows for both monotheism, by recognizing one Supreme Being, and polytheism, by honoring multiple forms of energy and cosmic powers.
The Role of the Avatar
An avatar, or manifestation of a deity, plays an important role in Hinduism. Avatars are often seen as representatives of the deity’s power or as expressions of divine will. Some Hindus believe that avatars can appear as physical forms, such as people or animals, that represent the spiritual presence of a deity. This allows for polytheistic worship, as different avatars can represent different gods and goddesses.
At the same time, Hindus also believe in the concept of moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Hindus believe that by following a religious path, devotees can reach a state of oneness or unity with Brahman, the Divine, and be liberated from the cycle of reincarnation.
In this view, avatars are seen as a way of temporarily joining Brahman and Atman. The avatars bring devotees into connection with Brahman, allowing them to glimpse the Divine in a more direct and palpable way, even if it is only for a moment.
Theory of Non-Dualism
Hinduism emphasizes the concept of non-dualism, or the belief that reality is composed of one being or entity that appears in different forms. This belief extends beyond the human world, as Hindus believe in one unified reality that is composed of many parts. This reality includes both physical and metaphysical forms, as well as spiritual connections between all things. This belief is a key pillar of Hinduism, as it supports both monotheistic and polytheistic beliefs.
In this view, the gods and goddesses are seen as aspects of the one Supreme Being. Worshipping the gods and goddesses, then, can be seen as a form of devotion to the one Creator, in which each deity is viewed as a manifestation of Brahman. This understanding allows Hindus to understand the various forms of spiritual practice, while still recognizing one overarching reality.
Conclusion
Hinduism is a complex belief system with a variety of teachings and philosophies. While it is sometimes categorized as either monotheistic or polytheistic, Hinduism allows for both types of belief by emphasizing the concept of non-dualism. It allows for personalized forms of spiritual practice, including worship of both one God and multiple gods and goddesses. It also incorporates many forms of prayer, ritual, and devotion, allowing for varied ways of connecting with the Divine. This flexibility allows for a unique combination of monotheism and polytheism in Hinduism.
