The White Hindu's Dilemma

[The Sage Nabooru]

I had planned to go to my local temple for settling a time for my namakarana on Saturday, but now I am getting cold feet. I am feeling upset to find out that many Hindus hold that conversion cannot take place in their religion and also that in many temples only South Asian Hindus are even permitted to enter, and the priests enforce this policy, whether the entrants claim to be Hindu or not. To me this feels like Muslims forbidding non-Muslims entry into Mecca because it will somehow "dirty" it. Also some Hindus claiming that while God is universal "their" gods are special to them only.

 

I know many white Hindus have and do exist, such as George Harrison and many in the scientific and philosophical fields. Personally my interest really took off as a result of my passion for archaeology, which introduced me to ancient India. Actually it was the result of many factors at play but archaeology as my chosen field did play a role, especially the controversy over the Aryan invasion theory.

 

Also I do not want to "stand out". It is sad to say but racialism is still prevalent in our society and one term I hear used about white Hindus is "wannabes". I may not have been born and raised in India, and may have more liberal social mores as a result (although I do not drink or smoke, nor cheaply give away my body) - would this make me ineligible as a Hindu, especially as an unmarried and self-determined woman who does not feel called to be married?

 

All I know is that Durga has done more for me than anyone else, merely by chanting in her name I turned from a scared child into an adult. (That doesn't mean I still don't occasionally get nervous, as can be seen!) I try every day to bow before her and Krishna, and Lakshmi, and Ganesh, and meditate on their forms, which always brings a smile to my lips. They (realizing their Oneness) have granted me freedom in a way I did not know before. When I was a little girl I could not admire the saints of different religions - even different denominations - without that sinking drummed-in belief that despite their holiness they were all burning in hell for not putting the right words into their creed. Now I can see the true universalism in faith.

 

Do I have to undergo a namakarana? I know that even if I were rejected by the community I would still throw myself before God.

 

BTW, I realize namakarana is typically bestowed on infants, but on some research it seems to be also accepted as the means of accepting Hindu converts, if they are accepted.

[sanat.kashyap]

 

I had planned to go to my local temple for settling a time for my namakarana on Saturday, but now I am getting cold feet. I am feeling upset to find out that many Hindus hold that conversion cannot take place in their religion and also that in many temples only South Asian Hindus are even permitted to enter, and the priests enforce this policy, whether the entrants claim to be Hindu or not. To me this feels like Muslims forbidding non-Muslims entry into Mecca because it will somehow "dirty" it. Also some Hindus claiming that while God is universal "their" gods are special to them only.

 

I know many white Hindus have and do exist, such as George Harrison and many in the scientific and philosophical fields. Personally my interest really took off as a result of my passion for archaeology, which introduced me to ancient India. Actually it was the result of many factors at play but archaeology as my chosen field did play a role, especially the controversy over the Aryan invasion theory.

 

Also I do not want to "stand out". It is sad to say but racialism is still prevalent in our society and one term I hear used about white Hindus is "wannabes". I may not have been born and raised in India, and may have more liberal social mores as a result (although I do not drink or smoke, nor cheaply give away my body) - would this make me ineligible as a Hindu, especially as an unmarried and self-determined woman who does not feel called to be married?

 

All I know is that Durga has done more for me than anyone else, merely by chanting in her name I turned from a scared child into an adult. (That doesn't mean I still don't occasionally get nervous, as can be seen!) I try every day to bow before her and Krishna, and Lakshmi, and Ganesh, and meditate on their forms, which always brings a smile to my lips. They (realizing their Oneness) have granted me freedom in a way I did not know before. When I was a little girl I could not admire the saints of different religions - even different denominations - without that sinking drummed-in belief that despite their holiness they were all burning in hell for not putting the right words into their creed. Now I can see the true universalism in faith.

 

Do I have to undergo a namakarana? I know that even if I were rejected by the community I would still throw myself before God.

 

BTW, I realize namakarana is typically bestowed on infants, but on some research it seems to be also accepted as the means of accepting Hindu converts, if they are accepted.

[sanat.kashyap]

Dear friend,

Why you will go to temple twice. all you have to do is to, serve meals to one milk giving animal, dog, ant, crow and one human being/ any person who is follower hinduism(sanatan dharma).then wear garland of small rudrakshabeeds or small tulsi beeds.

 

Then read the dhyan shlok of lord vishnu. i.e. shantakaram bhujangshayanam..... and after that, if you have prepared birth chart, okay

 

ELSE

 

remember any one name of your choice from several sahastranam(if male choose from sahastranam of vishnu, shiv, ganesh etc. if female chhose from durgasahastranam,gayatri, kali etc ) as you first name and

 

followed by one name from names of rishis(seers)

as you sirname/last name. some names of our rishis are marich, vishwamitra, vashishth, vyas, dattatrey, kashyap, ...... if you want more names i can send you.

 

if you are in good numbers have your own temple and dont allow such people who dont see god in every human being.

 

one of the very first and foremost important hidden message of gita is that; if somehow due to duty somebody is killed by you only 5 elements of body disintegrate returns to nature cycle, but if you quarrel/ insult to almighty god you quarrel and insult the same. this is the biggest sin. and they have done this. god will definitely punish them.

 

there is no via media to follow the path of sanatan dharma but you only can go ahead. lord is witness for your love for him. he is seeing you from inside your heart.

 

FURTHER IF YOU WANT MANY MORE INFO DO WRITE I WILL BE HAPPY TO DO SO.

 

sanat@safe-mail.net

[Jahnava Nitai Das]

First thing to realize is there is no "official Hinduism". So there will be all sorts of opinions depending on what type of person they are. As far as people converting to Hinduism, there are some who accept it and some who reject it, some believe it is not even necessary as worship of God is not based on an external ritual. Castism is very prevalent in India and among Hindus, so you don't have to feel as though you are being singled out for discrimination. Discrimination is there even against people born as Hindus, just because they were born in a lower caste family or a tribal family, etc. These evils exist everywhere in the world. Each culture has its own evils it needs to cross over, and India has its own share. You shouldn't let that disturb your spiritual pursuit.

 

The key is to find the path that you actually believe in. There are thousands of traditions in India, each very different from each other. Some will reject people based on birth or caste, others are completely open and see everyone as a spirit soul (atma). You need to first decide your own belief system, and then find the tradition that fits with what you believe. For example, you probably won't agree with something like caste discrimination, so don't go looking for a tradition that supports that. Find out those traditions that are open and in line with your own beliefs. It will take some research and a lot of reading, but you will be happier with what you find.

 

There are two types of name giving ceremonies. One is when a child is born, he is given a regular name. This is performed by any ordinary priest. The second type of name giving ceremony is when one receives initiation from a guru. That is not performed by a priest, but by a guru. There is no need to rush into getting a name change right away. First practice as much worship and sadhana as you can and let yourself be guided by God. Also don't necessarily feel the need to fit in with other Hindus. Since you are a westerner you will always stand out when you go to a temple. Some may stare at you, others may ask you childish questions. They are mostly just curious seeing a foreignor practicing Hinduism. Don't feel bad about it.

[santdasji]

Jai Shri Krishna

 

You are more than welcome to come pray at pur mandir.

 

Are you in Uk?

[kshama]

 

I had planned to go to my local temple for settling a time for my namakarana on Saturday, but now I am getting cold feet. I am feeling upset to find out that many Hindus hold that conversion cannot take place in their religion and also that in many temples only South Asian Hindus are even permitted to enter, and the priests enforce this policy, whether the entrants claim to be Hindu or not. To me this feels like Muslims forbidding non-Muslims entry into Mecca because it will somehow "dirty" it. Also some Hindus claiming that while God is universal "their" gods are special to them only.

 

I know many white Hindus have and do exist, such as George Harrison and many in the scientific and philosophical fields. Personally my interest really took off as a result of my passion for archaeology, which introduced me to ancient India. Actually it was the result of many factors at play but archaeology as my chosen field did play a role, especially the controversy over the Aryan invasion theory.

 

Also I do not want to "stand out". It is sad to say but racialism is still prevalent in our society and one term I hear used about white Hindus is "wannabes". I may not have been born and raised in India, and may have more liberal social mores as a result (although I do not drink or smoke, nor cheaply give away my body) - would this make me ineligible as a Hindu, especially as an unmarried and self-determined woman who does not feel called to be married?

 

All I know is that Durga has done more for me than anyone else, merely by chanting in her name I turned from a scared child into an adult. (That doesn't mean I still don't occasionally get nervous, as can be seen!) I try every day to bow before her and Krishna, and Lakshmi, and Ganesh, and meditate on their forms, which always brings a smile to my lips. They (realizing their Oneness) have granted me freedom in a way I did not know before. When I was a little girl I could not admire the saints of different religions - even different denominations - without that sinking drummed-in belief that despite their holiness they were all burning in hell for not putting the right words into their creed. Now I can see the true universalism in faith.

 

Do I have to undergo a namakarana? I know that even if I were rejected by the community I would still throw myself before God.

 

BTW, I realize namakarana is typically bestowed on infants, but on some research it seems to be also accepted as the means of accepting Hindu converts, if they are accepted.

 

Respected The Sage Nabooru,

 

Why do you have to look for god outside when God is dwelling inside you? You can do any rituals but remember god isn't exclusive to one group of people, god is there for all. Namaste.

[Kali_Upasaka]

If you can make it, please do visit the Kali Mandir, Laguna Beach , California. You will feel at home here in this temple founded by Maa Elizabeth Usha Harding.

 

https://www.kalimandir.org/Application/Homepage.aspx

[The Sage Nabooru]

Thank you for your help. I am in the US where Hindu temples are few and far between, but there is one nearby. However it is entirely Indian in composition and I've never heard of any other person joining.

 

We also have a Vedanta society, but I've found that they tend to focus solely on Advaita as legitimate Vedanta. I find that Ramanuja's teachings make more sense to me.

[santdasji]

 

Respected The Sage Nabooru,

 

Why do you have to look for god outside when God is dwelling inside you? You can do any rituals but remember god isn't exclusive to one group of people, god is there for all. Namaste.

 

The body is not always satvik like the temple. So to rely on the body is not always the best.

 

Thats why we have temples.

[kshama]

Respected Santdasji,

 

Namaskar. Your opinions are true too. Temples are sacred places, full of positive energies. But then how many people that religiously go to temple are good persons? How many people that follow rituals and religious obligations are pure enough? Going to temple is a blessing, but it doesn't change a man, only if, by the grace of god.

 

I am not against going to temples.It is good. The awareness that god is everywhere must be there and cultivated. God doesn't dwell only in temples as He is omnipresent. That was what I was implying. Namaste.

[sambya]

dont get upset by what others say . as respected JND has already pointed out , such differences are there all over the world . i think they are in the psychology of mankind itself . even sannyasis after quitting everything tend to develope superiority complex that brings about their ruin ! in ancient days non hindu people often did not conform to hindu standards of cleanliness and dietary requirements and hence veiwed as unclean . such restrictions into entering a temple specially cropped up in the muslim era when hindu temples were being destroyed by hundreads . it might have been a preventive measure to gaurd the temples from unwanted extruders . and most preists of the temples are not very spiritual nor very generous human beings .

 

you can certainly carry on with your practice . just cling on to maa(durga) or whoever suits you . practise never to forget her even for a while . i dont think naamkarana is that imporatant though . what is important however is maintaining a steady touch with someone who is in a better spiritual position than you . this is called sadhu sanga and it is extremely important to help you stick to the chosen path in modern world of material actrractions(specially in west !! ) . positively attach youself to a distinct philosophy and to some genuine persons who can help to guide you !! most importantly dont hurry and take your time .

 

in time , you can go for such a thing as namakarana that might give you a feeling of satisfaction . all the best .

 

never ever leave god ......leaving him is death .

[Narasingh]

 

I had planned to go to my local temple for settling a time for my namakarana on Saturday, but now I am getting cold feet. I am feeling upset to find out that many Hindus hold that conversion cannot take place in their religion and also that in many temples only South Asian Hindus are even permitted to enter, and the priests enforce this policy, whether the entrants claim to be Hindu or not. To me this feels like Muslims forbidding non-Muslims entry into Mecca because it will somehow "dirty" it. Also some Hindus claiming that while God is universal "their" gods are special to them only.

 

I know many white Hindus have and do exist, such as George Harrison and many in the scientific and philosophical fields. Personally my interest really took off as a result of my passion for archaeology, which introduced me to ancient India. Actually it was the result of many factors at play but archaeology as my chosen field did play a role, especially the controversy over the Aryan invasion theory.

 

Also I do not want to "stand out". It is sad to say but racialism is still prevalent in our society and one term I hear used about white Hindus is "wannabes". I may not have been born and raised in India, and may have more liberal social mores as a result (although I do not drink or smoke, nor cheaply give away my body) - would this make me ineligible as a Hindu, especially as an unmarried and self-determined woman who does not feel called to be married?

 

All I know is that Durga has done more for me than anyone else, merely by chanting in her name I turned from a scared child into an adult. (That doesn't mean I still don't occasionally get nervous, as can be seen!) I try every day to bow before her and Krishna, and Lakshmi, and Ganesh, and meditate on their forms, which always brings a smile to my lips. They (realizing their Oneness) have granted me freedom in a way I did not know before. When I was a little girl I could not admire the saints of different religions - even different denominations - without that sinking drummed-in belief that despite their holiness they were all burning in hell for not putting the right words into their creed. Now I can see the true universalism in faith.

 

Do I have to undergo a namakarana? I know that even if I were rejected by the community I would still throw myself before God.

 

BTW, I realize namakarana is typically bestowed on infants, but on some research it seems to be also accepted as the means of accepting Hindu converts, if they are accepted.

Try to bear in mind that there are bigots in every corner of the earth. Unfortunately, it is more common than not. If your local temple will perform the naamkaran for you, regardless of whether some of the congregation acknowledges it or not, then do so. After all it is for you, not them. If we only did what others do, we'd have no Ramanuja, Madhva, Shankar, Buddha, etc... If you acknowledge the sanctity of your naamkaran, then it will have meaning. If I acknowledge your naamkaran, and you don't, then what meaning will it have?

[Jahnava Nitai Das]

Since you mentioned you are a devotee of Durga, and there is no temple nearby, please visit this live video feed. They have daily classes, puja and sometimes bhajans:

 

http://www.shreemaa.org/broadcasts

 

It is a nice Kali temple located near San Francisco. The Swamiji there, who is American, is a very nice person.

 

You will need to have Quicktime installed on your computer for the video and audio stream to work. It is available for free.

[Kali_Upasaka]

 

Thank you for your help. I am in the US where Hindu temples are few and far between, but there is one nearby. However it is entirely Indian in composition and I've never heard of any other person joining.

 

We also have a Vedanta society, but I've found that they tend to focus solely on Advaita as legitimate Vedanta. I find that Ramanuja's teachings make more sense to me.

I do not understand. You say you are attracted towards Maa Durga. Then you do seem to be reluctant to go to a Kali temple. Then you say you find Ramanuja's teachings make more sense.

 

You seem to be confused between Philosophy and religion. Whenever we visit a temple it is the Deity which attracts us and not the philosophy followed by the people who manage the temple. Philosophy has nothing to do with temples.

[Jahnava Nitai Das]

 

Philosophy has nothing to do with temples.

In the west it seems to be more related than in India, because in the west particular groups open the temples. Like a Ramakrishna temple will naturally be leaning towards their philosophy and an Iskcon temple will lean to their philosophy. In such situations you will only meet their followers there, so the experience will be a package deal of temple + philosophy, making it uncomfortable if you dont follow their belief system. In India temples are sort of neutral zones, or free for all zones.

[The Sage Nabooru]

 

In the west it seems to be more related than in India, because in the west particular groups open the temples. Like a Ramakrishna temple will naturally be leaning towards their philosophy and an Iskcon temple will lean to their philosophy. In such situations you will only meet their followers there, so the experience will be a package deal of temple + philosophy, making it uncomfortable if you dont follow their belief system. In India temples are sort of neutral zones, or free for all zones.

 

This is very true. In the US Hindus, the white ones at least, tend to form "societies" based around an understanding of philosophy as well as God. In fact I think in a lot of cases it's the philosophy that's more important to God to them, people will identify as a "Vedantist" rather than a Hindu, and have little knowledge of God, but know a lot of technical terms.

 

I will be more than happy to visit a Kali temple but there are none nearby.

[Umapati_Dasa]

 

I do not understand. You say you are attracted towards Maa Durga. Then you do seem to be reluctant to go to a Kali temple. Then you say you find Ramanuja's teachings make more sense.

 

You seem to be confused between Philosophy and religion. Whenever we visit a temple it is the Deity which attracts us and not the philosophy followed by the people who manage the temple. Philosophy has nothing to do with temples.

I think what she's saying is that she can't physically get to the Kali temple you speak of, although she is devoted to Durga. And that, although devoted to Durga Devi, she thinks that the philosophy of Vishitadvaita (Qualified Non-duality) makes more sense than straight out Advaita, so she doesn't want to go to a temple that emphasizes complete non-duality... that's what I got from it, anyways.

[The Sage Nabooru]

Yes.

[Kali_Upasaka]

I understand now. Nitai's posting also explained matters.

 

Just for your information. One of the most prominent Saktha Tantric school follows Vishitaadvaita philosophy. They do not call it that because of the association of the Vishitaadvaita to Vishnu.

 

Do not ask the name of the Sampradhaya because I do not want members hounding me.

[empy]

Dear"The Sage Nabooru",

 

Since you are in US, why dont you Visit any ISKCON temple there?.

You find mostly, white Hindus there. still they practice Hinduism.

I think that will serve the purpose.

Good luck.

-Prasad.

[The Sage Nabooru]

Kali Upasaka, how else can I find out the name? Should I send you a private message for it?

[Kali_Upasaka]

Please see your inbox.

[The Sage Nabooru]

Thank you!

[Smiley]

I was once acquainted with a sadhaka who had great involvement with that. They consider the Swamiji there subor-

dinate to Shree Maa - although they are apparently husband and wife as he explained it. To know more here is their

group: and of course their website is shreemaa.org as has been mentioned.

re: namakarana I have only read www.himalayanacademy.com/resources/books/hbh in which the Swami argues that the

name change should also be legal - drivers license, passport, everything. I would be interested in other opinions/writings on that.

 

 

Since you mentioned you are a devotee of Durga, and there is no temple nearby, please visit this live video feed. They have daily classes, puja and sometimes bhajans:

 

http://www.shreemaa.org/broadcasts

 

It is a nice Kali temple located near San Francisco. The Swamiji there, who is American, is a very nice person.

 

You will need to have Quicktime installed on your computer for the video and audio stream to work. It is available for free.