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Different Hindu Beliefs about God (Monism (Everything is made up of one…
Different Hindu Beliefs about God
Monism
Everything is made up of one essential essence - atman.
Soul is one with God in all respects.
Numerous deities are aspects of the formless, all-pervading world soul, Brahman.
Impersonal, without qualities, without form - Brahman Nirguna.
Can be represented in human form for our understanding.
Brahman is in all things + each thing is a part of Brahman.
Monistic Theism: universal, omnipotent, supreme God.
Immanent (in all things)
Transcendent (above all things)
Monotheism
1 Singular God
Exhibits qualities, displays a form + performs activities
Vaishnavism
Shaivism
Rig Veda contains evidence of emerging monotheistic thought:
"To what is one, sages give many a title."
Inclusive Monotheism: regards different names for the single monotheistic God.
Smartism: God is one but has different aspects + can be called by different names.
Polytheism
Belief in many gods or divinities.
Comes from Greek: 'poly' + 'theo' - literally meaning 'many gods'.
Gods are seen as complex personalities.
Have greater or lesser importance.
Multiple names - each have own significance in specific roles.
Authority over specific areas of life.
Henotheism
Devotion to a single God, while accepting the existence of other gods.
Max Muller:
"Monotheistic in principle and polytheistic in practice."
Devoted to one supreme deity whilst acknowledging others.
Bhakti movement seen as henotheistic.