Download 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
सनातन धर्म (Sanskrit)
It originated on the
Indian subcontinent
with foundations in
the Vedic civilization,
but has no known
founder, being itself a
conglomerate of
diverse
beliefs
and
traditions.
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/IndwellingLife/Operator
• Shiva - the
Transformer/DestroyerCreator
• Similar to interpretations of
the Trinity in Christianity
Hindu Trinity
Three manifestations of the Supreme Reality
Brahma : Creation
Vishnu :
Preservation
Shiva : Destruction
•Three Faces of Divine
•Three Cosmic Functions of the Supreme Lord
•Creation + Preservation+ Dissolution
•Generator + Operator + Destroyer = GOD
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.