The Evolving Concept of God: A Journey from Vedic Thought to Self-Realization

 

The Evolving Concept of God: A Journey from Vedic Thought to Self-Realization

Note: This blog was inspired by a conversation with a close friend who expressed concern about my exploration of such topics, knowing how religious fanatics often react to these discussions. Thank you for your support and understanding.

 

The concept of God as articulated in the Vedas, especially the Rig Veda, emerged gradually, with the idea becoming prominent only in the later sections. This delayed introduction raises an intriguing question: why was the concept of God not central from the outset? In its initial form, the divine entity was called Brahma. In Hindu mythology, Brahma is regarded as the creator, a foundational but incomplete definition of the divine. This apparent insufficiency prompted the later introduction of two additional deities: Vishnu, the caretaker, and Shiva, the destroyer. Together, these three form a trinity attempting to encapsulate the circle of life. Yet, even this trio was not seen as a definitive resolution to the age-old question: what is God?

The debate over the nature of God has persisted across time and cultures. Scholars and thinkers throughout history have grappled with this question, often at great personal cost. Many who challenged the prevailing definitions of divinity faced persecution, imprisonment, and even execution. In the contemporary world, this discourse remains sensitive. Societal norms discourage open discussions about God, forcing individuals into binary categories of faith or atheism. This dichotomy oversimplifies the nuanced understanding of divinity, which transcends rigid definitions.

As society has evolved, so too has the interpretation of God. Beyond the literal definitions provided by religious doctrines, God-like qualities have come to signify exceptional human traits that inspire and elevate. This is evident in instances where extraordinary individuals are metaphorically described as "God." For example, basketball legend Larry Bird referred to Michael Jordan as "God" during a particularly dominant performance, underscoring Jordan's superlative skill and excellence.

A profound perspective on God emerged from an unexpected source: my daughter, then in sixth grade. After overhearing a debate I had with a priest about the nature of God, she penned an article that encapsulated a timeless truth. She described God as an indestructible, omnipresent essence that resides within all living beings. According to her, this essence represents the purest form of love, unbound by human-imposed limitations. While the physical body is ephemeral, destined to return to its elemental origins, this pure love endures, leaving a legacy that transcends mortality. This aligns with the wisdom that material wealth fades after death, but the legacy of love and goodness lives on in the memories of others.

Historical figures like Gautama Buddha have also delved deeply into the concept of God. Buddha’s journey began with his confrontation of the scholars in his father’s court, questioning the nature of existence and the cycle of life and death. He concluded that the physical self is not the true self. According to Buddha, understanding God requires profound self-realization. The ability to show unconditional love—even to adversaries or predators—can transform the most fearsome beings into loving creatures. Buddha’s teachings emphasize that God is not an external entity to be worshipped unthinkingly but an intrinsic presence to be discovered within oneself.

The authors of the Vedas seemed to acknowledge the complexity of defining God, recognizing that this endeavor might never yield a definitive answer. They encouraged open debate and inquiry rather than dogmatic adherence. This intellectual freedom fostered the development of diverse ideologies in India, many of which trace their origins to Vedic teachings. Importantly, these teachings reject the notion that God cannot be questioned. Instead, they suggest that if one cannot question their belief in God, they have not truly discovered God. This profound realization can only be achieved through introspection and self-awareness.

In essence, the Vedic approach to God invites us to embrace inquiry and self-realization. It encourages us to move beyond inherited beliefs and explore the divine as an integral part of our existence, thereby bridging the gap between mortal limitations and eternal truth.