The Vedas acknowledge that there is a race of Gods, but it also confirms that they are subordinant to the supreme. This is a nice story from the Kena upanishad about the gods and their relationship to Brahman.

Once upon a time the gods defeated the demons; and through the victory was brought about through the power of Brahman, the gods boasted," ours is the victory, and ours the power and glory."

Brahman saw their foolish pride and appeared before them. But they recognized him not. They said to Agni, god of fire, "Find out who this mysterious being is. " I will." promised Agni and approached the being.

"Who are you?" asked the mysterious one. " I am Agni, god of fire,known to all." "Are you powerful?" " I can burn all on earth." "Burn this:" and Brahman placed a straw in front.

The god of fire attacked the straw, but failed to burn it. Then he ran back to the gods and confessed, " I have failed to discover who this mysterious being is." " I will," promised Vayu and approached the being. " Who are you?" asked the mysterious one.  "I am Vayu, god of air, king of space." " Are you powerful?"  "I can blow all away" "Blow this away." Brahman placed a straw in front. The god of air attacked the straw, but failed to move it. Then he ran back to the other gods and confessed, "I have failed to discover who this mysterious being is."

They begged Indra, leader of gods, "Find out who this mysterious being is." "I will," promised Indra and approached the being. who disappeared instantly. In his place appeared the lovely goddess of wisdom, Uma, daughter of the Himalayas; And Indra asked her, "Who was that being?"

Uma replied, "That was Brahman, from whom comes all your power and glory." The gods realized at last the self is Brahman. Agni, Vayu, Indra--these three excel among the gods because they realized Brahman.

The light of Brahman flashes in lightning:The light of Brahman flashes in our eyes. It is the power of Brahman that makes the mind to think, desire, and will. Therefore, use this power to meditate on Brahman.

He is the inmost self of everyone:He alone is worthy of all our love. Meditate upon him in all. Those who meditate upon him are dear to all.

The student, teach me more of this spiritual wisdom.

The teacher, I shall share with you fully what I know. Meditation, control of the senses and passions, and selfless service of all are the body, the scriptures are the limbs, and truth is the heart of this wisdom.

Those who realize Brahman shall conquer all evil and attain the supreme state. Truly they shall attain the supreme state!