Hinduism offers profound teachings about the nature of the divine, the universe, and the role of humans. The belief that God will continue to exist even without humans is deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy and theology.
The Eternal Nature of God
In Hinduism, God is often conceptualized as an eternal, all-pervading presence that transcends human existence. This divine entity is known by various names and forms, such as Brahman, Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi, among others. These deities represent different aspects of the same ultimate reality, which is eternal and unchanging.
Brahman: The Supreme Reality Brahman, in particular, is considered the ultimate, formless, and infinite reality that underlies all existence. According to the Upanishads, ancient philosophical texts that form the basis of Hindu thought, Brahman is described as "sat-chit-ananda" (being-consciousness-bliss). This means that Brahman is existence itself, consciousness itself, and bliss itself. As such, Brahman exists independently of the physical universe and is unaffected by the creation or destruction of the cosmos.
Vishnu and Shiva: Preserver and Transfor Vishnu, the preserver, and Shiva, the transformer, are also integral to this understanding. Vishnu maintains the order of the universe, while Shiva facilitates transformation and renewal through destruction. Both deities operate within the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction, known as samsara. However, their divine essence exists beyond this cycle, emphasizing the perpetual existence of the divine irrespective of the material world.
Humans and the Cosmic Play (Lila)
In Hinduism, the universe is often seen as a divine play (lila) orchestrated by God. Human beings, like all other forms of life, are participants in this cosmic drama. While humans have a unique role due to their capacity for self-awareness and spiritual growth, they are not essential for the existence of God.
Atman: The Individual Soul Each individual soul (atman) is considered a part of Brahman, akin to a spark from a larger fire. The goal of human life, according to Hindu teachings, is to realize this fundamental unity with Brahman through spiritual practices, moral living, and devotion. However, the existence of atman is not a prerequisite for the existence of Brahman. Brahman remains complete and perfect in itself, regardless of whether individual souls recognize their divine nature.
Scriptural References
Various Hindu scriptures affirm the independence and eternity of God. For example:
Bhagavad Gita In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, declares his divine nature and eternal existence. He states, "I am the source of all creation, everything emanates from me" (Bhagavad Gita 10.8). This highlights the idea that God is the origin and sustainer of the universe, yet not dependent on it.
Isha Upanishad The Isha Upanishad opens with the verse, "That is complete, this is complete. From the completeness of the whole, the complete has come out. If completeness is removed from completeness, what remains is complete" (Isha Upanishad, Invocation). This profound statement reflects the Hindu belief in the absolute completeness and self-sufficiency of Brahman.
The teaching that God will continue to exist even without humans is a central tenet of Hinduism. It underscores the eternal and independent nature of the divine, transcending the temporal and physical realms. While human beings have the potential to realize their unity with the divine, the existence of God does not rely on human recognition or worship. This perspective fosters a sense of humility and reverence towards the divine, emphasizing the grandeur and mystery of the cosmos as an expression of the eternal and infinite reality known as Brahman.