Explain how Hindus can worship many different gods (polytheism), while still believing there is one supreme being (monotheism).
In Hinduism, the concept of polytheism and monotheism coexist harmoniously. This is because Hinduism recognizes that there is an ultimate divine power or supreme being called Brahman, which is considered formless, genderless, and beyond human comprehension. Brahman is believed to be the source and essence of all creation.
However, this supreme being is not easily comprehensible or accessible to human beings. Therefore, Hindus worship different deities, which are believed to represent various aspects and manifestations of Brahman. These deities are known as devas or devatas. They are considered divinities that help humans experience and connect with the divine.
Hinduism acknowledges that individuals have different needs, desires, and personalities, thus allowing for a diverse range of deities to be worshipped. Each deity represents a different aspect of the divine, such as power, knowledge, wisdom, love, or destruction. For example, Brahma is associated with creation, Saraswati with knowledge, and Shiva with destruction and transformation.
By worshipping these deities, Hindus can establish a personal connection with the divine entity they feel most drawn to or have an affinity for. This form of worship, known as bhakti, allows individuals to establish a devotional relationship with a particular deity and seek their blessings, guidance, and protection.
While Hindus may worship multiple deities, they understand that all these gods and goddesses are interconnected and ultimately arise from the same supreme source, Brahman. The different manifestations are considered various paths leading to the same ultimate truth. This understanding is commonly expressed in the popular Hindu saying, "Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti," which means "Truth is one, the wise call it by many names."
In summary, Hinduism believes in the existence of one supreme being, Brahman, which is beyond human comprehension. However, to establish a more personal and accessible connection with the divine, Hindus worship various deities, understanding that these deities represent different aspects of the one supreme being. This allows for the coexistence of both polytheistic and monotheistic beliefs in Hinduism.