Hinduism is incredibly diverse and complex. As such, it bears striking similarities to other monistic philosophies, such as that of the Greek philosopher Parmenides. This one God is also known as the Absolute or Brahman. The term “Hinduism” embraces a wide array of philosophies and practices, and while certain Hindus may think and worship in an essentially monotheistic way, the practices of others may be more readily labeled polytheistic or pantheistic. This paradox can be traced to the history of Hinduism. Technically speaking, polytheism is the belief in many gods, none of whom participate in the divine essence of any of the others. Hindu monists, then, would argue that Hindu gods and goddesses have only a provisional reality and are, ultimately, illusory/unreal. I've often wondered this one myself. From time to time you will also receive Special Offers from our partners that help us make this content free for you. (Introducing Hinduism, p214). Advaita Vedanta states that Absolute Reality (that is, “Brahman”) is the only thing that exists, and is utterly indivisible into parts or qualities. Therefore, Hinduism is not polytheistic. Well written and discussed, japtaker. Justin Aptaker graduated summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee, earning a B.A. Is Hinduism monotheistic? This page will discuss elements of monotheism, polytheism, monism, pantheism, and panentheism within the Hindu tradition. However, to call Hinduism monotheism would be, in most cases, erroneous as well. Any conception we have of Brahman, such as “God”, or any quality that we apply to it, such as “being” or “consciousness” can not be a conception of Absolute Brahman, as this is inconceivable. Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world. . Hindu texts and practices suggest the simultaneous existence of polytheism and what seems to be monotheism, but some Hindus find it insulting to be called polytheists. Henotheism (literally “one God”) better defines the Hindu view. Panentheism, a system wherein Divinity/God is believed to be both transcendent of and immanent within the world. Therefore, Hinduism is not polytheistic. How can a religion that seems teeming with various gods of colourful descriptions have a belief in one Supreme? Hinduism is not polytheistic. According to Hillary Rodrigues, most Hindus perceive “different divine beings, each with distinctive names, abodes, characteristics, and spheres of influence” and so it is “oversimplification to subsume all the diversity of Hindu polytheism under [a] . Monism, a system wherein Ultimate Reality is believed to be the unpersonified essence underlying (or encompassing) all life. No human has demonstrable or irrefutable proof for or against a belief in a divinity or a lack thereof. Polytheistic means many gods and not many creators. It is a DIFFERENTIATED reality always. Thus, although God is as close (immanent) as our own thoughts, God is also distinct enough from our own selves and the material universe so as to allow for us to have a relationship with Him/Her/It (as one can not really have a relationship with oneself). Wonderfully clear writing on a challenging topic. Polytheism in Hinduism: When Humans were getting into civilized life, it was realized that there were beginnings and ends.Sustaining gave way for mere survival. Is Hinduism monotheistic, or polytheistic? This is a nondualistic monotheism. Thank you so much, sen.sush23, and everyone else. You don't. With over a billion adherents, many claim that the religion is monotheistic and helmed by the supreme being, Brahma. Hinduism incorporates diverse views on the concept of God. So the New Testament seems to teach a sort of panentheism. monotheistic configuration." Trinitarians vigorously deny that trinitarianism is tritheism, yet the two are inherently similar, as we will see. I have come to the conclusion that Hinduism is neither, but monistic. The only way was to vote it as awesome, and that is nothing. Monolatrism, a religious system wherein one recognizes many gods (though in Hinduism, these are not of different essences) but only worships one of them. Both were correct in their perception. Also, Christianity does not seem to fit within Panentheism as much as Hinduism does, since Christianity does not have a conception of impersonal truth, but that of a personal relationship between us and Thee, in which God is a person that "sits" everywhere. Hinduism cannot be exclusively categorized as either monotheistic or polytheistic, as some Hindus consider themselves to be monotheists and others consider themselves to be polytheists. Kathenotheism, a system wherein one recognizes many gods but only worships one of them at a time. You can opt out of these offers at any time. Hinduism waits for them patiently, knowing well the inevitable. To equate it to whole of Dharma would be incorrect and an argument that should be defeated. Describing God, Romans 8:36 says that “from him and through him and to him are all things”. Thus, all things, including the individual Self (Atman) are Brahman, and the only reason we perceive there to be many things is because of ignorance (Maya), which ultimately, is also Brahman. 3. At that dawn of knowledge, the acknowledgement for SUPREME PRESENCE stemmed. An important Hindu scripture, the Bradaranyaka Upanisad (or “Upanishad”), contains the following conversation--edited here for brevity--between a student and sage:Student: “How many Gods are there?”Sage: “Three and three hundred, and three and three thousand.”Student: “Yes, of course. Whereas, in Hinduism, there is that too, but also the transcendence of the personal, i.e., there is an UNDIFFERENTIATED reality in which there is no distinction between God, I, and the world of appearances (manifestation), and that would be, Moksha - Self-realization or God-realization. God is within everything and everyone, closer than our own heartbeats or the air we breathe. Panentheism is certainly not unique to Hinduism. I recently did a talk to the local school here in UK on this subject and mentioned that it is a collection of faiths, a way of life, a broad church with many philosophies and practices. I have been trying to put across an article based on a 'Baul' folk song, and on the Krishna theme- translating it as best as I could, and as an introduction grappling with the words that would give some shadowy idea of one minor path in Hindu theology, that of the Bhakti Marg. There is no simple answer to the question of whether Hinduism is monotheistic, polytheistic, pantheistic, or something else entirely. In fact, it is the conception of God given by the Christian New Testament. Justin Aptaker (author) from United States on April 16, 2012: Wow! Although Hinduism has, in essence, one creator, it implies belief in many gods. Therefore, while there are many different types of Hinduism (and therefore many different types of "isms" with which these different traditions can be labeled), none of them is technically polytheistic. I'm very happy to hear that you enjoyed my writing so much.