Hindu Mythology

Hindu Mythology: Responses to the World

Hinduism is rich in mythological stories of creation, of man's relations to the gods, of the interactions and lives of the gods, and of the paths to enlightenment and to spirituality (Fisher, 1999). Often, these stories reflect a certain tension between renunciation of the material world and engagement with the world. This essay will examine this tension with specific reference to the myths associated with Visnu and Siva.

Generally, as Fisher (1999) has noted, Hinduism lacks a central tradition and is rather a composite of many overlapping and interrelated traditions, At the core of this belief system is the statement, found in the Rig Veda, that "Truth is one; sages call it by various names (Fisher, 1999, p. 79). Visnu is known as the "all-prevader," whereas Siva is known as the god of destruction and reproduction (Radhakrishnan & Moore, 1957). Together with Brahman (the "absolute") these gods form the apex of the Hindu pantheon (Eck, 1985). It is important to recognize that in stories of Siva, the procreative and destructive forces unleashed in the world due to the actions of god and man are to be found; Siva represents the tension between creation and death and, consequently, between engagement with the forward thrust of the world and withdrawal from the world (Jayakar, 1989)

Sontheimer and Kulke (1997) note that Hindu thought holds that man has an innate need to realize a higher destiny and to find meaning in his exist

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mily (consisting of Siva, Parvati, Ganesh, the bull Nandi, and the cobra whose hood is often shown arching over the head of Siva). Lopez (1995) suggests that resolving the tension between the pull toward sexual release and participation in the pleasures of the material, here-and-now world and the equal pull experienced toward renunciation of the world can be achieved by emulating Siva; at some point, a family was created, but once this occurred, the obligations of procreation and reproduction were satisfied and one could concentrate on a higher plane of being and existence. In other words, a rational strategy for humans intent upon resolving the conflict between the material and spiritual worlds is to live first in the one and then to move beyond the demands of the flesh (Lopez, 19950. In the case of Visnu, one finds a tender, merciful, and beloved deity. In one myth, a sage was sent to determine who was the greatest of all the gods by trying their tempers. Siva and Brahmma were insulted and then abused the sage in their own turn. When the sage came upon Visnu, the god was asleep; knowing of Visnu's good nature, the sage increased the insult by kicking him awake. Instead of reacting with anger, Visnu tenderly massaged

Category: Philosophy - H