Monotheism and monotheistic sects in Hinduism

[Ajay0]

Most people with superficial knowledge of Hinduism claim that Hinduism is a polytheistic religion. This however is far removed from the truth.

The Advaitan philosophy in Hinduism teaches that the unitary Brahman (which in its essence is pure consciousness) alone is true, and that matter, energy, space, time and causation are its diverse manifestations.

These two sayings of female enlightened masters in Hinduism reflect clearly the above theme...

 

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“There is One unchanging indivisible Reality which, though unmanifest, reveals Itself in infinite multiplicity and diversity.” ~ Anandamayi Ma

'It is through the multiplicity of name and form that one can arrive at the One. It is from this One that this Infinite Variety has manifested. In the end all return to that effulgent One.'~ Shivayogini Matha (1923-1981)

 

The gods themselves are said to have arose from Brahman. The Vedas themselves proclaim this...
 

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'Great indeed are the devas (gods) who have sprung out of Brahman.' ~ Atharva Veda

 

From this vedic saying, one can see that the multiplicity of gods themselves sprung from the unitary Brahman.


There are also many strictly monotheistic sects in Hinduism like the Kabir Panthis, Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, Lingayats, Mahima Dharma and Prajapita Brahmakumaris where God is worshipped as incorporeal.

The Hindu monotheistic sects have also brought about social reforms in India getting rid of obsolete traditions like casteism, untouchability, Sati, discrimination on the basis of gender and so on.

The ideals of fraternity, equality and liberty were imprinted in Hindu society by these sects considering that all were children or offspring of one God.

The Brahmo Samaj was instrumental in abolition of Sati, while the Indian scholar and president S.Radhakrishnan creditted the Arya Samaj for the progressive reforms in society and the Indian constitution.

The S.N.D.P formed by Sree Narayan Guru, also had as its motto, 'One caste, one religion, one God' and was instrumental in removing the evils of casteism in southern India empowering the masses with social, cultural, religious and literary reforms.

The Prajapita Brahmakumaris is the world's only spiritual organization led, administered and taught by women with its own unique theological and religious doctrine . The empowerment of women as spiritual and social leaders is a dominant theme of the Brahmakumaris.