God as generator, organiser, destroyer

In Hindu thought, there is a distinction between the world and life.

The world follows the laws of physics and chemistry, while life is shaped by biology — by hunger and fear. These two forces drive every living being. Hunger pushes us to seek, to grow, to compete. Fear pushes us to protect, to survive.In the Bible, God creates both living and non-living things. However, in Hindu philosophy, creation is seen through the lens of the living experience — the push and pull of hunger and fear.Here, the divine is symbolized through a trinity:

• Brahma – the Generator of hunger
  Hunger is what makes a being alive. It drives action — a predator hunts, and prey struggles to escape. Brahma represents this drive to create, expand, and pursue.
• Vishnu – the Organizer of hunger and fear
  Vishnu brings balance. He reminds us to consider others’ needs and the consequences of our actions. He maintains harmony in a world where everyone is hungry for something.
• Shiva – the Destroyer of hunger
  Shiva represents release — freedom from fear, desire, and struggle. He withdraws from worldly attachments, showing that peace lies in letting go.

These gods are not just characters. They are metaphors — ancient ways of expressing deep psychological truths. They are like symbols or mental models that help us understand human nature.The sages who created these stories were not simply storytellers. They were thinkers who transformed sight into insight. They observed how people behave — what they chase, what they protect, and what they value. They noticed that all our desires revolve around:

• Resources (Lakshmi)
• Power (Durga)
• Knowledge (Saraswati)

When we observe others, we can see the play of qualities outside us.

When we reflect on ourselves, we recognize the same forces within us.

The Brahma Within Us

Brahma is the part of us driven by hunger.

He focuses on gaining, expanding, achieving, winning.He creates:

• borders,
• hierarchies,
• competition.

He believes the world exists for him. Yet, he fails to see that this world is shaped by his own fears and insecurities. His ambition can create anxiety and conflict around him.

The Shiva Within Us

Shiva withdraws.

He does not destroy the world by force; he simply chooses not to engage.

He rejects social rules and the need for validation.Shiva teaches that value is subjective, and competition is rooted in insecurity.

He shows that peace comes from letting go of fear and desire.

The Vishnu Within Us

Vishnu represents contentment.

He sees the hunger and fear in all beings and understands the balance of the ecosystem.In nature, every being consumes and is consumed — this maintains harmony.

But humans hoard, compete, and create scarcity, leading to:

• conflict,
• exploitation,
• war.

Vishnu teaches that only those who are content can care for others.

Those driven by fear and hunger cannot think beyond themselves.

Finding Balance

The teachings are clear:

• When hunger controls us, we become Brahma without compassion.
• When we escape from life, we become Shiva without responsibility.
• When we balance hunger with awareness, we develop Vishnu within —
  the one who nurtures harmony.

Mythology is not just religion.

It is a tool to understand ourselves.When we use it wisely:

We learn to see our own hunger, our fears, and our capacity for peace.