There is absolutely no analogue to Satan in Hindu religion. Idea of eternal damnation is an impossibility within Hinduism.There is a Hell (Naraka) for sure..and the Hindu versions of boiling oil and other assorted cruelties remain. But the idea that an act, however heinous, once done condemns forever is not possible.
Why, you ask. Well, according to the Vedas, there are only three principles or entities that exist in reality, in sum total. These three are: Brahm (God), Jeevatma (the countless souls) and Maya (the material energy). Indeed, the universe is made up of these three entities alone.
In Hinduism there is no single devil as there is in the Western monotheistic religions. Since there is no single God, neither can there be a single adversary to God. Instead, there are many evil spirits, but there are also superior evil beings. Indian religions, including Hinduism as well as Buddhism and Jainism, espouse a universe populated by many spirit beings. There are the spirits that live on the lowest rungs of the cosmos in hell; there are the hungry ghosts that roam the earth; there are the many spirits that indwell homes, rice fields, and forests. But then there are also the mighty devil-gods, called the asuras, who have great power.
In some of the earliest writings of Hinduism, we read of two kinds of divine beings, the Devas—“Gods”—and the Asuras—“lords.” Originally there is no particular distinction between them as good and evil, but in the stories about them there ensues warfare between them, and the devas win out. For example, the deva Indra defeats the asuras. As Hindu thought develops, the asuras assume increasingly the role of malicious beings, causing harm for people and creating conflict with the gods (devas). In the epic poems and the puranas, demon kings (asuras) are the enemies of the great heroes, such as the evil lord Ravana who was defeated by Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman.
But here’s the hitch: one should not think of the asuras as essentially and thoroughly evil. They frequently do quite evil things, and there is no question that they are the enemies of the devas. Still, in the end they are only after the same thing as the devas, namely power and glory. And, for that matter, the devas themselves are morally pretty hazy.
All the evil spirits in the Hindu religion are classified under the 'soul' category. Due to their karmas (actions) they are born in those wicked races and such sinful propensities. The Upanishads state that no one can be equal to God. He is unmatched in power, stature or opulence. Thus, there is no scope for any independent being to work against the will/design of God in Hinduism.
Besides, Hindu scriptures state that any person performs actions only according to his will. Of course, these actions are shaped by his company and atmosphere, but there never is any inherently evil being whispering sin into his ears.
Why, you ask. Well, according to the Vedas, there are only three principles or entities that exist in reality, in sum total. These three are: Brahm (God), Jeevatma (the countless souls) and Maya (the material energy). Indeed, the universe is made up of these three entities alone.
In Hinduism there is no single devil as there is in the Western monotheistic religions. Since there is no single God, neither can there be a single adversary to God. Instead, there are many evil spirits, but there are also superior evil beings. Indian religions, including Hinduism as well as Buddhism and Jainism, espouse a universe populated by many spirit beings. There are the spirits that live on the lowest rungs of the cosmos in hell; there are the hungry ghosts that roam the earth; there are the many spirits that indwell homes, rice fields, and forests. But then there are also the mighty devil-gods, called the asuras, who have great power.
In some of the earliest writings of Hinduism, we read of two kinds of divine beings, the Devas—“Gods”—and the Asuras—“lords.” Originally there is no particular distinction between them as good and evil, but in the stories about them there ensues warfare between them, and the devas win out. For example, the deva Indra defeats the asuras. As Hindu thought develops, the asuras assume increasingly the role of malicious beings, causing harm for people and creating conflict with the gods (devas). In the epic poems and the puranas, demon kings (asuras) are the enemies of the great heroes, such as the evil lord Ravana who was defeated by Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman.
But here’s the hitch: one should not think of the asuras as essentially and thoroughly evil. They frequently do quite evil things, and there is no question that they are the enemies of the devas. Still, in the end they are only after the same thing as the devas, namely power and glory. And, for that matter, the devas themselves are morally pretty hazy.
All the evil spirits in the Hindu religion are classified under the 'soul' category. Due to their karmas (actions) they are born in those wicked races and such sinful propensities. The Upanishads state that no one can be equal to God. He is unmatched in power, stature or opulence. Thus, there is no scope for any independent being to work against the will/design of God in Hinduism.
Besides, Hindu scriptures state that any person performs actions only according to his will. Of course, these actions are shaped by his company and atmosphere, but there never is any inherently evil being whispering sin into his ears.
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