Myth = Mithya

1. Myth is subjective truth expressed through stories, symbols, and rituals

Myth is essentially a cultural construct, a common understanding of the world that binds individuals and communities together.

Myth as cultural truth. In Hindu philosophy, myth is not falsehood but a subjective truth that shapes cultures. It is expressed through stories, symbols, and rituals that make ideas tangible and help people cope with life's mysteries. Myths can be religious or secular, providing profound meaning to specific groups.

Purpose of mythology. Mythology serves as the vehicle for conveying myths. It uses hyperbolic and fantastic elements to drive home ideas, ensuring their transmission across generations. The unrealistic content draws attention to the deeper meanings behind the stories, often representing complex concepts like the nature of divinity or infinite possibilities.

Impact on culture. Myths and mythology profoundly influence culture, conditioning thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and communications. As cultures evolve, people may outgrow certain myths and mythologies when they no longer respond to their needs, leading to the development of new belief systems and customs.

2. Hindu mythology explores the nature of the universe through divine manifestations

The idea of 330 million Hindu deities is a metaphor for the countless forms by which the divine makes itself accessible to the human mind.

Layers of divine manifestations. Hindu mythology presents a complex hierarchy of divine beings, from the cosmic form of God (Vishwa-rupa) to various deities and natural elements. This layered approach allows for multiple interpretations and understandings of the divine, catering to different levels of spiritual awareness.

All-encompassing divinity. In Hinduism, all of creation is considered divine. This belief allows for the worship of various elements in nature, from plants and animals to rivers and mountains. Even man-made objects can be seen as embodiments of the divine, reflecting the idea that God is present in all things.

Responsive deities. Hindu deities are often given human-like characteristics, such as eyes and hands, to indicate their consciousness and responsiveness to human needs. This anthropomorphization helps devotees relate to and interact with the divine, making the abstract concept of God more accessible and personal.

3. The circle represents the infinite and cyclical nature of the Hindu universe

The circle is the most spontaneous of natural shapes, taken by the horizon, by stars, planets and bubbles. It best represents the Hindu universe because Hindus see the world as being timeless, fetterless, boundless, cyclical and infinite.

Cyclical worldview. The circle symbolizes the Hindu conception of the universe as cyclical and infinite. This perspective shapes the understanding of time, life, and existence in Hindu philosophy, emphasizing the continuous nature of creation, preservation, and destruction.

Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. These three primary manifestations of God represent the cyclical nature of the universe:

• Brahma: The creator
• Vishnu: The preserver
• Shiva: The destroyer

Their interdependence illustrates the Hindu belief that creation, sustenance, and destruction are interconnected and essential parts of existence.

Reincarnation and karma. The circular concept extends to the belief in reincarnation and the law of karma. Actions in one life have consequences in future lives, creating a continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth until spiritual liberation (moksha) is achieved.

4. Desire and destiny govern the principles of the universe in Hindu mythology

If debt and curses bring sorrow, equity and boons bring happiness.

Karma and reincarnation. The Hindu concept of karma dictates that every action has a reaction, creating a system of cosmic debt and equity. This principle governs the cycle of reincarnation, determining the circumstances of one's future lives based on past actions.

Yama and fate. Yama, the god of death and destiny, plays a crucial role in determining the future circumstances of a soul based on its past deeds. This concept emphasizes the importance of righteous living and the inevitability of facing the consequences of one's actions.

Desire as a driving force. Desire (kama) is seen as a powerful force in the universe, embodied by the god Kama. It is the initial impulse that led to creation and continues to drive action and reaction in the world. The interplay between desire and destiny shapes the experiences of all beings in the Hindu cosmos.

5. The square symbolizes culture and the domestication of nature in Hinduism

The square, with its sharp edges, is the most artificial of shapes. When drawn within the circle of the universe, it best represents culture.

Culture vs. nature. The square within the circle represents the imposition of culture upon nature. This concept illustrates how human societies create order and structure within the boundless, cyclical universe.

Vishnu and Lakshmi. Vishnu, as the preserver, organizes the world and introduces rhythm into nature. Lakshmi, his consort, represents the domesticated aspects of nature that culture harvests:

• Fertility
• Prosperity
• Power

Dharma and social order. The establishment of dharma (righteous living) is central to creating and maintaining cultural order. This includes:

• Social roles and responsibilities
• Ethical guidelines
• Rituals and customs

Dharma aims to create a harmonious society while acknowledging the underlying forces of nature.

6. Vishnu's avatars redefine order and adapt to changing societal needs

As man's understanding of the world changes, desires change and so do concepts of order. Rules have to therefore constantly adapt themselves. Social stability must not be compromised, yet new ideas must be respected.

Purpose of avatars. Vishnu's avatars (incarnations) serve to restore dharma when it is threatened. Each avatar takes a different form because the demands of the world change over time, reflecting the need for adaptation in maintaining social order.

Evolution of dharma. The stories of Vishnu's avatars, particularly Rama and Krishna, demonstrate how the concept of dharma evolves:

• Rama: Strict adherence to social norms and duties
• Krishna: More flexible interpretation of dharma, balancing rules with compassion

Balancing tradition and change. Vishnu's avatars illustrate the ongoing tension between preserving traditional values and adapting to new societal needs. This dynamic ensures that Hindu philosophy remains relevant across different ages and contexts.

7. Shiva embodies the pursuit of absolute truth and spiritual enlightenment

Shiva is God who is not interested in these worldly truths. He seeks sat, truth that is permanent, absolute, unconditional.

Ascetic ideal. Shiva represents the ascetic form of God, focused on inner spiritual realization rather than worldly affairs. His practices of meditation and yoga symbolize the pursuit of absolute truth and self-realization.

Transcendence of duality. Shiva's third eye represents transcendence beyond conventional dualities and worldly distinctions. This state of awareness allows for a deeper understanding of reality beyond cultural constructs.

Destruction for renewal. Shiva's role as the destroyer is not merely about ending things, but about clearing away illusions and attachments that prevent spiritual growth. This destruction paves the way for new beginnings and higher levels of consciousness.

8. The Goddess represents the material world and validates existence

The Goddess is Maya, embodiment of all delusions. She is Shakti, personification of energy. She is Adi, primal, as ancient and boundless as the soul.

Complementary nature. The Goddess, in her various forms, complements Shiva's stillness with her dynamism. She represents the material world that gives context and meaning to spiritual pursuits.

Multiple aspects. The Goddess manifests in various forms, each representing different aspects of existence:

• Kali: Raw, untamed nature
• Gauri: Nurturing, domesticated nature
• Durga: Protective force balancing wildness and domestication

Validation of worldly life. Through her interaction with Shiva, the Goddess validates the importance of engaging with the material world. She demonstrates that spiritual enlightenment can be achieved not just through renunciation, but also through mindful participation in worldly affairs.

9. Yoga and bhoga: Balancing spiritual pursuits with material aspirations

Vishnu seeks to balance material aspirations with spiritual goals. He integrates yoga with bhoga.

Dual paths. Hindu philosophy recognizes two main approaches to life:

• Yoga: The path of spiritual discipline and self-realization
• Bhoga: The path of worldly enjoyment and material pursuits

Vishnu's approach. Vishnu's philosophy, especially as expounded by Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, proposes a balanced approach that allows for simultaneous achievement of material joy and spiritual bliss.

Karma yoga. This concept, introduced in the Bhagavad Gita, teaches the art of detached action. It allows individuals to fulfill their worldly duties and obligations while maintaining spiritual awareness, thus bridging the gap between material and spiritual realms.

10. Hindu mythology reconciles the conflict between soul and matter

Love will connect the divine inside with the divine outside. The yearning and union that follow will validate all of existence.

Divine union. The mythological marriage of Shiva and Shakti symbolizes the reconciliation between the spiritual and material aspects of existence. Their union represents the integration of opposing forces necessary for a balanced and fulfilling life.

Children of God and Goddess. The offspring of Shiva and Shakti, such as Ganesha and Kartikeya, embody the perfect balance between spiritual wisdom and worldly prowess. They represent the ideal of integrating spiritual insights with practical life skills.

Tantra philosophy. Tantric traditions in Hinduism further explore the integration of spiritual and material realms. They teach that the divine can be realized through mindful engagement with the physical world, rather than pure renunciation.

Last updated: August 7, 2024