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> I'm not sure if I correctly understand your words, but
> seems (for me) they are almost clear statement that
> people of Hindu faith "think the image itself is the
> very manifestation of the Deity". My questions:
> - is the statement true?
Dear Mr. Jerzy tarasiuk:
You have an important question and I see the reason for the
confusion. Just like you, I want to see the how other's perception! A
majority of Hindus do go to temples and do worship Hindu Gods and
Goddesses. All Hindus do not believe that the image itself is the very
manifestation of the Deity. Hindus who come from orthodox traditional
families with strong conviction to the rituals performed at the temple do
believe that the image is the very manifestation of Deity. A significant
number of Hindus believe that the image is a symbolic representation of
the invisible God. All Hindus agree that God is Omnipotent, Omnipresent
and Eternal. Some believe that the Omnipotent God has the power and
grace to manifests HIS (HER) presence into the form that pleases the
worshiper. God can be present in the living and nonliving beings and as
such some think that the image itself is the very manifestation of God.
Religious beliefs in general are based on personal experiences, guidance
from religious gurus and family traditions and customs. Hindu scriptures
are helpful to some in developing beliefs and convictions. Hindus in
general agree that the goal of every Hindu is to attain "Total
liberation from birth and death." Hinduism gives complete freedom to all
Hindus to choose their own path of reaching this goal. In a broader
sense, Hinduism is strictly not a religion but it is a way of life.
Religious scholars have studied the concept of God from the Hindu
Scriptures (Vedas including Upanishads, Brahma Sutras and Bhagavad Geeta)
and have interpreted underlined philosophies in greater details. There
are three major philosophies on the concept of God and the method of
attaining liberation. Though they all agree that total liberation is the
goal, But they disagree on the path of liberation. Let me give an
illustrative example for clarification. Every political party believes
that the existence of the country is to benefit the people. But each
political party believes that the only way to get the maximum benefits is
to manage the country by its way! All Religious institutions follow the
same rule. They attempt to convince the public that their approach is
the only PATH to TRUTH! It is no wonder why J. Krishnamoorthy (a
well-known philosopher who understood the religion in the purest form)
proclaimed that "TRUTH IS A PATHLESS LAND."
References:
1. "Symbolisms in Hinduism," Compiled by R.S. Nathan, Central
Chinmaya Mission Trust, Mumbai, India, 1983.
2. "The Gazetteer of India, Volume 1: Country and people." CHAPTER
Vlll: Religion by Dr. C.P.Ramaswami Aiyar, Dr.Nalinaksha Dutt, Prof.
A.R.Wadia, Prof.M.Mujeeb, Dr.Dharm Pal and Fr. Jerome D'Souza. Delhi,
Publications Division, Government of India, 1965.
3. Swami Harshananda "All About Hindu Temples." Book,
Sri.Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, Madras, 1991.
4. A Parthasarathy, "The Symbolism of Hindu Gods and Rituals."
Book, Shailesh Printers, Bombay, 1983.
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