Hinduism

Hinduism

Kari McManus

HUM/130

November 27, 2011

Thomas Thiessen

Hinduism

What is the Hindu view of gods? Are their gods knowable or describable?

There is not one specific belief about God or gods contained in the overall view of the Hindu religion. This is understandable, given the fact that Hinduism is made up of many differing sects who fall under the collective umbrella of Hinduism. It is widely accepted that the gods do exist as separate incarnations, each knowable and tangible, with distinct personality traits. These traits or attributes are spoken about in detail in both myth and personal accounts and along with the individual gods domain, are seen as aspects of the Universal "All". From early texts the gods are described in specific detail, as independent beings with connection to the "all" as aspects of that ultimate deity. This is unusual in a religion, especially one with so many diverse sects coming together under the umbrella of the Hindu faith. There are those who follow a chosen god as a patron, though they do acknowledge their patron as a part of the whole of the universe. Ultimately Brahma is the direct connection to the One or All. This seems to be a commonly agreed upon theme in Hinduism, that Lord Brahma is the first created by the All, though other gods or aspects do have at least equal importance and followers.

Explain the Hindu view of the creation of all things, and explain how this belief influences their lives and beliefs.

There are many creation stories, as there are many sects within Hinduism. One story in particular discusses reincarnation, which is a foundation Hindu belief. It states that this is not the first universe, nor will it be the last, that there were many before this one. The universe is created by Lord Brahma The Creator, that it is maintained by Lord Vishnu The Preserver, and that it is destroyed by Lord Shiva. After the destruction, nothing is left but a large ocean, and upon this ocean, lying on the belly...