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Hinduism - Origin, Culture and Practices

 

Hindus believe in one God. However, they also believe through the worship of many deities you can get to God. These deities are believed to cater to everyone individually; god for everyone and their particular needs. Brahma-voluntary force, Vishnu-semi voluntary force, and Shiva-involuntary force are the Hindu "Holy Trinity". .
             Eight of the most popular Hindu deities are Ganesha, the god of knowledge, wisdom, and wealth. Second is Shiva, the god of power, death, and destruction. The next deity is the god Krishna, the most supreme of all deities. The fourth deity is Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music and creative arts. Rama is one of the most commonly adored gods of Hindus and is known as an ideal man and hero of the epic Ramayana. Hanuman is the mighty monkey deity. Durga or "the invincible", is considered the most powerful goddess of the Hindu deities. She is the goddess of power and strength. Lastly, Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, love, prosperity (both material and spiritual), fortune, and the embodiment of beauty. She is the wife and active energy of Vishnu.
             Another belief is the Saguna and Nirguna Brahman. These are the eternal all-pervading and omnipresent divine consciousness; also known as two forms of meditation. The term Saguna means "with attributes". The term "Saguna Brahman" implies that God has a name and form and other attributes. Many Savikalpa Samadhis give rise to the (living) form of the Ishta Devata. Ishta Devata is one's favored way of visualizing the divine. It might be Krishna, Jesus, Rama, the Goddess or some other Deity of choice. Nirguna means "without attributes". The term "Nirguna Brahman" implies that God as the Absolute Spirit and Pure Consciousness has no name and form or attributes. Nirvikalpa Samadhi reveals the Nirguna nature of the Self. Thus, Nirguna Brahman is the best god to take rest and Saguna Brahman is the best god for activities.


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