Does Hinduism represent polytheism or monotheism?

January 5, 2006

In some recent conversations with peolple of non Hindu background I

repeatedly faced the question - if Hinduism follows Monotheism or

polytheism? According to my judgment Vedic philosophy nurtures both

worship of many God (puranas)and the Bramhan (Advaita vedanta).

Therefore is that possible to categorise Hinduism into polytheist or

monotheist philosophy exclusively? I would appreciate if anybody could

show me some light on this question.

Regards

Monalisa

January 5, 2006

-

" Monalisa Chandra " <mastpis2001

Thursday, January 05, 2006 12:31 PM

[sri Ramakrishna] Does Hinduism represent polytheism or monotheism?

> In some recent conversations with peolple of non Hindu background I

> repeatedly faced the question - if Hinduism follows Monotheism or

> polytheism? <snip>

> Monalisa

=============Response==================

Hinduism can best be described as Pluralistic religion not Polytheist

religion. Our text book Hinduism for Schools explains this idea in great

detail.

Our basic website for School children also explain this idea in simple

terms.

Please click on http://www.hinduism.fsnet.co.uk/schools1s2.htm

We do a lot of work in London promoting this central teaching of Hinduism

that the same ultimate reality can be viewed and approached in different

ways to cater for our different attitudes and apptitudes.

jay

Vivekananda Centre London

January 6, 2006

Dear Jay,

As you have pointed out Hinduism is all embracing. In India we see

that Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism are also considered to be a part of

Hinduism by Hindu's. The Ramakrishna Mission has a book detailing the

similiarities between Vedanta and Christ's Sermon on the Mount. The

translation of the book " The Imitation of Christ " in Bengali by

Swamiji (under the name of Swami Sachidananda), " Ishanusharan " , also

shows as footnotes in all the chapters how the world's major

religions all say the same thing. Thus Hindu's strive to see

similiarities and not differences. I think that should be the

attitude of other faiths too. The word " tolerance " suggested by the

Church should be replaced by " sympathy " as Revered Monks of our Order

have pointed out. Nowadays this attitude is all the more necessary as

globalisation is bringing people from all parts of the world

together. I am sure Advaita Vedanta will soon be the world religion

as Swamiji has prophecied. Those interested can kindly go through the

book " Is Vedanta the future religion? " by Swami Ranganathanandaji.

I wish you all the best in your current endeavour Jay. You are on the

right track.

Regards,

Jagannath.

Ramakrishna , " Vivekananda Centre " > Hinduism

can best be described as Pluralistic religion not Polytheist

> religion. Our text book Hinduism for Schools explains this idea in

great

> detail.

January 7, 2006

These books are of interest to me as well. I also

sense that the world is coming closer together, and

that Hinduism will ultimately be the world religion so

to speak. It has to be.

thanks for these comments

glen halls

jazz musician/composer

edmonton, canada

--- jagchat01 <jagchat01 wrote:

>

> Dear Jay,

>

> As you have pointed

January 8, 2006

Jay, Thanks for the lead. It has always been a difficult task to explain people the real nature Hinduism. I have often observed that Hinduism is often confused with the complex rituals, casteism and customs. As per my limited knowledge permits I see Hinduism more than a religion of some people but a global religion. It is far beyond just religion, but an outlook of life. I was curious about the origin the religion. Is it a fusion of Aryan practises and believes from central Asia and that of the habitants of Harappa and Mohenjodaro which eventually developed more and more down the time line? It would be great to know the developmental path of Hinduism to get a better understanding. My last question is can one be a complete Hindu if he/she believes in the faith but donot practise the customs and rituals (Vedic puja)? Thanks Regrads Monalisa ChandraVivekananda Centre

<vivekananda wrote: Response from Vivekananda Centre. Please look at the following page on the BBC Religion-on-line. The material is very impressive and gives a better explanation about the Aryan invasion theory.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/history/history5.shtml

regards

jay