The faith of many religions is centred on a god or gods. For Hindus, Brahman is the ultimate reality – one 'Supreme Spirit' in many forms. Brahman is male, female and even animal.
Many Hindus believe in Brahman as the ultimate reality – one 'Supreme Spirit' in many forms. Brahman is male, female and even animal.
Brahman is also commonly understood as the Trimurti - three gods with three key functions:
However many Hindus believe in Vishnu or Shiva as the one Supreme Deity.
The atman of each of us may also hold a 'spark' of Brahman. For most Hindus, Brahman is present in the lives of all living things.
The traditional Hindu greeting 'Namaste', usually performed with joined palms and bowed head, may be translated as 'I bow to the divine spark within you'.
Shakti literally means 'strength' and symbolises feminine aspects of the divine, often referred to as Devi and Mata. Some of the many forms of Shakti include:
Many Hindus believe that Lord Vishnu has appeared on Earth in human or animal form, called incarnations or avatars. Examples of this include Rama and Krishna who were both princes. Hindus believe they were sent to save the Earth in times of danger. Buddha is also believed to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu.