Becoming Hindu

Discussion in 'Hinduism' started by Sfora, May 10, 2016.

  1. Sfora

    Sfora New Member

    I have been reading tons of books by well respected authors, and reading many articles, websites, and books like How to become Hindu, Dancing With Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and etc. I know it talks about if your born into a religion one must severance ties to it. So what if you were not born into one. I got put into two religions later in life at the same time when my parents divorced around 4 to 6 years old. One was Wiccan, other was Southern Baptist. So I am looking for guidance into this matter. Also reading tons of books on Hinduism, and watching videos of well-known Guru's talking had me wondering, if you are drawn to one of the Hindu Gods like Lord Ganesha, how does one fit into Hindu? Cause I hear Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, and another god are the supreme deity within one of the 4 sects of Hinduism.

    Thanks,
    Sfora
     
  2. Senthil

    Senthil Active Member Staff Member

    Welcome to this forum, Sfora. In the 'How to Become a Hindu' version you've been reading, the key is to make sure you have no remnants of the previous faith, because it causes confusion. Kind of like taking on a new job before quitting the one you have. That's the idea behind it, and of course each person id unique in their strength of attachment.

    But that's just one version of becoming Hindu, advocated by Saiva Siddhanta Church, and maybe a few others. Lots of people become Hindu other ways, like just practising it, calling themselves Hindu, etc. So it depends on you, and your personal approach. Certainly the practice is key either way.

    Being drawn to one God or another is generally how people determine, or are called to one sect or another. Those who feel no such calling end up non-sectarian Hindus, or liberal Hindus. That's all fine too. Another practice for helping deciding is to go to a few different Hindu templs, and see how you feel in each.

    I went through the process outlined on 'How to Become a Hindu' about 40 years ago. I had no previous religion at all, so there was nothing really to denounce there. If you think I can be of any help here, feel free to PM me too.

    Aum
     
  3. Sfora

    Sfora New Member

    For me I have always been drawn to Lord Ganesha. I have explored all religions and none touched my soul or made me want to follow it like Hinduism does. The Abrahamic faiths is one of the biggest religions I could not be a part because I do not believe in the teachings, and many other things. To be technical that people are to stay in there born religion. Then everyone would have to go back to practicing paganism because everyone was a practicing pagan at one time besides Hindus. I mean you have the Germatic tribe, Native Americans, Hellenistic, Celtic Paganism and so on, before Christianity converted mostly everyone and wiped the religion and a lot of people out. For me Hinduism is place for me in every way. What books do you recommend? Also I read that there is a sect dedicated to Lord Ganesha as the supreme deity.

    Sfora
     
  4. Senthil

    Senthil Active Member Staff Member

    The books you have already read are great. Actually I don't recommend reading much at all. Th e knowledge from jnana comes from the inside, the innate intuitive knowledge everybody has, but doesn't know how to access. Hinduism is a very practical religion, and the root word of practical is practice. So doing sadhana, going to temple, helping others. Both Living with Siva and Merging with Siva will give you more hints on how to practice. The temple I attend is a Ganesha temple.
     
  5. Sfora

    Sfora New Member

    Are you part of any of the major sects of Hinduism?

    Sfora.
     
  6. Senthil

    Senthil Active Member Staff Member


    Yes. I'm a devotee of the authors of the books you were reading. So I'm in the monistic Saiva Siddhanta school of Saivism. But we believe in the validity of all paths. Although one does hear about Ganapatyans (those who say that Ganesha is Supreme) I don't think the sect is very large or even active any more. If so, it would be in Maharashtra, India. But I do Ganesha puja every day too.
     
  7. Sfora

    Sfora New Member

    So Saivism also worship Lord Ganesha in the temples, and during Puja? Also what is the best sect for ppl who are third gender, or Transgender? I know in the Vedas it is not against them or anything.

    Thanks for all the insightful information.

    Sfora.
     
  8. Senthil

    Senthil Active Member Staff Member

    Yes, Ganesha is a key component to Saivism. He is sort of the gatekeeper to Siva, the God you have to worship first, and He sits at the base of the muladara chakra, the starting point, so to speak. This is both an inner and outer thing.

    As for the transgender stuff, I don't think any sect stands out as being more tolerant, nor more discriminatory. Since scripture doesn't really address it in any big way, other than to restrain lust, it's not something 'right there' or 'in your face'. Still, there are people who culturally would be bigots. There has been some Abrahamic influence on Hinduism, and those people more influenced by it might be worse. As with many people, I think the older you are, the more likely you are to not understand as well, although I could be wrong. In Hinduism sexuality is pretty much a private matter. At the temples you won't even notice couples, unless you see them come in the same car. I doubt that I would notice you being transgendered, unless you made it really obvious. Devotees at temples pretty much go there to commune with God.

    On a personal note, it wouldn't bother me one iota.
     
  9. Sfora

    Sfora New Member

    Thank you so much for answering my questions.

    Sfora.
     
  10. Senthil

    Senthil Active Member Staff Member

    Not a problem at all. I'm retired and its one of my hobbies. Its also interesting seeing all the POVs of 'curious' people, searching.
     
  11. Sfora

    Sfora New Member

    I have always loved the Hindu life and belief system. Too bad no gurus live near me. I live the middle of the USA.
     
  12. Senthil

    Senthil Active Member Staff Member

    There is a nice temple in St. Louis, and a REALLY nice Ganesha temple in Nashville, another in Omaha.

    You can follow a Guru without living near, especially in this day and age. I don't live anywhere near my Guru. Still, it is good to get on His physical presence occasionally.
     
  13. Sfora

    Sfora New Member

    What do u mean by following a guru?

    Sfora.
     
  14. Senthil

    Senthil Active Member Staff Member

    For serious devotees, a Guru is considered necessary. Lots of Hindus don't have a Guru, and will read a book, or like books by particular Gurus. But this doesn't really adequately describe the traditional Guru-sishya relationship. Traditionally, it's more like having a tutor. Each individual is different, so the Guru can give instructions or sadhanas or teachings to that sishya alone. So it's a direct relationship, with the Guru knowing you by name, and knowing a lot about you, so your particular needs can be met.
     

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