Saturday, April 28, 2012

Angels

 In various theistic religious traditions, spanning Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and certain sects of Hinduism and Buddhism, the concept of angels is deeply ingrained. These celestial beings are considered supernatural entities, existing to serve the divine will of God.Within the Abrahamic religions, angels are commonly portrayed as benevolent intermediaries connecting God with humanity. They serve various roles, including acting as protectors, guides (guardian angels), and direct servants of God. Angelic hierarchies, with specific names like Gabriel or Michael, and titles such as seraph or archangel, are outlined in these traditions. Those expelled from Heaven are identified as fallen angels, a distinct group from the heavenly host.


Artistic representations often depict angels with bird wings, halos, and emanating divine light. Typically, angels are depicted as beings of extraordinary beauty resembling humans, although occasionally they may take on a frightening, inhuman appearance.The etymology of the word "angel" traces back through Old English and Old French to Late Latin angelus, borrowed from Late Greek ἄγγελος (angelos), meaning "messenger." The term's earliest form is found in Mycenaean a-ke-ro, attested in Linear B syllabic script. Linguists suggest a possible Oriental loan for the term.


Understanding the concept of angels requires historical context. In polytheistic and animistic worldviews, various supernatural powers were attributed to natural phenomena. In monotheistic frameworks, these powers were redefined as servants of the supreme deity, becoming what we now recognize as angels. Prominent angels like Michael and Gabriel in Abrahamic religions reflect a connection to the Chief Semitic deity El. Even figures traditionally considered "bad" angels, such as Satan or Iblis, are seen as operating forces within human nature.


The concept of angels in early Hebrew scripture was absent, with the Hebrew deity directly intervening in human affairs. Post-exilic and prophetic writings introduced the idea of angels as intermediaries, and Zoroastrian influence contributed to the emergence of angels as embodiments of good, in contrast to evil forces.


In Zoroastrianism, various angel-like figures, including guardian angels called Fravashi, play significant roles. These entities patronize humans and manifest God's energy. The Amesha Spentas, often regarded as angels, represent different aspects of creation.


In Judaism, angels, known as mal'āḵ in Hebrew, are understood as supernatural beings standing by God in heaven but subordinate to Him. The Hebrew Bible uses terms like "messenger of God" and "sons of God" to refer to beings interpreted as angels. The concept evolves in post-Biblical Judaism, with specific angels gaining unique personalities and roles.


The Christian concept of angels in its early stages characterized them as messengers of God. The New Testament mentions angels as spiritual beings intermediate between God and humanity. Individual angels like Gabriel, Michael, Raphael, and Uriel are identified, each associated with specific functions.


Christian theology, particularly the works of Augustine of Hippo and Gregory of Nazianzus, interprets angels as pure spirits acting as messengers of God. The Fourth Lateran Council and the First Vatican Council clarified doctrines about angels, asserting their created nature.


In the Middle Ages, Thomas Aquinas contributed to Christian angelology, stating that angels were created instantaneously by God in a state of grace. Angels, according to Aquinas, are pure spirits without material bodies, possessing metaphysical compositions of act and potency.


The New Church denominations, influenced by Emanuel Swedenborg's writings, emphasize that angels have human forms with spiritual bodies. Adherents believe that angels originate from the human race and serve specific functions in the spiritual world.


In the Latter Day Saint movement, angels are viewed as messengers of God, delivering messages, teaching doctrines, and guiding humanity. Joseph Smith and other early leaders reported numerous angelic visitations.


Islam considers belief in angels fundamental. The Quranic word for angel, Malāk, implies control or messenger. Angels are central to Islamic eschatology, theology, and philosophy, with duties such as communicating revelations, recording actions, and taking souls at death.Islamic angels are often represented in anthropomorphic forms with wings, but Islam rejects pictorial depictions of angels. Some scholars have proposed metaphorical reinterpretations of angels in contemporary times.Islamic scholars have developed a doctrine of angelic infallibility, characterizing angels as mere messengers who do not disobey or act arrogantly. This doctrine emphasizes the purity of angels, excluding them from sinfulness.


the concept of angels is deeply rooted in various religious traditions, portraying these supernatural beings as messengers and servants of the divine. The understanding of angels has evolved over time, shaped by theological, philosophical, and cultural influences within each religious framework.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Hindu cosmology

 Hindu cosmology is a comprehensive framework that encompasses the universe's description, its states of matter, temporal cycles, and its impact on living entities, as outlined in Hindu texts. This cosmological perspective is intricately connected with the concept of a creator who facilitates the existence and formation of the world.


Matter:

According to Hindu cosmology, all matter is rooted in three inert gunas or qualities - sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (darkness). These gunas manifest in three states: pradhana (root matter), prakriti (primal matter), and mahat-tattva (universal womb). Pradhana is in an unmixed and unmanifested equilibrium, prakriti is in a mixed and unmanifested state, and mahat-tattva is in a mixed and manifested state. The creation process begins when Pradhana, lacking consciousness, is stirred by a primal desire to create.


Manifested Elements:

The material elements, ranging from subtle to physical, cover individual spiritual entities called jiva-atmas. These include ahamkara (ego), buddhi (intelligence), citta/manas (mind), and the five gross elements - space/ether, air, fire, water, and earth - along with their associated senses and sense organs.


Time:

Hindu cosmology perceives time as infinite and cyclical. The universe undergoes a series of cycles involving creation and destruction. Time, represented by eternal kala, guides the various states of matter through cycles ranging from a moment to the lifespan of the universe.


The concept of Yugas and Kalpas defines these cosmic cycles. Each kalpa, a day of Brahma, lasts for 4.32 billion years, divided into four yugas: Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga. The universe remains manifested for a kalpa, followed by a pralaya (dissolution) of equal length.


Life:

Jiva-atma, the individual spiritual essence, is eternal and distinct from created unconscious matter. The interaction between jivas and material sense objects, facilitated by the manifest gunas, leads to the identification of the temporary material body as the true self. This identification creates the cycle of samsara (reincarnation) until liberation or moksha is achieved through self-realization.


Maya, described as the measurable and impermanent nature of creation, influences jivas to perceive the material world as real. Striving for moksha involves developing awareness of one's true identity, understanding the illusory nature of maya, and practicing dharma (righteousness).


Creation and Structure:

Hindu cosmology presents diverse viewpoints on creation, reflecting the dynamic diversity within Hinduism. Various texts, including the Rigveda, describe different cosmological theories. The Purusha Sukta discusses the creation arising from the dismemberment of the cosmic being Purusha. The Nasadiya Sukta takes an agnostic stance on the universe's creation, emphasizing the mystery of its origin.


The Brahmanas detail creation stories, with Prajapati or Brahma performing tapas to reproduce and create the universe. Upanishads, such as Aitareya and Brihadaranyaka, explore the primacy of the Atman and the process of creation.


The Puranas offer multiple creation narratives, associating Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva with the roles of creator, preserver, and destroyer, respectively. The Bhagavata Purana presents a geocentric model of the universe, with Mount Meru as a central reference.


Overall, Hindu cosmology provides a rich tapestry of perspectives on the origin, structure, and purpose of the universe, reflecting the diverse philosophical and intellectual traditions within Hinduism.