Brahman in Hindu Belief

This section explains Brahman in Hindu Belief. In Hinduism, the concept of Brahman is central to understanding the nature of the divine and the cosmos. Brahman is considered the ultimate reality—the supreme, eternal, and unchanging source of all existence. Unlike in many other religions, Brahman is not viewed as a personal god with specific characteristics or human-like qualities. Instead, it is described as the all-encompassing, infinite, and transcendent essence that is beyond the limitations of time, space, and form. Brahman is both the creator and the essence of the universe, and it pervades every aspect of existence.

The Nature of Brahman

Brahman is often referred to as the divine consciousness or the ultimate cosmic spirit. It is present in all things and is the force that binds the universe together. It is formless, infinite, and beyond human comprehension, yet is accessible in the deepest aspects of spiritual practice. Hindus believe that every living being contains a spark of Brahman within them, which is called the atman (soul). This atman is immortal, and its ultimate purpose is to realise its oneness with Brahman, breaking free from the cycle of samsara (reincarnation) and attaining liberation or moksha.

The Katha Upanishad, one of the key Hindu scriptures, offers a profound description of Brahman:

"That which is awake in us even while we sleep, shaping in dreams the objects of our desire – that indeed is pure, that is Brahman, and that verily is called the Immortal. All the worlds have their being in that, and no one can transcend it. That is the Self." — Katha Upanishad 2.2.8

This passage illustrates the idea that Brahman is not only the source of all creation but also the essence of our deepest consciousness. It is present within us, even when we are unaware of it, and it shapes the world around us, including our thoughts, dreams, and desires. The realisation of Brahman, according to Hindu philosophy, is the key to spiritual liberation and freedom from the material world.

The Vishnu Purana, another important Hindu text, reinforces this idea:

"The energies of the Supreme are spread throughout the universe." — Vishnu Purana 1.22.53

This quote emphasises that Brahman is immanent within all things and beings. It suggests that the divine essence permeates the universe, binding all forms of life and matter together.

In the Bhagavad Gita (13:15–17), Lord Krishna, a revered incarnation of Vishnu, further explains the dual nature of Brahman, describing it as both immanent (present within all creation) and transcendent (existing beyond the universe and its limitations):

"Brahman is within all things, but it is also beyond them, beyond time and space."

This duality—Brahman as both within the world and beyond it—forms a foundational idea in Hindu thought, emphasising the complexity and profundity of the divine. Brahman is not bound by any physical form or limitations, but it is accessible through spiritual practice, devotion, and the realisation of its presence in all things.

Nirguna Brahman and Saguna Brahman

Hindus understand Brahman in two main forms: Nirguna Brahman and Saguna Brahman. These two conceptualisations represent different ways of approaching and understanding the divine.

Nirguna Brahman

Nirguna Brahman refers to the concept of Brahman as formless, without attributes, and beyond the comprehension of human minds. The term Nirguna literally means "without qualities" or "without form." It signifies that Brahman is beyond all human understanding, beyond time, space, and any material limitation. It is the ultimate, abstract reality that transcends all dualities, distinctions, and forms.

The Taittiriya Upanishad encapsulates the nature of Nirguna Brahman:

"One who knows Brahman reaches the highest. Satya (reality, truth) is Brahman, Jnana (knowledge) is Brahman, Ananta (infinite) is Brahman." — Taittiriya Upanishad 2.1.1

This verse speaks to the qualities of Brahman that are eternal, infinite, and truth. By contemplating these aspects of Brahman, Hindus who follow this path aim to connect with the divine, not through physical representations or forms, but through the recognition of its pure and abstract nature. Nirguna Brahman highlights the transcendence of the divine and calls for the devotee to seek the underlying reality that connects all things.

Saguna Brahman

In contrast, Saguna Brahman refers to Brahman as having attributes, form, and identity. The term Saguna means "with qualities," and it suggests that Brahman can be understood in specific, relatable forms, often through divine deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, Devi, or other gods. These deities are seen as manifestations of Brahman, providing a way for devotees to engage with the divine in a more personal and accessible manner.

The belief in Saguna Brahman allows for the worship of various gods and goddesses, each representing different aspects of the divine. These deities are often portrayed in physical forms, such as idols or statues known as murtis, which serve as focal points for worship. Hindus who follow the path of devotion (bhakti) believe that through worship and surrender to a particular deity, they can establish a personal connection with Brahman.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna explains how the divine can be both formless and personal:

"But you cannot see me [Brahman] with your present eyes, therefore I will give you divine eyes. Behold My mystic opulence!" — Bhagavad Gita 11.8

Through devotion and prayer, Hindus believe that they can "see" the divine in its true, glorious form, beyond the material limitations of human perception. Worship of deities is thus a way to focus on specific attributes of Brahman, making the infinite and formless divine more accessible to human experience.

Vaikuntha: The Spiritual Realm of Vishnu

For Hindus who worship Vishnu as the supreme deity, there is the belief in a divine abode known as Vaikuntha. Vaikuntha is considered the highest spiritual realm, a place of eternal bliss, peace, and perfection, where Vishnu resides with his consort Lakshmi. It is a realm beyond the material universe, and those who achieve deep devotion to Vishnu are believed to enter Vaikuntha after death.

Hindus who dedicate their lives to Vishnu through worship, meditation, and righteous living are said to receive the divine blessing of visiting Vaikuntha upon death. However, even after experiencing the bliss of Vaikuntha, the soul continues its journey through the cycle of samsara until it attains moksha—liberation from the cycle of reincarnation.

The Rig Veda mentions that even the demigods long to enter Vaikuntha, underscoring the importance of this spiritual realm in Hindu cosmology as the ultimate destination for the soul.

Conclusion

The concept of Brahman is fundamental to Hinduism and represents the highest reality that transcends all dualities. Whether understood as Nirguna Brahman—the formless and infinite divine—or as Saguna Brahman—the personal and attribute-filled expressions of the divine, Brahman is the source and essence of all that exists. Through devotion, knowledge, and spiritual practice, Hindus seek to realise their oneness with Brahman, liberating themselves from the cycle of samsara and attaining moksha. The worship of Brahman, in whatever form, serves as a guide on this path of spiritual realisation, helping devotees connect with the infinite and eternal essence of the universe.