Arjuna
04-01-2009, 03:55 PM
There exist many misconceptions about Sanatana Dharma and this thread was created to provide a place to posit sincere questions about Sanatana Dharma.
I will begin by addressing two of the most common misconceptions.
Q: Does Sanatana Dharma teach Polytheism (multiple Gods)?
A: No. Sanatana Dharma teaches that there is one Absolute God (Monotheism). God exists at once beyond the material realm while at the same time providing the very foundation for, and pervading every part of, the material realm (Panentheism - not to be confused with Pantheism).
To sum up Sanatana Dharma teaches Monotheistic Panentheism.
Here is where misconceptions about this issue arise: In the material realm there exist many material beings who are empowered in limited ways, by God, to act within materiality. Some call these material beings Gods but more properly they should be called Dieties. The Dieties are devotees and servants of God. It is accepted that when a Dharmi worships any Diety they are by extension worshiping God. This worship can be performed for the purpose of expressing devotion to God or the worship can take the form of a plea to God, asking God to act on the behalf of the Dharmi in either a material or spiritual context.
Q: Do you worship cows?
A: No. However cows exhibit many positive attributes and are perceived to be special beings worthy of great respect. Cows are gregarious by nature and vegetarian. Cows eat grass and give sustenance in the form of milk and butter. Cows are also viewed as representative of Gods bounty and grace upon the Earth and for these reasons the cow is revered.
Q: You fill in the blank _____________?
A: We will do our best to answer you sincere questions about Sanatana Dharma spirituality.
Arjuna
I will begin by addressing two of the most common misconceptions.
Q: Does Sanatana Dharma teach Polytheism (multiple Gods)?
A: No. Sanatana Dharma teaches that there is one Absolute God (Monotheism). God exists at once beyond the material realm while at the same time providing the very foundation for, and pervading every part of, the material realm (Panentheism - not to be confused with Pantheism).
To sum up Sanatana Dharma teaches Monotheistic Panentheism.
Here is where misconceptions about this issue arise: In the material realm there exist many material beings who are empowered in limited ways, by God, to act within materiality. Some call these material beings Gods but more properly they should be called Dieties. The Dieties are devotees and servants of God. It is accepted that when a Dharmi worships any Diety they are by extension worshiping God. This worship can be performed for the purpose of expressing devotion to God or the worship can take the form of a plea to God, asking God to act on the behalf of the Dharmi in either a material or spiritual context.
Q: Do you worship cows?
A: No. However cows exhibit many positive attributes and are perceived to be special beings worthy of great respect. Cows are gregarious by nature and vegetarian. Cows eat grass and give sustenance in the form of milk and butter. Cows are also viewed as representative of Gods bounty and grace upon the Earth and for these reasons the cow is revered.
Q: You fill in the blank _____________?
A: We will do our best to answer you sincere questions about Sanatana Dharma spirituality.
Arjuna