> Hinduism is a diverse system of thought with beliefs spanning
> monotheism, polytheism, panentheism, pantheism, monism and atheism. It
> is sometimes referred to as henotheistic (devotion to a single god
> while accepting the existence of others), but any such term is an
> oversimplification of the complexities and variations of belief.
>
> Most Hindus believe that the spirit or soul--the true "self" of every
> person, called the âtman--is eternal. According to the monistic/
> pantheistic theologies of Hinduism (such as Advaita Vedanta school),
> this Atman is ultimately indistinct from Brahman, the supreme spirit.
> Brahman is described as "The One Without a Second;" hence these
> schools are called "non-dualist." The goal of life according to the
> Advaita school is to realize that one's âtman is identical to Brahman,
> the supreme soul. The Upanishads state that whoever becomes fully
> aware of the âtman as the innermost core of one's own self, realizes
> their identity with Brahman and thereby reaches Moksha (liberation or
> freedom).
>
> Other dualistic schools (see Dvaita and Bhakti) understand Brahman as
> a Supreme Being who possesses personality and worship Him or Her thus,
> as Vishnu, Brahma, Shiva or Shakti depending on the sect. The âtman is
> dependent on God while Moksha depends on love towards God and on God's
> grace.] When God is viewed as the supreme personal being (rather than
> as the infinite principle) God is called Ishvara ("The Lord"),
> Bhagavan ("The Auspicious One"), or Parameshwara ("The Supreme Lord").
> However, interpretations of Ishvara vary--ranging from non-belief such
> as followers of Mimamsakas, in Ishvara to identifying Brahman and
> Ishvara as one as in Advaita. There are also schools like the Samkhya
> which have atheistic leanings.
>