By following or acknowledging the different representations of Hindi Gods, Hindus are likely to have a more positive Dharma.
Religion can be substantially impacted by whether it is polytheistic or not. Polytheism historically being an older and more common ideology thought to be the result of early beliefs in defined spirits, demons, and other supernatural forces. Typically found in all religions except Judaism, Christianity, and Islam which are monotheistic, belief in a singular God. The oldest and third largest religion, Hinduism, is a prime example of a polytheistic faith. Its adherents believe in multiple Gods (Deities) and consider one to be the premier. Having several Gods and figures teaching life lessons helps Hinduism be one of the most tolerable religions because members understand how someone could have a closer relationship with a different God, even one from another faith. Though, every God of theirs will not be worshiped or acknowledged equally. Instead, there is a system that resembles a hierarchy. One can devote themselves more to a God that resonates with them personally, but all Hindus are expected to worship what is known as the Holy Trinity for better hope in reaching Moksha- the release from reincarnation by the law of karma (Polytheism: Discovery Service for Pikes Peak Community College). To understand the influence of polytheistic culture you must recognize the roles of these leading figures.
To start, it is believed that the universe was once the shape of an egg, then a Goddess manifested herself. This Goddess is referred to as Maatha, meaning “mother.” Impeccably, she created what is known as the trinity of masculine: Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. When it comes to this, Hindus share a collective consciousness and view these three Gods higher than all others, and Maatha as the preeminent figure (Fabro). The Holy Trinity, or triumvirate, consists of three Deities responsible for the creation, preservation, and destruction of the world. Each plays a vital role in influencing the Hindu people. Shiva: the destroyer, Vishnu: the preserver, and Brahma: the creator, who created the world and everything within it.
Shiva, the destroyer, is also known as the destroyer of evil and inflicts genuine life morals into Hindus. Although he is known for his toleration, he teaches his followers to not tolerate injustices. There are times where he can get angry and, well, destroy everything. Though, he balances himself by practicing meditation for a long period of time on top of mountains. He teaches others about the importance of meditating and keeping a stable mind in order to refrain from hostile responses and altercations. A shared belief within Dharmic religions is the firm viewpoint of ego and materialistic happiness. Lord Shiva stays away from wealth because he believes that materialistic happiness will not stay forever and is short-lived. When you aren’t a materialist, you lose nothing in life. He provides the most important lesson that obsession ultimately leads to self-destruction and preaches to live life without ego. He views ego as something that takes a person away from their true self. Lord Shiva’s image involves a lot of symbolism about his credence. Ash is smeared on his body to symbolize that everything in life is temporary, a snake wraps around his neck to symbolize letting go of one’s ego and live without being self-absorbed to others, and a third eye shows on his forehead to look beyond problems and understand how one’s attitude towards certain circumstances can make a difference (Purushothaman). These life morals teach Hindus the differences between right and wrong and how to go about conflict. This encourages followers to continue worshipping him and be better people in general.
Secondly, Vishnu was a prominent figure within Hinduism carrying out his role as sustainer and protector of the world; he is to return to earth when adversity arises and restore the balance between evil and good. Lord Vishnu reincarnated himself to continue his role of preserving the universe. The list of avatars he has incarnated as (in order) includes a fish, turtle, boar, dwarf human, brahmin warrior, “Rama,” “Krishna,” “Kali Yuga,” and what Hindus believe to be the last, soon to come, reincarnate “Kalki.” Due to his unique reincarnations, Lord Vishnu has carried on being a huge figure for generations and is still worshipped today. One of his most famous incarnations, known as an eminent hero, was his eighth “Krishna.” Some adherents even solely worshiped Krishna. He is well known for his role in one of the two major Sanskrit epics titled the “Mahabharata.” He is also known for conversing with Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita (she is the protagonist within the Mahabharata who appears in other ancient Hindu texts). Krishna emphasizes the importance of “dharma,” the eternal and inherent nature of reality. This regard in Hinduism is the cosmic law of right and social behavior/order. He also highlights the importance of devotion (bhakti), and shows himself fully as Lord Vishnu to Arjuna, exhibiting himself as the supreme and divine power. Ultimately, Krishna’s purpose was to teach the lesson “know the thought before the action” (Rallapalli). The rest of his incarnates have personal stories and teachings that hold a big influence on individuals who decide to research and worship them or Lord Vishnu in general. Hindus will continue to worship Lord Vishnu as the guardian of the earth and praise his attributes and reincarnations as a prominent figure among the Trinity (Rallapalli).
Last but not least, Lord Brahma according to Hindu scriptures is the creator of the universe, including himself. Each deity apart of the Trinity is a representation of a lesson the Hindu people can follow. Vishnu refers to life force, Shiva refers to wisdom, and Brahma refers to mind and intellect. Brahma believes that a proper mind will lead to the release of ego and the gaining of wisdom. A strong and calm mind can make powerful and rational decisions. In order to keep a steady mind when trying to reach a conclusion, one must be in a meditative mode. If someone is unable to decide, it’s beneficial to leave the situation at the moment and be quiet for a few minutes. This allows one to clear their mind and ultimately make the right decisions; whereas, having a wandering unstable mind can lead to not being able to focus and jumping from decisions, leading one nowhere. While staying in his meditative mode/posture, Brahma symbolizes this lesson. He sits on a lotus peacefully; the lotus often represents problems we face daily and, on this lotus, sits Lord Brahma within a blissful state, smiling. This symbolizes and teaches others to handle all situations calmly. It is also known that people with special talents must follow Brahma for he will enhance their creativity and success. Brahma himself represents infinite peace and teaches adherents to be infinitely peaceful (Kamlani).
To sum up, polytheism can be quite beneficial to the development of the religion’s adherent(s). Although the argument of whether a religion being polytheistic or monotheistic is better is solely subjective, there is no valid argument to say polytheism does not have its personal benefits as opposed to monotheism, and that it can make a person more accepting of others. It can be entirely beneficial to the development of its followers. In this case, the development of Hindus. Polytheism is incorporated in tolerable religions and therefore tolerating of different faiths, unlike monotheism which usually lends itself to intolerance of different beliefs. Being polytheistic, when believing in multiple Gods with different characteristics, it is easier to understand and compromise with other ideologies; they are more likely to think “maybe your God is real too,” and accept another even if they do not resonate with it themselves. Specifically, in Hinduism, (most) members believe that it does not matter the path you take to righteousness because every path leads to the same ending (“Polytheism Is Better than Monotheism - ESOCommunity”).
To finalize, when acknowledging and worshipping several Gods that each teach valuable lessons; religious adherents are more likely to accept other faiths along with becoming better people with a positive Dharma (way of living).
©2021 by Ni'Asia Ali; Updated December 15, 2021.
References
Fabro, Jomary. “Hindu Gods and Goddesses.” The Mindsmith, 23 Mar. 2017, salirickandres.altervista.org/hindu-gods-goddesses.
Kamlani, Ekta. “How Lord Brahma Encourages Us ? || Boost Thyself.” Boost Thyself :-, 5 Aug. 2017, boostthyself.com/how-lord-brahma-encourages-us.
“Polytheism: Discovery Service for Pikes Peak Community College.” Pikes Peak Community College Library, eds.b.ebscohost.com/eds/detail/detail?vid=1&sid=ebaf927a-e3d9-4a04-b38f-1e518a195fa6%40sessionmgr102&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#AN=134488786&db=khh. Accessed 31 Mar. 2021.
“Polytheism Is Better than Monotheism - ESOCommunity.” ESO Community, eso-community.net/viewtopic.php?t=9257. Accessed 18 Apr. 2021.
Purushothaman, Shibu. “Life Morals From Lord Shiva You Should Learn For Better Life.” Youngisthan.In, 21 Sept. 2017, www.youngisthan.in/opinions/life-morals-from-lord-shiva/53942.
Rallapalli, Author Monisha. “Vishnu: The Savior, the Preserver, and the Protector – Religion 100Q: Hinduism Project.” Scholarblogs, 24 Nov. 2015, scholarblogs.emory.edu/rel100hinduism/2015/11/24/vishnu-the-savior-the-preserver-and-the-protector.
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