HINDUISM: ONE GOD, MANY FORMS
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Transcript of HINDUISM: ONE GOD, MANY FORMS
HINDUISM: ONE GOD, MANY FORMS
Tri –State Vedic Heritage School
Brief History of Hinduism• Most ancient religion in the world today
• Based on the timeless spiritual vision and revealed knowledge of the sacred Vedas
• Also known as Sanātana Dharma
• Now the third largest religion in the world
Hinduism
It originated on the It originated on the Indian Indian subcontinent with subcontinent with foundations in the foundations in the Vedic civilization, , but has no known but has no known founder, being founder, being itself a itself a conglomerate of conglomerate of diverse diverse beliefs beliefs and and traditions.traditions.
सना�तना धर्म� (Sanskrit(Sanskrit))
A Monotheistic Religion
• Often misconceived to be a polytheistic religion
• However, fundamental is the belief in a singular, Universal Soul that is the ultimate divine Reality
• "The Reality is One, the wise ones refer to It variously (by various terms).”
• He has various names that all refer to the same Being
• Different forms can be considered different paths to suit different types of people
Why so many forms?• Varied expressions of the glory, power, grandeur and
a mysterious divine nature of the Supreme Being.
• While fulfilling a certain cosmic function, the Supreme Being becomes referred to by a specific name.
• Certain deities were personified with features that symbolized various aspects of the Divine nature.
• These manifest forms are thus a great help in enabling one to dwell upon God in a tangible manner.
• The Water Analogy: one substance that takes on different forms to fulfill different functions.
Ganesha: Remover of Obstacles
• 'Ga' symbolizes Buddhi (intellect) and 'Na' symbolizes Vijnana (wisdom).
• Considered the master of intellect and wisdom.
• Provides prosperity and fortune.
• His grace is invoked before the undertaking of any task
Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva• Trimurti are three
aspects of God, as Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva
• Brahma - the Source/Creator/Generator
• Vishnu - the Preserver/Indwelling-Life/Operator
• Shiva - the Transformer/Destroyer-Creator
• Similar to interpretations of the Trinity in Christianity
Hindu TrinityThree manifestations of the Supreme Reality
Brahma : Creation Vishnu : Preservation Shiva : Destruction Shiva : Destruction
•Three Faces of DivineThree Faces of Divine•Three Cosmic Functions of the Three Cosmic Functions of the Supreme LordSupreme Lord•Creation + Preservation+ DissolutionCreation + Preservation+ Dissolution•GGenerator + enerator + OOperator + perator + DDestroyer = estroyer = GODGOD
Lord Brahma, The creator God of the Trinity
Lord Vishnu, The Preserver god of the Trinity
Lord Shiva
Krishna• Eighth avatar
(incarnation) of Vishnu
• Known for His pastoral childhood as well as His youth and life as a heroic warrior and teacher
• Non-Hindu religions that originated in India have their own versions of Him.
Lakshmi: Goddess of Wealth• Goddess of wealth,
light, wisdom and fortune, as well as luck, beauty, and fertility.
• Representations are also found in Jain and Buddhist monuments.
• Also considered the Mother of the Universe and Vishnu's Shakti (strength)
Saraswati: Goddess of Knowledge
• First goddess worshipped in the Hindu religion.
• • Goddess of Knowledge
and music, arts, and speech.
• Also Goddess of thoughts of truth and forgiveness.
• Originated as a river goddess. Her name is Sanskrit for "she who has lakes or pools."
Kali Mata Durga Mata
HARI OM SHANTI, SHANTI, SHANTI.