Hindu Monotheism

This Element explores the nature of a Hindu monotheism, not as one God but as a transcendent, ultimate source.

Gavin Dennis Flood (Author)

9781108731140, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 20 August 2020

75 pages
23 x 15 x 0.5 cm, 0.14 kg

If by monotheism we mean the idea of a single transcendent God who creates the universe out of nothing (creatio ex nihilo), as in the Abrahamic religions, then that is not found in the history of Hinduism. But if we mean a supreme, transcendent deity who impels the universe, sustains it and ultimately destroys it before causing it to emerge once again, who is the ultimate source of all other gods who are her or his emanations, then this idea does develop within that history. It is a Hindu monotheism and its nature that is the topic of this Element.

Introduction
1. Early Hindu Monotheism
2. Developed Theologies
3. Monotheism in Modernity.

Subject Areas: Hindu life & practice [HRGP], Hinduism [HRG], Religion: general [HRA], Religion & beliefs [HR]