Thavinen Goinden Hinduism homework (Tuesday Group) 23-Nov-21

Critically analyse the relevance of theistic traditions to

contemporary Hinduism.
There is a lot of confusion as what is the exact philosophy that fits Hinduism, as
more than one definition fits well in Hinduism. It looks like Hinduism is a fusion
of all philosophies. The confusion arises because we either take only absolute
reality or take only relative reality. Acceptance of more than one form of God
is true from relative or empirical reality, however, from absolute reality, there
is just one God. In real sense, no one philosophy can be exclusively applied to
Hinduism.
 Hinduism does not fit the definition of pantheism. Sanatana Dharma
accepts the concept of Avatara and wholeheartedly accepts capability of
Isvara to exist and manifest in different forms, which need not
necessarily be only human. Hence Sanatana Dharma or Hinduism does
not fit into the definition of pantheism as Hindus have sung the glories
of personal God since time immemorial. Pantheism rejects personal God
and hence cannot be accepted.
 Polytheism can be rejected as sole philosophy of Hinduism. Polytheism
can find support in Hinduism in the Vedas in Samhita and Brahmana
sections. Vedic ritualists known as Mimamsakas believe that different
Gods exists independently and are not controlled by supreme Godhead.
Though Shankaracharya accepted vedic rituals, Acharya has limited it
use to inner purification. After purifying heart and mind, Vedic rituals are
to be rejected and one enters purely monotheistic philosophy which is
contemplation on formless undivided Brahman. Once one starts
practising this philosophy, the devotee stops daily worshipping of
personal Gods. In order to explain creation, preservation and
destruction, Vedas and Puranas sing glory of many forms of Gods.
However, it is mentioned in both Vedas and Puranas that there is only
one God and that one God becomes many. This multiplicity is based on
the work done by Brahman though his Maya. Whenever any form of God
is glorified as Supreme Lord, it is the glory of formless Brahman only.
Form is added for the convenience of devotees. In every religion, one
needs a medium to reach God. In Hinduism, it is done by worshipping a
form of God under the guidance of a guru acharya. Hinduism is unique
as it does not ask us to pledge in belief of one particular saviour. We do
have great respect for gurus, however, they are not worshipped as God
Thavinen Goinden Hinduism homework (Tuesday Group) 23-Nov-21

but are highly revered as they are chosen medium of God and hence are
God like us. Gods or demi gods are also worshipped to gain material
objects or achieve objectives or for siddhis or to increase qualities. Yet
all Hindus believe in the concept of One supreme Godhead. Sometime to
gain qualities, a particular form of God is worshipped. Sometimes female
forms are worshipped by men to gain intelligence. Hence polytheism can
be rejected as sole philosophy of Hinduism.
 Henotheism can be accepted as Hinduism only up to a certain point and
then it has to be rejected. Since henotheism does not described its
philosophy in detail on the nature of God, whether God can be formless
or has to have a form, henotheism seems to be one of the best
definition that describes Hinduism. However if we think of the combined
culture practiced by the whole Hinduism, henotheism seems to fit into
the religious belief along with elements of panentheism. If idol worship
is exclusively connected to polytheism, then we will have to add
polytheism as well. Though one God is worshipped as Brahman, the
supreme Godhead, other forms of God or his emanations is worshipped.
In Vedic Karma kanda and in daily Sandhyavandanam rituals of
Brahmins, navagrah tarpana is done which is the worship of demi gods.
Vaishnava Brahmins skips navagrah tarpana so as to make everything
that is worshipped to be either Vishnu or part of him. Though Vishnu
and its avatars are worshipped, they are treated different
representations of him and hence not different from him or they are
parts emanated from him. In either case Vishnu is the only supreme that
the Vaishnavas worshipped. In addition to this male and female pair like
Vishnu and Laxmi, Siva and Parvatti are also worshipped. Hence
henotheism to be the philosophy of part of Hinduism. As mind purifies
and is intoxicated with Ishvara bhakti, only one God as Brahman is
worshipped. Idol worship also drops as God resides in our heart. If we
strictly say that No God except one true God is to be worshipped, then
even henotheism can be accepted up to a certain point and then it has
to be rejected.
 Monotheism fits into a part of Hindu Philosophy only. Monotheism is
said to be the topmost philosophy as preached by Adi Shankaracharya.
No other God, either for material benefits or as a Supreme Brahman is
worshipped. Idol worship is also not practised. No parts or emanations
Thavinen Goinden Hinduism homework (Tuesday Group) 23-Nov-21

of God are worshipped. Hence monotheism also fits into a part of Hindu
philosophy.

So, Hinduism as a collective culture of many philosophies is henotheistic

and polytheistic from viewpoint of relative reality. Hinduism is
monotheistic from point of view of absolute reality. It is monotheistic
from relative reality for some sects who are of the opinion of God can be
experienced separately and devotee can be in eternal company of his
unconditional, infinite love and infinite grace. Though there are many
Gods in Hinduism, for an individual, only one God as Brahman is
preferred to be worshipped as Supreme God. There are reasons for
preference of worship of one God. One of the reasons is one
pointedness.