Comments on: Introductory Queries, Apropos World Religion http://www.lofitribe.com/2007/04/23/introductory-queries-apropos-world-religion/ A virtual notebook of Christian expression, journey, and study. Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:03:49 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: Shawn Anthony http://www.lofitribe.com/2007/04/23/introductory-queries-apropos-world-religion/#comment-4120 Shawn Anthony Tue, 24 Apr 2007 15:20:38 +0000 http://www.lofitribe.com/2007/04/23/introductory-queries-apropos-world-religion/#comment-4120 Hello Swami! Thank you for your comments. A note in response: if you read carefully, I actually said "henotheism" was much more accurate, while polytheism can be used to describe it, though not as accurately. Moreover, I am attempting to paint a picture of a religion wherein many gods are present, while only one is offered full devotion. Alternatively, you could be taking issue not so much with my use of "henotheism" or "polytheism," but with the use of the term "main," as regards Sanatana Dharma belief. If this be the case, feel free to swap my "main" with your "Single Truth Called by Different Names." I think either term will take us to the same place (i.e., Sanatana Dharma posits that many gods exist, but one is invested with personal devotion). Hello Swami! Thank you for your comments. A note in response: if you read carefully, I actually said “henotheism” was much more accurate, while polytheism can be used to describe it, though not as accurately. Moreover, I am attempting to paint a picture of a religion wherein many gods are present, while only one is offered full devotion.

Alternatively, you could be taking issue not so much with my use of “henotheism” or “polytheism,” but with the use of the term “main,” as regards Sanatana Dharma belief. If this be the case, feel free to swap my “main” with your “Single Truth Called by Different Names.” I think either term will take us to the same place (i.e., Sanatana Dharma posits that many gods exist, but one is invested with personal devotion).

]]> By: Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati http://www.lofitribe.com/2007/04/23/introductory-queries-apropos-world-religion/#comment-4119 Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati Tue, 24 Apr 2007 13:11:58 +0000 http://www.lofitribe.com/2007/04/23/introductory-queries-apropos-world-religion/#comment-4119 You write that "The main beliefs of Sanatana Dharma can be characterized as polytheistic, but the term henotheistic may be more accurate." You have missed one of the most important classic comments about Hinduism from the Vedas. It is a central, foundational statement on which others rest. Your reference that the "main" beliefs are polytheistic is incorrect. “Ekam sat, viprah bahudha vadanti” “There is a single Truth but the wise call it by different names.” Rig-Veda 3000+ BCE You write that “The main beliefs of Sanatana Dharma can be characterized as polytheistic, but the term henotheistic may be more accurate.” You have missed one of the most important classic comments about Hinduism from the Vedas. It is a central, foundational statement on which others rest. Your reference that the “main” beliefs are polytheistic is incorrect.

“Ekam sat, viprah bahudha vadanti”
“There is a single Truth but the wise call it by different names.”
Rig-Veda 3000+ BCE

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