Does God Exist?

Summary notes of a Youtube video by Hyper Quest

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Original video

Summary notes

The existence of God is a profound question that has puzzled humanity for centuries. While some ardently believe in a higher power, others reject the notion entirely, and many remain uncertain, open to the exploration of truth. This diversity of perspectives offers a rich tapestry of ideas to ponder.

Renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson raises a compelling point when he looks at the disasters and suffering in the world, questioning whether God can truly be all-powerful and all-good. Atheists, on the other hand, outright reject the existence of any divine being, while agnostics maintain that there is no way to know for certain.

One perspective suggests that there cannot be a place where everyone is happy all the time, for nothing in this world is absolute. Happiness and sadness are intrinsically linked, one cannot exist without the other — all is relative. The idea that God only bestows happiness is, therefore, an illogical assumption.

The ancient Indian philosophy of Sanatan Dharma, often referred to as Hinduism, offers a unique viewpoint. It posits that Ishwar (God) created the universe, which operates according to its own laws, and Ishwar may or may not interfere in its workings. This philosophy encourages seeking and questioning rather than blind belief.

Interestingly, Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India and an atheist, was open to the concept of a supreme power or personal god but rejected the notion of multiple gods (monotheism versus polytheism). In Sanatan Dharma, polytheism is seen as a manifestation of the one divine essence in various forms — a concept known as polymorphism.

This philosophy also suggests that we progress from lesser truths to greater truths, just as we evolve from idol worship to the more abstract worship of Ishwar. It encourages questioning everything, seeking knowledge, and avoiding claims of absolute knowledge, even regarding the Vedas, the ancient Hindu scriptures, which state “neti neti” (not this, not this) in reference to the ultimate reality, Brahma.

Sanatan Dharma emphasizes direct experience and scientific evidence, known as Darshan. It invites individuals to define their own concept of God, which in this tradition is the Atman — the inner observer, the “Drashta” within each of us.

Ultimately, the path of a seeker of truth is cherished, an open-minded exploration of the profound mysteries of existence. Whether one believes in God, rejects the notion, or remains uncertain, the journey of inquiry itself holds immense value, inviting us to ponder, question, and grow in our understanding.

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Yogesh Haribhau Kulkarni (PhD)
ILLUMINATION Videos and Podcasts

PhD in Geometric Modeling | Google Developer Expert (Machine Learning) | Top Writer 3x (Medium) | More at https://www.linkedin.com/in/yogeshkulkarni/