Hinduism - brahman the hindu god

Although the belief system labeled Hinduism is incredibly diverse, the Shankara school of thought which teaches pure Advaita (non-dualism) best presents the unique character of Indian theology as compared with Western traditions. According to this school, Brahman is the only thing that exists. However, Brahman cannot be empirically verified - cannot be seen, smelled, heard, felt, or seen.

In fact, Brahman is totally beyond comprehension and cannot be thought about at all. Also according to Hinduism, everything that can be empirically verified and everything that can be comprehended do not exist - everything but Brahman is illusion. Yet, Brahman can be experienced, and the experience of Brahman is the only purpose for human existence. Of course the experience of Brahman is irrational, intuitive, and mystical.

This belief in Brahman presents a number problems for Westerners who have accepted a logical positivist world view, who have accepted the leap of faith that the scientific construct of the universe is, in fact, a description of reality.