In Hinduism, the teaching that "what we see and will ever see is the various forms of that Supreme Form" is deeply rooted in its philosophical and theological concepts. This teaching reflects the belief in the omnipresence and immanence of the Divine in all aspects of the universe. Here’s a detailed exploration of this idea:
The Supreme Form and Its Manifestations
1. Brahman: The Ultimate Reality
- Brahman is the concept of the ultimate, unchanging reality, composed of pure being and consciousness. It is beyond all descriptions and categories.
- Everything in the universe is considered a manifestation of Brahman, which means all forms and phenomena are seen as expressions of this singular, formless reality.
2. Saguna and Nirguna Brahman
- Saguna Brahman refers to Brahman with attributes, often worshipped in various forms such as gods and goddesses. This is the personal aspect of the Divine, approachable and relatable to devotees.
- Nirguna Brahman is Brahman without attributes, representing the formless, impersonal aspect of the Divine. This is more abstract and philosophical.
The Concept of Maya and Lila
1. Maya
- Maya is the illusion or appearance of the phenomenal world. It is the power that creates the sense of diversity and multiplicity.
- According to Hindu philosophy, the physical world we perceive is a manifestation of Brahman, but our perception of it as separate and distinct entities is due to Maya.
2. Lila
- Lila refers to the divine play, the concept that the universe is a manifestation of the playful activities of the Divine.
- The world, in all its forms and events, is seen as an expression of the joy and creativity of the Supreme.
Manifestations of the Divine
1. Deities in Hinduism
- Hinduism is rich with various deities like Vishnu, Shiva, Devi, Ganesh, and others, each representing different aspects of the supreme reality.
- These deities are not seen as separate gods but as different forms and manifestations of the one Supreme Brahman.
2. Avatars
- The concept of avatars (incarnations) is particularly significant in Vaishnavism. Vishnu is believed to incarnate in various forms to restore cosmic order.
- Famous avatars include Rama and Krishna, who are revered as divine incarnations with human-like forms and stories.
Philosophical Schools
1. Advaita Vedanta
- Founded by Adi Shankaracharya, Advaita Vedanta teaches the non-dualistic philosophy where the individual soul (Atman) and Brahman are identical.
- The perception of the world as separate from Brahman is due to ignorance (Avidya).
2. Vishishtadvaita and Dvaita
- Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) by Ramanuja acknowledges the unity of the soul and Brahman but maintains a distinction between them.
- Dvaita (dualism) by Madhvacharya emphasizes the difference between the individual soul and the Supreme Brahman, promoting a personal relationship with the Divine.
Summary
The teaching that "what we see and will ever see is the various forms of that Supreme Form" encapsulates the Hindu belief that the Divine permeates every aspect of existence. The physical world, with its diversity and multiplicity, is a manifestation of the singular, supreme reality (Brahman). Whether through the lens of personal deities, avatars, or philosophical concepts, Hinduism offers a profound understanding of the interconnectedness and unity of all life as expressions of the Supreme Form.