International Journal of Hinduism & Philosophy

There are widespread misconceptions about the faith and the philosophy of Hinduism. This paper discusses the basic concepts of the nature (Prakriti) and the attributes of Hindu gods and goddesses, and the philosophy of Vedas, Upanishads, and Vedanta for a clear understanding of Hinduism.  

It is found that the Vedanta philosophy deals with differing relationships between Atman (Self) and Brahmman (universal Self). Advaita Vedanta teaches the non-dualism of Atman and Brahmman, whereas Vishishtadvaita Vedanta finds Atman and Brahmman both different and non-different, while Dvaita Vedanta finds dualism of Atman and Brahmman as its essence. Research has found that Hinduism is both monotheistic and henotheistic but not polytheistic. ‘Ekam Sat Vipraha Bahudha Vadanti’ – call Him by whatever name you like, worship Him in any form you like, it all goes to that one Brahmman, the Supreme Godhead. The paper discusses the spiritual meaning of Moksha, and the nature of conditioned and liberated souls in the context of Vedanta philosophy and Srimad Bhagavad Gita. Research has concluded that the core beliefs of Hinduism are (i) the Truth is eternal (ii) the Brahmman is the Truth and the Supreme Godhead, (iii) the Vedas are the ultimate authority (iv) the purpose of life is to attain self-realisation (v) individual souls are immortal and (vi) the goal of individual soul is liberation from life-death cycles (Moksha).

The methodology applied in this paper is a review study of Hindu civilization, basic concepts of Hinduism and Hindu philosophy from Vedic scriptures, journal articles, and spiritual lectures on Hinduism. Special emphasis is given on the teachings of Vedanta and Srimad Bhagavad Gita. The findings of the study are analyzed in reference to Bhagavad Gita and presented in this paper. Author recommends that further research should be done on Hinduism and Hindu philosophy to derive a general unified code of conduct for all Hindus irrespective of castes, sects, and Hindu traditions so as to make Hinduism more coherent, and easy to practice worldwide.

Purpose of the research: There is a misunderstanding among the general population whether Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism) is monotheistic or pluralistic. Followers of other religions often cite that Hindus worship 330 million gods and goddesses (i.e., demigods), implying that Hinduism is pluralistic. The main objectives of this paper are to gain greater insight into whether Hinduism is monotheistic or pluralistic, do Hindu’s worship millions of demigods, is there any necessity to worship demigods, and finally, who the ‘supreme divinity’ is?

Methodology: In order to identify various constructs related to the above objectives, an extensive literature search was performed based on the main scriptures of Hinduism, with various information systematically collated and presented.

Findings: Collating multiple layers of citations from various scriptures there is substantial evidence that Hinduism is monotheistic that the supreme divinity (Brahman) is One. According to Vedic sages, there are 33 types of demigods based on a belief system that demigods are the natural expansion of the supreme divinity. The converging evidence from various scriptures shows that Lord Sri Krishna is the supreme divinity, as Bhagwan to whom to worship for final liberation.

Conclusions: This review found strong and consistent evidence that Hinduism is monotheistic, and that there are 33 types of demigods. The supreme divinity is Lord Krishna. Whilst diversity is the essence, according to Bhagavad Gita, there is no requirement of worshipping any demigods—although followers can traditionally worship various gods and goddesses for their own spiritual satisfaction. These findings help to enhance the understanding of the fundamental questions of Hinduism and provide a better spiritual journey towards final liberation

Background and Aims: Vedic scriptures dictate that every living being goes through a cycle of birth and death until final liberation, and this very process is governed by the inner spirit of life called Atman (Soul). Scholars and scientists have across eons of time, tried to extrapolate an answer as to how this process happens, and whether there is any scientific basis to this process. This quest, the acquiescence, and the transmigratory process has been challenging and has not been described in detail. The aim of the article is to review the main Vedic scriptures defining Atman and how it determines the process of cycle of birth and death.

Methodology:
The main scriptures of Sanatan Dharma were systematically searched, collated, and presented.

Findings and Conclusions:
Evidence from the various Sanatan Dharma scriptures provide an understanding that Atman, as a spiritual power, determines the cycle of birth and death. Whereas, past karmas proceed through Atman, this eternal power ultimately merges with the supreme divinity (the Super Soul). Anecdotal evidence suggests in favour of this transmigratory process of human life and the eternity of Atman as the quest for perpetuity.

In Rabindranath Tagore's family, the Upanishads and Bhagavadgita were influential in forming their religion and life philosophy. Tagore's worldview revolves around the human being, their potential, and how it might be realised. Philosophical anthropology deals with these issues. Tagore's conception of the world is both creative and evolutionary. He applies scientific models while attributing evolution to God's powers. Tagore's God is a monotheistic personal God, and brahman is existence, consciousness, bliss, supreme reality, and All. Many of his writings contain references to the Bhagavadgita's central themes, conveying profound messages. Gitanjali was one of his influential writings, and it was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature. A compilation of religious songs that speak of God and the human soul, God and nature, and the relationship between nature and the human soul. The poem stands on its own and is influenced by ideas from the Upanishadic school of thought. This poem emphasises the universal reality that human life is God's most precious gift to the man on this planet and that man's duty on this planet is to make good use of that gift to the greatest extent possible. The poet longs for the merger of the celestial bodies.

This article aims to examine how Tagore's writings are affected by Sanatan Dharmic literature such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavadgita, as well as other religious texts. At the same time, Nityananda Chakravorty wrote a book titled Rabindrabhabnai Srimadbhagavadgita, which he used as a springboard for reflection. Jonantik, a publishing house based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is responsible for the publication.

The main focus of this study is based on a review of the book and the discovery of linkages between the Gitanjali and the Bhagavadgita and other sources. Given that this is the first review of the book, it has high originality.