JGN, There is a Vedic Passage: "Asa(v) Adhityo Brahma, Brahmaiva Aham Asmi" = "This Sun is Brahman, I too am Brahman"!! Another passage: "Namaste Vayor, Tvamayva Pratyaksham Brahmasi" = Namaste to You oh the Air (we breath) You are the Bramhman, clear (to us)to see". No need for any "Messenger" or God's Son etcetera.
To me it shows that middle-east regligions are not spiritual but "organisational". They wanted a "well-knit team" that has to accept that their Prophet was the "Best" and "Final". In other words, they "are the champions" - all others are "mis-guided", "deluded", will go to "hell". By contrast, "Indian" religions, even Buddhism, never say, they are the "Best" or "Final". Nothing said about other religions being "false". they directly appeal to the spiritual side of an individual. No specific, universal rules except the personal sincerety and purity of an individual. Thus, all saints and prophets are equal. A Hindu can worship anyone of them. He or She can worship any one of the avatars, or more than one, as he or she chooses. Hence the apparent complexity of Hinduism, why non-Hindus are confused by it.
