Creedless Creed

Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s Reflections on Hinduism

This article draws inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s reflections in Young India (24-4-1924) on the essence of Hinduism. Gandhi’s writings, as compiled in CWMG Vol. 27, pp. 290–292, highlight Hinduism’s uniqueness as a faith without a fixed creed. Building on his insights, this article reflects on personal creeds and their role in fostering individuality and respect for others’ beliefs. [This article by Mahatmaji is posted separately.  See: https://dayanandbharati.in/what-is-hinduism-by-mahatma-gandhiji/]

Dialogue with Guruji

Well said, Guruji. As always, you have defended your position with clarity and addressed your critics effectively. However, as your shishya, I have a question. You rightly noted, “Fortunately or unfortunately, Hinduism does not have a Creed. Thank God for that.”

The term creed, however, holds different meanings and implications in faiths other than Hinduism. Certain statements in these traditions become eternal creeds, unbreakable and inviolable.

For example, one proclamation in an Abrahamic faith is universally recognized.  It is a simple declaration of faith, while Christian creeds, like the Nicene Creed, are more detailed theological affirmations outlining core beliefs.

While I won’t mention it here—not out of fear, but out of respect for their religious rights and sentiments—it illustrates how creeds are foundational in certain traditions.

The Hindu Perspective on Personal Creeds

This brings me to a question: why, as a Hindu, should I not create my own creed and live by it within the bounds of my freedom? Shouldn’t I have the liberty to practice my faith authentically, just as you, Guruji, have done by forming your own Creed of Truth?

Consider the proclamation by Sri Velukkudi Krishnan, a Srivaishnavite scholar:

“There is no other God but Narayana, and Ramanuja is His Acharya.”

While the format resembles another faith’s creedal structure, this statement’s exclusivism need not offend anyone. It reflects a deeply personal belief, tailored to his own spiritual understanding. Claiming that there is only one God does not necessarily confine God to a singular expression or creed.

Historical Context of Creeds

Historically, creeds have evolved, sometimes giving rise to new ones. Christianity is a prime example. This leads to another question: do all Abrahamic faiths have original creedal statements rooted in their foundational scriptures?

As the saying goes, “No one ever lived above his creed.” Yet the mere confession of a creed, whether derived from scripture or tradition, carries little weight unless it is followed in both letter and spirit. This, Guruji, is the standard you always strive to uphold through your Creed of Truth.

However, perfection often eludes us. Many fail to live up to their own creeds, whether these are inherited or personally crafted. Perhaps the correct approach to creeds should be more personal. Sri Velukkudi Krishnan’s proclamation could be reframed as:

“There is no other God but Narayana, for me alone, and Ramanuja is the Acharya for me alone.”

A Path to Understanding

If individuals across faiths adopted such a personal approach to creeds—or at least sought to understand it—they could better respect one another’s beliefs. This mutual respect could help us live up to our personal creeds while fostering harmony among diverse traditions.

The Creedless Nature of Hinduism

In stark contrast to the Abrahamic faiths, Hinduism does not rely on a formal creed to define its core beliefs. Instead, Hinduism embraces a rich diversity of practices, philosophies, and interpretations. This creedless nature allows for immense theological flexibility, enabling individuals to explore different paths—be it devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana), or disciplined action (karma).

Hinduism’s inclusivity and adaptability stand in sharp relief to the fixed declarations of the Abrahamic traditions. Its focus on practice over proclamation suggests that faith can be deeply personal and need not always be articulated in a singular, formalized manner.

Conclusion

While Judaism, Christianity, and Islam use creeds and proclamations to articulate their core beliefs, Hinduism’s creedless nature offers a contrasting perspective. The Jewish Shema, Christian creeds, and the Islamic Shahada each reflect the theological priorities and cultural contexts of their respective traditions, fostering unity among believers. Hinduism, with its absence of formal creeds, emphasizes the diversity of spiritual expression and the primacy of individual exploration.

When it comes to religious conviction or personal sadhana, Hinduism upholds the individual’s right to choose. However, when it comes to social issues, it emphasizes collective identity, often beginning with caste. This is described by Brahabandab Upadhyaya as ‘Sadhana Dharma’ and ‘Samajic Dharma,’ where one has personal freedom in the former but not as much in the latter. In contrast, in Abrahamic faiths, both Samajic and Sadhana Dharma are typically intertwined. While many individuals in these faiths have personal freedom to choose their Sadhana Dharma, the validity of the creed holds significant theological implications.

Furthermore, in mainline Abrahamic faiths, the recital of the creed is not only an essential part of ritual but also a core element of social life. Those who participate in collective worship affirm their communal identity through this creedal declaration. In Hinduism, however, no such formal creedal confession is necessary, either in Sadhana Dharma or Samajic Dharma.

Together, these examples underscore the varied ways humanity seeks to articulate and live out its deepest convictions. Recognizing these differences not only broadens our understanding but also fosters greater interfaith respect and dialogue.

To provide further context, I will include an appendix on the creeds within Abrahamic faiths. Note that I gathered this information from ChatGPT and not directly from their respective scriptures.

Gurukulam, 20-12-2024

Appendix: Religious Creeds in Comparison

This section examines the Jewish Shema prayer and the Islamic Shahada as examples of how different faiths articulate their creeds. These proclamations, while similar in their expression of faith, remind us that personal belief, when expressed through creed or proclamation, should not invalidate the beliefs of others.

The Shema Prayer in Judaism

The Shema is one of the central prayers in Judaism, recited daily by observant Jews during morning and evening prayers. It is both a declaration of the oneness of God and a core element of Jewish faith. The Shema begins with the phrase:

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”

This statement, found in the Torah (Deuteronomy 6:4–9), underscores the monotheistic nature of God and serves as a reminder of the covenant between God and the Jewish people. The covenant is a central theme not only in Judaism but also in Christianity. The Shema is recited during significant moments, such as before sleep or in prayer, and is considered one of the most sacred prayers in Judaism.

Comparing the Shema to Christian Creeds and the Islamic Shahada

Similarity to Christian Creeds

Christianity uses creeds like the Nicene Creed or the Apostles’ Creed to affirm foundational beliefs about God, Jesus Christ, and salvation. These creeds encapsulate core Christian doctrines. The Shema serves a similar function as a declaration of faith, focusing on the oneness of God. While Christian creeds address the nature of Jesus Christ and the Trinity, the Shema emphasizes the singular, indivisible nature of God.

Similarity to the Islamic Shahada

In Islam, the Shahada declares:

“There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.”

This statement affirms the oneness of God (Tawhid) and the prophethood of Muhammad. The Shema shares this focus on monotheism but does not reference a prophet, highlighting a key difference in theological emphasis between Judaism and Islam.

Key Differences Between the Shema, Christian Creeds, and the Shahada

1. Theological Scope:
   • The Shema focuses solely on God’s oneness, without addressing additional doctrines like the Christian Trinity or Islamic prophethood.
   • Christian creeds are broader, addressing the nature of Jesus Christ and salvation.
   • The Shahada affirms both the oneness of God and Muhammad’s role as a prophet.
2. Usage in Religious Practice:
   • The Shema is recited daily as part of Jewish prayer rituals.
   • Christian creeds are recited during worship and liturgical practices.
   • The Shahada serves as a declaration of faith, often recited in prayer, reflection, and conversions to Islam.

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The Islamic Shahada: Its Quranic Foundations and Development

The Shahada (“La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur rasulullah”) is not found verbatim as a complete phrase in the Quran. However, its components are derived directly from Quranic verses:

• “La ilaha illallah” (“There is no god but Allah”): Explicitly stated multiple times in the Quran (e.g., Surah Muhammad 47:19).
• “Muhammadur rasulullah” (“Muhammad is the messenger of Allah”): Derived from verses like Surah Al-Ahzab 33:40.

The Shahada was formulated later in Islamic tradition to succinctly express the two central aspects of Islamic faith:

1. The oneness of God (Tawhid).
2. The finality of Muhammad’s prophethood.

This declaration has become a standard proclamation of faith in Islam, used during prayers, reflections, and conversions.

Conclusion

While the Shema, Christian creeds, and the Shahada each serve as foundational declarations of faith, they reflect the unique theological frameworks of their respective religions. The Shema emphasizes Jewish monotheism, akin to the Islamic Shahada, yet distinct from the Christian creeds, which address both God’s oneness and the nature of Jesus Christ. Together, these creeds illustrate the diversity in how faiths articulate their core beliefs.