Robyn Lebron What the multiplicity of deities does indicate is Hinduism’s spiritual hospitality as evidenced by two Hindu doctrines: (Adhikaara) and (Ishhta Devata) The Doctrine of Spiritual Competence requires that the spiritual practices prescribed to a person should correspond to his (or her) spiritual understanding Each person studies, learns and follows a level of spiritual study that is proper for their needs An illiterate villager who worships a stone image, and prays with simple songs, is no different from a well read scholar who meditates on the Supreme with all the knowledge of the Almighty So, the different forms of the religious practice and images are to serve the masses according to each one’s knowledge and understanding capacity It is counter-productive to teach abstract philosophical concepts to a person whose heart hungers for faith in a higher power and vice versa The Doctrine of the Chosen Deity gives a person the freedom to choose a form of Brahman that satisfies his spiritual cravings and ability to understand.10 In spite of this diversity in the forms of worship and practice, there is a subtle unity that is understood by all Hindu devotees The true knowledgeable ones always finish their prayers with the statement, “ ǡ Ǣ .” All the sects and offshoots of Hinduism share the same basic moral ideals: (non-violence) (truthfulness) (search for the Brahma) (Friendship) (fulfilling one’s duty) (Compassion) (Fortitude) (Self Restraint–mental as well as physical) (Purity–mental as well as physical) ~ 274 ~