Experiencing God

Section: Understanding Experiencing God in Hinduism

  • Bhakti Yoga, or the path of love and devotion, is one key way Hindus experience God. By expressing deep love towards a deity, devotees hope to experience divine love in return.
  • Hinduism offers scope for personal deity (Isthadevata) which allows an individual to perceive, communicate and build a unique relationship with God.
  • Experiencing God in Hinduism can also be attained by Jnana Yoga, the path of knowledge that involves contemplative insight into the nature of Brahman and Atman.
  • Experiencing God directly can be accomplished through meditation and yoga, which helps aspirants feel connected to the divine within and around them.
  • Another way of experiencing God in Hinduism is through the performance of rituals, such as Pooja, where Hindus express their devotion and connect with deities.

Section: Revealed and Realised Knowledge of God

  • For Hindus, knowledge of God comes from two primary sources: revealed (Sruti) and realised (Smriti).
  • The Vedic hymns (part of Sruti), composed by ancient sages, are seen as revealed knowledge of God and ultimate reality.
  • Conversely, Smriti scriptures, such as the Puranas and the Mahabharata, contain insights of realised knowledge from individuals who had direct experiences of the divine.

Section: The Role of Temples in Experiencing God

  • Hindus believe that God can be incarnated in physical form on earth, often in the form of an Idol in a temple.
  • During Darshana (visual contact) with the deity at the temple, devotees experience the divine’s presence and blessings, resulting in a holy communion.
  • Additionally, the vibrations in a temple through holy chants, bells and lamps are thought to create a spiritual ambiance conducive for experiencing God.

Section: Experiencing God through Service

  • The path of Karma Yoga, the selfless action for the wellbeing of others, is a way Hindus believe they can experience God by seeing God in all beings.
  • Sacred texts such as the Bhagavad Gita state that selfless service is highly pleasing to God, bringing one closer to Him.