What is Pantheism, and how does it relate to Buddhism?

Growing up a Methodist taught me that 'God' is an all-powerful, deeply knowledgeable force governing the universe. Personally, this seems to be a dogmatic way to view human nature. More recently, I’ve been exploring Buddhist philosophy, diving deep into the guided scriptures of the Bhagavad Gita. Although traditionally a Hindu text, the Gita's teachings align with Buddhist logic by encouraging deep introspection on impermanence.

Siddhartha Gautama, or the Buddha, teaches us that we are stuck in the seemingly endless cycle of samsara. Samsara can only lead to more suffering as we are born into different lifetimes with similar painful experiences. The only way we can end our eternal suffering is by adhering to the Noble Eightfold Path to achieve Nirvana. Science can help put this cycle into perspective. For example, if you spill a glass of water, H2O molecules scatter until they shape into a puddle. Over time, the puddle will evaporate into thin air. Humid air eventually condenses into clouds before returning to the ground as rain. Rainwater pours into rivers, finds its way into your home, and refills your glass. This cycle of transformation repeats endlessly, a reflection of the cosmic rhythm that governs samsara.

Rather than adhering to a strict timeline that ends with eternal reward (heaven) or endless punishment (hell), as most Christian doctrines outline, the Buddha emphasized how consciousness moves fluidly between lifetimes. Just as water molecules change form, so do we—adapting, learning, and evolving. Similar to eastern methodologies, Pantheists view the universe, reality, nature, and divinity as identical.

Meaning of pantheism 

Pantheism teaches that everything in the universe is an expression of the divine. There is no separation between God and nature or the sacred and the mundane. Every leaf rustling in the wind, every wave crashing against the shoreline, and every star burning millions of light-years away is part of the infinite cosmos. This belief system aligns beautifully with Buddhist teachings on interdependence and impermanence. 

Pantheists observe unity in nature and recognize that divinity exists in every aspect of the universe, similar to how Buddhists acknowledge Brahman or the unchanging spirit of all things.

Embracing buddha-nature 

Mahayana Buddhism teaches that we all possess Buddha-nature or an innate potential for compassion that transcends space and time. This inner essence, like a seed buried deep in fertile soil, can flourish through mindful living. Pantheists similarly believe that divinity is not something external that must be sought but an inherent quality within everything, including ourselves.

To welcome our inherent Buddha-nature, we must engage in meditative practices that cultivate awareness, compassion, and wisdom. Meditation can quiet our restless minds, allowing us to see beyond fleeting desires and attachments. Acts of kindness nourish seeds of compassion, helping us recognize the interconnectedness of all beings. As we deepen our understanding of noble truths, we begin to see the universe not as a collection of separate entities but as a vast, flowing tapestry where everything is interconnected—an idea that Pantheists hold to be true.

Eternal wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita

For those eager to discover Sri Krishna’s profound teachings, Eknath Easwaran’s translation of the Gita offers an accessible but deeply insightful guide. Easwaran masterfully captures the poetic essence of this ancient text, presenting its timeless wisdom in a way that resonates with modern seekers of supreme truths. Whether you are drawn to Buddhist philosophy, Pantheism, or simply seeking deeper meaning in life, this translation provides a roadmap to understanding life’s eternal geography.

In our shifting world, focused on earthly achievements, the Bhagavad Gita reminds us that divinity is always within reach and constantly waiting to be embraced.

Related texts 

Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War”

Bibliography