fyodor
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I can't post any reference right now but here is my understanding after researching about Shastras:Very basic question:
What do Vedic literature say about:
1. Polytheism
2. Nature worship
3. Atheism/Agnosticsm etc
Is it inline with monism or more inclined towards monotheism?
1) The Brahman is the ultimate reality, the all pervading consciousness of the universe. There is no difference between the creator and the creation. Hinduism recognizes that there are several paths to realize the ultimate truth which leads to moksha(freedom from life/birth). One of the paths is bhakti-yoga or devotion to deity. There are many sects in Hinduism which have their own Ishta devta(main god). This is based on the particular proclivities of the individual. There are many gods and godesses in Hinduism because devotion is considered ONE OF THE ways to understand the Brahman and attain moksha. Therefore, Polytheism has always been a characteristic of Hindu society.
2) Believing that every thing in the universe is animated with the the Brahman is an integral principle of Dharma. According to Hinduism, there is no difference between the creator and the creation. The creator expresses themselves through the universe. Therefore, worshiping nature is a logical conclusion of this principle.
3) This is related to point 1. Atheism if you define it as not believing in a particular God is offcourse a part of Hinduism. The Brahma is nirakara(without forms) anyways. But there is a form of atheism which believes that there is no meaning in the world and the ONLY reality is the reality of the world of senses. This line of thinking never took hold in the Indian society.
Charvaka was a famous philosopher who propunded such views but he was thoroughly rejected by the mainstream society.
Hinduism is not a postmodern religion. It doesn't asks you to believe things blindly but it does asserts that there is a greater meaning in life which every one can only experience by themselves. Gurus/worship etc can only help.
“You are neither earth nor air nor fire nor water nor ether. To attain liberation, know yourself as the witnessing consciousness of all these. If you separate yourself from the physical body and rest in consciousness, then this very moment you will be happy, at peace, and free from bondage”.
- Ashtavakra