What are the basic tenets of Hindu religion? Is Hinduism based on monotheism or polytheism?. (UPSC CSE Mains 2015 - Sociology, Paper 2).
Hinduism, one of the world''s oldest religions, is characterized by its rich diversity and a wide range of beliefs and practices. It is often described as a pluralistic tradition due to the presence of multiple deities and philosophical schools of thought.
Basic Tenets of Hinduism:
- Belief in Dharma:Dharma is the moral and ethical duty that individuals must uphold in their lives. It includes righteousness, duty, justice, and the principles that guide one''s behavior.
- Karma and Reincarnation:Hindus believe in the concept of karma, which means that one''s actions have consequences in this life or the next. Reincarnation, the cycle of birth and rebirth, is driven by karma. Good deeds lead to positive karma and a higher birth in the next life, while bad deeds result in negative karma and a lower birth.
- Moksha (Liberation):The ultimate goal of Hinduism is to achieve moksha, liberation from the cycle of reincarnation and union with the divine. This is often pursued through spiritual practices, self-realization, and devotion.
- Polytheism and Henotheism:Hinduism is known for its pantheon of deities. While there are numerous gods and goddesses, some Hindus may focus their devotion on a particular deity (henotheism). Common deities include Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer), among many others.
- Vedas and Sacred Texts:Hinduism''s sacred texts include the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. These texts provide guidance on rituals, philosophy, and spirituality.
Monotheism or Polytheism in Hinduism:
Hinduism is often described as both monotheistic and polytheistic, and this apparent contradiction is rooted in its diversity. The concept of Brahman, the ultimate reality or universal soul, is central to Hindu philosophy. From a monotheistic perspective, some Hindus believe that all deities are manifestations of this singular, formless Brahman. This is known as monism.
However, Hinduism also embraces polytheism, as it recognizes and venerates a multitude of gods and goddesses with distinct attributes and functions. Devotees may choose to worship a specific deity based on their personal beliefs and needs. This is referred to as polytheism.
Examples:
- Monotheistic Perspective:Some followers of Advaita Vedanta, a philosophical school of Hinduism, emphasize the ultimate oneness of all existence and view all gods and goddesses as different expressions of the same divine reality (Brahman).
- Polytheistic Practices:Devotees of Lord Krishna celebrate Janmashtami, a festival dedicated to Krishna''s birth. Similarly, devotees of Goddess Durga celebrate Navaratri, a festival honoring the goddess''s various forms.
Hinduism''s diversity allows for a wide range of interpretations and beliefs, accommodating both monotheistic and polytheistic perspectives. It is a complex and evolving tradition that encompasses various philosophical schools of thought and practices, making it one of the most diverse and enduring religious traditions in the world.
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