Decentralization In Hinduism

Hinduism, the world’s third largest religion, is a unique tradition. Although Hinduism has similarities with other religions, such as its ontology of oneness of God comparing to Islam’s transcendent God, and the interconnectedness of God and the universe comparing to Confucianism, its distinctive characteristics of diversity and unity made it stand out among different traditions in the world.
Hinduism is highly decentralized. No one can speak for all Hindus or central institution governing their affairs with authority. (Rambachan, 1) It was because the diversity of Hindu tradition. The tradition was formed, in the long history of humanity, in various geographical location, languages, and culture across the Indian subcontinent. The doctrine of the ishtadeva is an important idea in Hinduism. (Rambachan, 6) Ishtadeva, the God of one’s choice, effectively represented the diversity of Hinduism. It suggested that one can choose one name and form of God as the center of his or her religious life. This is possible because God is manifested in many different forms and under various names in Hinduism. This does not mean that there are multiple gods in this religion, but the diversity of the human condition, the limits of human language, and most importantly, the limitlessness of God. …show more content…
“There is no god but God.” (Nelson, 95) According to Amy Nelson, the author of Surrendering: An Introduction to Islam, God has no associates, and he does not need any. In Islam, there is even a sin called shirk, which is an act of associating others with God, and this sin cannot be forgiven by God. Muslims believe that associate others with God will distract them from submitting and surrendering to God, which is the sole purpose of believing is God and being Muslims. (Nelson,