Guest guest Posted January 22, 2002 Report Share Posted January 22, 2002 Namaste, Lambodara Das: I hope you won't find it an intrusion if I ask a couple of more questions about conversion to Hinduism... I find much of value in Hinduism, and through many changes of perspective, I always return to Lord Ganesha... But one of my difficulties with formal Hinduism is Caste. I certainly don't want to start a debate on this superbly peaceful list about a controversial subject, and a subject on which reasonable and sincere men and women can and do differ... But I am curious whether a convert to Hinduism accepts a caste, and, if so, how this is determined... Many thanks... Rick Jai Sri Ganesha! To answer your question about how I became Hindu....I converted or rather volunteered having joined the following of a swami from India who had large "movement"in America ,it was with this group I learned the basics of Hinduism. I expanded my knowledge in India . I explore the various schools of Vedic/Hindu philosophy and am inspired and fond of the teachings of a variety of Hindu saints,gurus,swamis and others ,indian and non-indian. Wishing to avoid the dogma, politics, and "cult of personality" I found in several ashrams/organization I have been a 'independent western hindu" for years. I am fortunate that I am accepted and very much encouraged and guided by the priest and others at my local temple. I also have the consul of a long time western swamini to draw upon. I enjoy the expressions of God in all the forms and have investigated many religions.... Hindu practice or sadhana seems to fit me best with Sri Ganapati as my ishta deva or main form of worship Well I guess I've rattled on enough...it is a beautiful day here in southern California I hope it is likewise were you all are...Peace and Love all Around !!! Om Sri Taruna Ganapati Namah Lambodara Das Send FREE video <http://rd./mail_us/tag/?http://promo./videomail/> emails in Mail <http://rd./mail_us/tag/?/> . Sponsor - http://www.geocities.com/aumganesh/ Terms of Service <> . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 22, 2002 Report Share Posted January 22, 2002 Rick Hi I hope you don't mind, but I read your post and want to respond. It is indeed an intriguing question. Hinduism is a very unique way of life. Hence, unlike an organized religion like Christianity or Islam, there is no conversion into. I like to call it 'becoming'. The thing is Hinduism is very encompassing of all faiths and gods and cultures. Hence, to become a Hindu, you do not necesarily have to abandon your 'old' beliefs. Old and new can be combined into one. This is sometimes difficult to comprehend, but I am not sure how to explain it. Many non native born Indians or Hindus are coming into or becoming Hindus for various reasons. Due to this, upon saying one wants to become a Hindu doesn't mean you adopt a caste. If you marry an Indian who was born into a caste, then you can adopt their caste, but us 'foreign' Hindus have an advantage or disadvantage of not having a caste. As I lived in India, I know both the adv and dis. of caste. Again I also won't dive deep because some think there are NO advantages of caste. But all I will say is that the only benefit of caste I enjoy to realize is that each caste has a different culture, different habits of prayer (caste god or caste temples). It is due to caste that culture of India is so varied in the marriage traditions. I enjoy your posts and look forward to your interaction with our little, comfortable group. Jennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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