Hindu Catholic Dialogue Commemorative Brochure 20150523

Author(s): United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Publisher: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

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C2. What are the relationships among God, the individual, and the world? The entire universe, without exception, is pervaded by the One Supreme Being. For ease of understanding this profound truth, the scriptures speak of the creator as Brahma, the sustainer as Vishnu, and the transformer as Shiva, who prepares the ground for the next round of creation in an eternal cycle. Brahma the Creator is not to be confused with Brahman, which signifies undifferentiated Pure Consciousness.
While nature consistently follows God's laws, humans forget their divine nature and turn away from God toward worldly pleasure. The In-dwelling God responds to each individual based on his or her own adherence to Dharma.' God protects and serves the true devotee. 10
C3. Does God have a form? The One Supreme Being, Brahman, has no form. While the Formless can be an object of meditation, personal worship of God is directed to more descriptive forms of the Supreme, which may be viewed as different aspects of the One Supreme Being (see C1). Deities are represented in specific forms: male (such as Rama and Krishna), female (such as Lakshmi, Durga, and Saraswati), and with animal features such as Hanuman and Ganesha). Scriptures and stories describe their glories, appearances, and roles in the creation, sustenance, and withdrawal of the universe.
C4. Has God appeared on earth? As Sustainer of creation, Vishnu appears on earth from time to time to cleanse the world of evil forces and show the right paths in the practice of Dharma." Rama, Krishna, and Buddha are among the main forms in which He has appeared in more recent history.
C5. What are the principal attributes of God? The Supreme Being is far beyond the capacity of the human mind and individual perceptions vary according to the level of their own understanding. At the most philosophical level, Brahman is beyond all attributes, as any attribute would limit the Infinite Pure Consciousness. As Ishwara, the One Supreme Being is said to have attributes: omniscient and all-powerful as the inner controller, benefactor, and guide to all living beings. The personalized forms of God are embodiments of love, compassion, and beneficence and are active in eliminating evil.
COMMEMORATIVE BROCHURE
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