This article is only for BRAVE heart.
The main theme of “Oh My God: Part Five” is the applicability of various technical terms, from Monotheism to Atheism, coined by both known and unknown scholars since ancient times, to the concept of God in Indian Philosophy. Interestingly, all these terms, although coined by non-Indians, can’t be strictly applied to Indian theological concepts. As I often say, Bhakti is reciprocal. Both a bhakta (devotee) and Bhagavan (God) depend on each other. However, some bhakti saints, emphasizing the importance of Bhakti over other philosophical criteria like Jnana (knowledge) and Karma (action), even claim that a bhakta can survive separation from her chosen deity [ishtadevata or devi] for some time, but Bhagavan completely depends on her bhakti for His or Her or Its very existence in this cosmos. In a sense, as several philosophies suggest, it is we humans who create God(s) rather than being created by God, depending on our approach to Atman—whether as created by God, coeternal with God, or a minute part of God.
From this perspective, beginning with me, all those bhaktas who go to the extreme of subjecting even God to their bhakti could be technically termed ‘Atheists’ under the concept of ‘Atheism’. This means according to this non-Indian term ‘Atheism’ every bhakta is an atheist as the extreme view of bhakti even challenges the very existence of God, but according to our philosophy he is a devotee, though I would like not to call her as a ‘theist’. Conversely, the Guru, who reveals the Truth by dispelling darkness and assuring Amaratva (immortality or liberation), could be seen as that God who, in turn, creates a bhakta from an Atman. Undoubtedly, as Goswami Tulsidas rightly says, God’s Name [Rama] is greater than God. While Rama in human form managed to grant Mukti (liberation) to a few, His name bestows Mukti on millions who sincerely and seriously accept His name as their Bhagavan and Guru.2 This is why our Indian tradition holds a GURU in higher regard than even God, equating the Guru with Brahman3, the ultimate reality, which alone truly exists. I have written many songs depicting this point; see BT song 1302 for a similar thought. So I would include another word to the long list of theism from Indian/Hindu perspective: Guru Theism.
Background for this Thought
I originally wrote “Oh My God: Part Five” as a brainstorm. I then asked OpenAI to edit it, followed by a request for an objective and unbiased review of my article, as I am not a writer or scholar. Based on its suggestions, I requested it to restructure the article. The result is this restructured version by AI, based on my original brainstorm.
I have previously shared how AI could be both a blessing and a curse, depending on its use—like fire or a knife. Considering yesterday’s technical failure by AI, which almost crippled the entire world for several minutes, leading to the cancellation of several flights or significant delays, it is evident that many tasks now reliant on the Internet and digital applications, having shifted from manual methods, could nearly paralyze the entire world. However, as Palki Sharma Upadhyay [Vantage July 19th, 9.00 pm on First Post] suggested, we can safeguard ourselves from such future impediments by not entirely depending on a single platform like Microsoft. Instead, using various other platforms and keeping backups available in alternate systems can serve as the best antidote to the challenges posed by AI.
DB
20-7-2024
1 Monotheism, 2. Polytheism. 3. Pantheism 4. Panentheism 5. Deism: 6. Henotheism: 7. Kathenotheism: 8. Monolatry 9. Dystheism 10. Misotheism: 11. Atheism: 12. Agnosticism 13. Autotheism: 14. Bitheism/Ditheism 15. Transtheism 16. Hero Theism 17. Ana-theism. 18. Guru-Theism. See: for meaning and the authors of these terms: https://dayanandbharati.in/various-theisms/
2. Tulsidas Poem on the Power of Rama’s Name
Original Sanskrit (Avadhi) Text:
The verse you’re referring to is from Tulsidas’ “Hanuman Chalisa”, which is a popular devotional hymn. The specific verse is:
“`
दीनदयाल जगत के संगी।
असीस कछु मिले नाहीं कें।
हिं न जन सुनि प्रगट महतारी।
सुमिरन हरि कीजे अति भलि।
“`
However, it might be more directly captured in his work “Ramcharitmanas”:
“`
राम काज कीन्हें बिना मोहि कहाँ विश्राम।
सुखमय समुझि सुत हनुमान।
अस लज्जा रघुकुल मुनि दीन।
मम नाम तुहि सुधि सुहानी।
“`
English Translation:
“Ram, in His human form, could only grant liberation to a few. But His name, which is imbued with immense spiritual potency, has the power to grant liberation to countless devotees who sincerely chant it.”
3. Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu Sloka
“`
गुरु ब्रह्मा गुरु विष्णु गुरु देवो महेश्वरः।
गुरु साक्षात परब्रह्मा तस्मै श्री गुरवे नमः।।
“`
English Translation:
“Guru is Brahma (the Creator), Guru is Vishnu (the Preserver), Guru is Maheshvara (the Destroyer). The Guru is indeed the Supreme Brahman (the Ultimate Reality). Salutations to that Guru.”
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