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God Is The Ultimate Unity Underlying All Variety - Hinduism Teaching

God is the ultimate unity underlying all variety.

The truly religious man sees behind the manifold diversities of the divine Unity, not in thought but in a more intense sense than the diversities themselves are seen.

God is not only Nature but something more, interpenetrating Nature.


‘As the one fire, having entered the world, manifests itself in every form, so the One, the inmost Soul of all beings, manifests Himself in every form and is yet more besides (Katha Upanishad, V.9).

To the man who has not realized God, conceptions of Him may appear unlike his experiences of Nature.

But to the man who realizes Him, He is not unnatural or supernatural but immanent in Nature. The whole of Nature assumes a different meaning to that man and he sees Nature in God and God in Nature. The theme of religion is no longer unnatural but a reality ever present in and bathing in celestial beauty and life every part of Nature.

Source Prabuddha Bharata May 1903

In Hinduism, the concept that "God is the ultimate unity underlying all variety" is a foundational principle that reflects the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta. This teaching emphasizes that the divine essence, or Brahman, is the singular, infinite reality that underlies and transcends all forms and phenomena in the universe. Despite the apparent diversity and multiplicity in the world, everything is ultimately a manifestation of this one reality.

1. Additional Information and Philosophical Context

The idea of unity in diversity in Hinduism is rooted in the belief that while the world appears to be filled with countless forms, names, and activities, all of these are different expressions of a single underlying divine consciousness. This concept is described in several ways across different Hindu philosophies:

  • Brahman and Atman: In the Upanishads, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is said to be infinite and indescribable, beyond all dualities and distinctions. The Atman, or the self within each individual, is essentially the same as Brahman. The phrase "Tat Tvam Asi" (That Thou Art) from the Chandogya Upanishad illustrates this non-dualistic idea, teaching that the individual self (Atman) and the universal self (Brahman) are one.

  • Maya: The concept of Maya refers to the cosmic illusion that creates the perception of multiplicity and separation in the world. Under Maya, people see themselves as separate beings and see the world as composed of many distinct entities. However, from the highest spiritual perspective, this is an illusion; the true nature of reality is non-dual (Advaita) and unified.

  • Vedanta: The Vedantic philosophy, particularly in the school of Advaita Vedanta founded by Adi Shankaracharya, underscores that the world of diversity and change is only an apparent reality. It posits that only Brahman is real (Satya), and everything else is illusory (Mithya). This philosophy teaches that realizing one's identity with Brahman leads to liberation (Moksha).

2. Importance of This Teaching in Hinduism

The teaching that "God is the ultimate unity underlying all variety" holds several important implications in Hindu spiritual practice and philosophy:

  • Universal Love and Tolerance: Recognizing the divine unity in all beings fosters a sense of universal love, compassion, and tolerance. When one sees the same divine essence in all, the artificial boundaries of caste, creed, race, and religion diminish, leading to a more harmonious and peaceful society.

  • Spiritual Liberation: Understanding the unity of all existence is central to the pursuit of Moksha, the liberation from the cycle of birth and death. By perceiving the unity of the self (Atman) with Brahman, an individual transcends the ego and the illusions created by Maya, attaining spiritual liberation.

  • Integration of Life and Spirituality: This teaching integrates daily life with spirituality, encouraging individuals to see every action, thought, and experience as an expression of the divine. It leads to a holistic approach to life, where every aspect of existence is viewed as sacred and interconnected.

3. Similar Teachings in Hindu Scriptures

The teaching of divine unity underlying all variety is found throughout Hindu scriptures. Here are a few examples:

  • Bhagavad Gita: In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna teaches Arjuna that God resides in all beings and that the wise see the same divine essence in all. For instance, in Chapter 9, Verse 29, Krishna says: "I am equally present in all beings; there is none hateful to Me, none dear." This verse reflects the teaching of unity amidst apparent diversity.

  • Isha Upanishad: The opening verse of the Isha Upanishad states: "Ishavasyam idam sarvam yat kinca jagatyam jagat" ("Everything in this universe is enveloped by the Lord"). This verse emphasizes that the divine pervades everything in the cosmos, suggesting a fundamental unity beneath the manifold existence.

  • Brihadaranyaka Upanishad: This Upanishad explores the idea of "Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma" (All this is indeed Brahman), indicating that everything we perceive is ultimately Brahman itself. This teaching reinforces the non-dualistic perspective that all diversity is ultimately a manifestation of the same underlying reality.

4. Corroborative Stories and Quotes from Hindu Scriptures

Several stories from Hindu mythology and scriptures illustrate this concept:

  • Story of Svetaketu and Uddalaka: In the Chandogya Upanishad, there is a famous dialogue between the sage Uddalaka and his son Svetaketu. Uddalaka teaches his son through various examples, such as the presence of essence in a lump of clay and the taste in salt dissolved in water, to illustrate that although forms change, the essence remains the same. He concludes with the phrase "Tat Tvam Asi" (That Thou Art), teaching that the Atman within Svetaketu is identical to the ultimate reality, Brahman.

  • Vishvarupa Darshan: In the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 11, Arjuna is granted a divine vision of Krishna's Vishvarupa (universal form). In this vision, Arjuna sees the entire universe in Krishna's body, showing that all creation, all beings, and all phenomena are contained within the divine reality of Krishna. This illustrates the unity of all existence within the divine.

5. Modern-Day Relevance

The teaching that "God is the ultimate unity underlying all variety" has profound implications for contemporary life:

  • Promoting Global Unity and Peace: In a world often divided by national, religious, and ethnic conflicts, the understanding of underlying divine unity can promote peace and unity. It encourages individuals to look beyond superficial differences and recognize the shared humanity and divinity in all.

  • Environmental Awareness: This teaching can also foster a deeper ecological consciousness. Recognizing that all of nature is a manifestation of the divine can lead to greater respect and care for the environment. This perspective aligns with modern ecological movements that advocate for the interconnectedness of all life.

  • Personal Spiritual Growth: On a personal level, this teaching encourages individuals to look inward and recognize their divine nature, leading to greater self-awareness, inner peace, and spiritual growth. It inspires people to see their daily lives as opportunities for spiritual practice, bringing a sense of meaning and purpose to their actions.

  • Inclusivity in Religious Practices: This concept fosters inclusivity within and across religious practices. Hinduism, with its emphasis on the unity of all paths and the divine presence in all beings, supports the idea that different religions are various paths to the same truth. This pluralistic view is crucial for promoting interfaith dialogue and mutual respect in a multicultural world.

The teaching that "God is the ultimate unity underlying all variety" is a profound and transformative idea in Hinduism. It serves as a reminder of the fundamental oneness that exists amidst the apparent diversity of the world. By understanding and internalizing this teaching, individuals can cultivate a sense of unity, compassion, and spiritual awareness, contributing to personal growth and global harmony.