Donavon Cook
Classical Mythology
Dr. Lodge
December 12, 2016
Hinduism Mythology
When studying other religions and myths, the Hinduism creation story, along with the worship of Hindu Gods is believed to be one of the oldest religions existing today. In this paper, we will look from a philosophy perspective and explore this old-world tradition.
The Hindu creation myth is a story that begins with no heaven, no earth and no space between. The myth states that an extensive dark ocean washed upon the shore of nothingness and licked the edges of night.
A giant Cobra floated on the water, carrying Lord Vishnu (Vishnu being one of the principal deities in Hinduism, a supreme being). As the night slowly ended, Vishnu awoke, and as dawn began to break, a beautiful lotus flower began to grow inside Vishnu bellybutton. Inside the flower sat Vishnu’s servant, Brahma, patiently waiting for his Lords command.
According to Hindu Creation Myth, upon waking Vishnu spoke to his servant saying, “it’s time to begin, and Vishnu commanded: “Create the World”, a massive wind swept the waters, and Vishnu and the serpent vanished, but Brahma remained locked in the lotus flower, floating and tossing on the sea. The myth continues, with Brahma lifting his arms and calming the wind and the ocean. Then Brahma split the lotus flower into three parts, stretching one part into the heavens, one to the earth, and one to the sky.
Having been nothingness, the earth was bare, so Brahma created grass, flowers, trees, and plants of all thing, giving them all feelings. Next, he created animals, and insects to live upon the land, as well as birds and many fishes, giving them the sense of touch and smell, as well as the power to see, hear, and move, filling the world with life and sound.
“While most Religions have a single creation story Hinduism has many. This is because for Hindus there is no single creation, put periodic cycles of creation” states Anderson. The Hindu tradition perceives the existence of cyclical nature of the universe and everything in it. The cosmos follow one cycle within a framework of cycles. According to Veda it may have been created and reach and end, but it represents only one turn in the perpetual wheel of time, which revolves infinitely through successive cycles of creation and destruction. Veda goes on to say within this cycle of creation and destruction of the universe, the soul or (atman) also undergoes its own version of cycle called samsara, which is the cycle of rebirth in which individual souls ae repeatedly reincarnated.
“Although the Hindu mythology gives several processes of creation of the universe, one of the best-known Veda creation myths relates the sacrifice of Purusha, the cosmic man. It is believed that the gods cut up purusha, and took the quarter of him that was manifested in their realm and placed it upon the sacrificial fire; from this the Vedic deities Indra, Agni and Vayu were born together, creating the cardinal points of the universe, animals, humans and the four Varna’s, known as orders.” (Veda) “While Hindu’s believed that there was neither being nor non-being, death nor non- death, a diversity of life emerged, and from this void desire was born, and from desire came humans, gods and demons.” (Veda)
The sacrifice of Pursusa created four different classes in the Hindu culture: The Brahman, the Rajanya, the Vaisya and the Sudra. The Brahman being the god who created knowledge and the universe, self-born with four faces looking in different direction. The Rajanya, the second highest noble warrior, creating a social class. Then Vaisya, the highest in ritual status of the four social classes known as commoners. And last but not least the Sudra the fourth and lowest of the traditional Varna’s traditionally known as artisans and laborer’s. (William)
Hinduism dates back 5000 BCE, and is a compilation of many diverse traditions making it the oldest practiced religion today. Per Holloway, while there are many Hindu creation stories, you will not find any references to a first world or universe because Hindu text consider all deities to be extensions of god. Hindu believe that there are three triumvirate (a group of three men holding power). The first being Lord Brahma the creator of the universe and the first in the triumvirate, and the other two gods compromising the triumvirate are Vishnu, who sustains the creation, the Shiva, the destroyer of the evil. These three gods form the supreme one who is behind all creation and destruction and these Gods create and destroy universes continuously, according to Holloway. Brahma creates human being and all of life. All different species come out from different parts of Brahma body. He created man as the first of the animals and the strongest. He created him from his own soul. Brahma split himself into two to create male and female. It is told that when Brahma sleeps the world is destroyed, and every morning when he wakes up it is created again.
Vishnu is the Preserver or sustainer of life with his steadfast principals of order, righteousness and truth. Vishnu is important to the Hindu creation of man, he emerges out of his transcendence to restore peace and order on earth. Vishnu’s earthy incarnations have many avatars (reincarnation of a deity) ten to be exact. Vishnu’s most common form is a dark complexion with four hands. The hands are Sankha, Chakra, Gada, Padma. Sankha is one of the backhands that hold the milky white conch shell that spread the primordial sound of Om, Chakra the second hand is reminder of the cycle of time, which is also a lethal weapon that he uses against blasphemy, the third hand holds the lotus which stands for a glorious existence, and the forth hand is Gada, the hand of punishment. According to Das a Hinduism expert, blossoming out of Vishnu’s navel is the lotus a flower that holds Brahma the God of Creation. Which embodiments of royal virtues known as the Rajoguna. Thus, the peaceful form of Lord Vishnu discards the royal virtues through his navel and makes the Sheshnag snake that stands for the vices of darkness tremble. Vishnu is empowered with courage and speed to spread the knowledge of the Vedas, by using the Garuda eagle, the king of birds. Garuda is an assurance of fearlessness at the time of calamity. (Das)
While Brahma may be the least liked of the Hindu Gods Vishnu is the ideal leader among all Hindu Gods, Vishnu is a model of an ideal leader. He is full of guile and smiles, he creates balance, and harmony. A God that is wise enough to distinguish gods from demons, a mixture of heart and head, engaged but not attached, constantly aware of the big picture.
While Brahma is the creator of the universe and Vishnu the preserve of it, it goes to stand that Shiva’s role would be to destroy the universe in order to re-create it. Shiva is the third god in the Hindu triumvirate. Hindus believe his powers of destruction and recreation are used even now to destroy the illusions and imperfections of this world, paving the way for beneficial change. Per the Hindu faith, destruction is not arbitrary, but constructive. Shiva is therefore seen as the source of both good and evil and is regarded as the one who combines many contradictory elements, such as untamed passion, which can lead him to extreme behaviors. Sometimes he is an ascetic (severe self-discipline), abstaining from all worldly pleasures, but others he is a hedonist (pleasure seeker). Hindus worship Shiva as their primary god, he represents a man, with his blue face and throat. Shiva has a third eye that represents wisdom and insight, a cobra necklace that signifies Shivas power over the most dangerous creatures in the world. Shiva has three lines drawn horizontally across his forehead in white ash these lines are known as the vibhuti, the represent pervading nature, superhuman power and wealth. And the trident, a three-pronged trident that functions as the Hindu triumvirate.
While Brahama and Vishnu are depicted as living in lavish surroundings, Shiva is dressed in simple animal skin, and always in austere settings sitting in yoga fashion, with his wife Parvati by his side-their relationship is one of equality. Hindus believe Shiva represents the seed of the universe.
“The concept of god in Hinduism is exceptionally complex and varies according to different philosophies and traditions. Generally, gods in Hinduism appear more like supreme personal beings. Devas (a word for deity) can easily be conveyed as supernatural beings and, per Hindu texts, there are thirty the in the celestial world.” (Holloway)
The Hindu developed in the Indus Valley in two major cities, Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. The main aspects of the religious beliefs involved goddess worship, temple rituals, ritual bathing and sacrifice. This period of Hindu culture began the roots of the Hindu religion with its creation stories and its beliefs. Hindu Creation vs. Biblical Creation
Whether you are at the top or the bottom the Hindu believed you were still a part of Purusa as a whole. That everyone plays an important role in life no matter which level or class they fall under. Although every great world religion has its own creation myth the Hindu creation story tells a continuous tale of creation, destruction and recreation. Hindu’s basically believe people should try to live good lives as a part of the reincarnation process.
Two important parts tenets of Hinduism that guides one’s actions and influences suffering are karma and reincarnation. Reincarnation essentially means to be born again. The Hindu believe the body is like a set of clothes that the soul removes before putting new clothes on. From the Hindu point of view, one could be born as a human, an animal, an insect or a animal. What form you take on next depends on what kind of Karma, and weather you move up or down the hierarchy. If you lived a basically good life and performed more good deeds than bad the more likely chance you would come back into a more fortunate existence.
According to Thrane, karma guides how each Hindu live. Each person’s deeds both in current and past lifetimes determine what sort of rebirth they attain. “Karma is a combination of cosmic and moral effect that crosses lifetime’s and life’s lessons learned for spiritual growth.” Thrane, said Karma has three types of, past lives that may not be experienced in the present lifetime, karma that is currently being created, and future karma experiences saved for a future lifetime, with the main goal after living many lifetimes to be released from rebirth or to achieve moksha; becoming one with Brahman.
According to Hinduism, a soul reincarnates again and again on earth until it becomes perfect and reunites with its source. During this process the soul enters many bodies, assumes many forms and passes through many deaths. This concept is described in the following verse of the Bhagavad Gita (song). “just as a man discards worn to clothes and puts on new clothes, the soul discards worn out bodies and wears new ones.” (2.22)
The Hindu theory of creation suggest that creation begins when the individual souls become one with the Divine. The evolution of life continues in phases, some progress upon earth, some souls return to God, and some transform of matter of Prakriti in which they remain hidden and bound. Per Jayaram, the reaming souls continue their existence and return to him in the end, not through transformation but through the great destruction that happens at the end of each time cycle. Thus, the great cycle of creation, stretching over millions of years, comes to its logical end. Hindus believe once the creative process begins, each soul is drawn and bound to a false personality. “Suffering for the Hindu is highly related to the concept of Karma; any good or bad thought or action leads to reward or punishment either in this life or a in future existence. A Hindu who is getting older or who has a terminal illness will tie up loss ends, apologizing where needed, family conflicts, fulling all known responsibilities. The goal of a well lived lifetime therefore is to perform good deeds, to practice devotion to God, and to learn the karmic lessons encountered”. (Thrane)
“Spiritual suffering for a Hindu comes from knowing at the end of life responsibilities are left undone, karma task is not completed or bad thoughts and deeds predominated. Karma conveys that suffering is part of life. Suffering is a result of past thoughts and actions either in this life or a previous life. To enduring suffering a Hindu must pay for past negative actions. A Hindu may relieve suffering by fasting, doing penance such as intense prayer or worship, or enduring pain even when meds are available”. (Thrane)
Thrane goes on to explain that Hindus believe that death must come naturally at the proper time. Life should not be prolonged by aggressive medical means unless it will result in a good quality of life. Prolonging life artificially would result in the soul remaining on earth past its natural time. There for Hindus will forgo aggressive treatment when an illness is terminal or there is no hope recovery. Hindu will, if possible, be thinking of Brahama at the moment of death, intentionally bringing all one’s attention and energy to the top of the head. Hindus believe this helps the soul leave the body in the highest state possible.
The Hindu concept of reincarnation is based upon the logical notion that life on earth did not emerge suddenly, but evolved gradually, involving great epochs of time and a vast multitude of beings. (Jayaram) the soul must be burnt in the fire of knowledge and austerity, and this cannot happen in a lifetime. To Hindus it is obvious that God did not create the words and begins in his likeness, but in a manner, that is different from him and is opposite of him, with the truth or reality of him hidden behind. (Thrane)
“The idea of reincarnation is at the heart of Hinduism. Being reincarnated from body to another body as part of their physical, mental and spiritual evolution validates the mental and spiritual evolution of being a part of their liberation. The idea of reincarnation and the doctrine of karma reinforces the idea that the destiny of everyone primarily rests upon self-effort”. (Jayaram)
Inconclusion, while the Hindu faith is exceptionally complex, with diverse roots, its myths on creation, and Gods is one that is unique for its culture.
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