Hinduism offers as one explanation for its many gods that humans need concrete representations of the formless absolute. Also, finite minds can perceive the infinite only in a limited way, according to taste and temperament, cultural background, and other factors. Religions such as Christianity or Judaism view God in carefully defined ways that restrict the names and personality that reflect the divine. Yet even here, the way that God is pictured varies. Reflect on the images you have had of the divine, and interview friends about images they have had. How have these pictures in your mind changed since you were a child? Is it possible they will continue to change as you age or as you study religion deeper? How do you account for this process, and how would you attempt to measure the correctness of one image over another?
Hindu artists have used symbolism extensively to portray qualities of the divine. Some of this symbolism is universal, whereas other aspects emerged from their culture during different periods of history. Make a list of attributes you consider to belong to the divine. Then imagine how you would symbolize these characteristics using features from the modern environment.
The ancient Vedic priests used fire in their sacrifices, and as the author points out, fire still has significance to Hindus today. Fire is something that has been universally experienced by all peoples. It has been important in human life in many ways down through history. Therefore it often appears in religious symbolism in many different religions. Place the word "fire" in the center of a circle, and then on spokes coming out of the circle, list all the varied ways humans have used or experienced fire. Then reflect on how these attributes or uses of fire could express spiritual concepts or experiences.
