| Fequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Vedanta the same as Hinduism?
A: Vedanta is the predominant philosophy of Hinduism. Hinduism includes all the social and religious customs of anyone living in the subcontinent of India who is not a Muslim, Christian, Jew, Jain, Sikh, Zoroastrian, or Buddhist. There are many sects in Hinduism. It is a complex collection of many religious traditions. Vedanta is the underlying philosophy.
Q: Is Hinduism polytheistic?
A: Hinduism believes in one all-pervading Supreme Reality which in Sanskrit is called "Brahman". Brahman is that infinite, undivided, unchanging reality behind all that we experience, behind the entire universe. The infinite nature of Brahman prevents It from being comprehended by the mind, or described with words. The various gods and goddesses for which Hindiusm is famous, are therefore regarded as the highest representations of That which cannot be entirely represented. This allows the spiritual aspirant to choose the representation that most resonates with his or her heart. And knowing that Brahman can never be adequately represented promotes respect for the variety of ways in which It is represented and worshipped.
Q: Is God feminine or masculine?
A: God ultimately is neither masculine nor feminine, but It can manifest as either. Durga, Kali, Saraswati, and Lakshmi are the most familiar female deities. Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Ganesha are the most familiar male deities.
Q: Is Hinduism life-denying?
A: Some sects of Hinduism emphasize the illusory nature of the world and the futility of taking part in it. Mainstream Hinduism, however, recognizes four main goals in life: Dharma (pursuit of righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (sense and artistic pleasures), and Moksha (liberation). Although the world is illusory compared with Brahman, it is still a manifestation of divinity and a temporary reality. Hence one should do one's duties and participate in the world in a way that will lead to liberation rather than greater bondage.
Q: Christ said, "No one shall enter the kingdom of heaven except through me." Aren't you worried that you're taking the wrong path?
A: No. Krishna and Buddha said similar things. Also, Ramakrishna had a spiritual experience of merging with Christ. He felt his oneness with Christ, Rama, and Krishna. How can we explain this?
There are three possible explanations:
• These great teachers at times felt totally identified with the one Reality. It is in this sense that they used the word "me".
• They were talking to a local group of people who were not going to hear about other incarnations of God.
• Their teachings were altered by others coming later who wanted power and control over people.
Q: If there is no devil, what about evil?
A: Brahman is beyond good and evil. When Oneness appears as many, it must, out of necessity, manifest as pairs of opposites. Good and evil are inevitable consequences of the One appearing as many. Good is that which helps us eventually see through the illusion that we are many. Evil is that which perpetuates our ignorance of our true divine nature.
Q: If everything is an illusion, then what does it matter what we do?
A: If you REALLY realize your own true divine nature, (not just intellectually accept the idea), then your very nature would not allow you to do any evil deed. You would see everything as the workings of God. You would see everything as full of God. Until that time, we are bound by the laws of karma.
Q: What about sin?
A: The important thing is to realize that our true nature is divine. What some people call "sins" we see as actions which are not conducive to our spiritual goal. They are errors. Conduct can be judged as right and wrong. But we feel that it is not healthy to consider oneself or others as sinners. This puts the focus on our impermanent, imperfect nature. Think of your permanent, ever-pure nature instead. We should learn from our mistakes and go forward.
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