Why foreigners can't become hindous?

Question

I've been in india two times in my life, and fall in love with this country; so I start getting interested in culture, and specifically hindouism (as in my country, france, we know already judaism, christianism and islam);
I read some upanishad, the bhagavat-gita, and other texts, and I really like what I read; I've met western sannyasins in aardkumba-mela in hardwar, but they told me unless I become sadhu I cannot convert to hindouism.
Why???

edit: wayfaroutthere that's quite what i expected by asking this question in Yahoo India..

and for the proselyt christian: hinduism is including jesus, so it's not like i'm rejecting him...

of course people who represents religion are not always good people, in any religion..

not only foreigners say that, but also muslim Zakir Naik, in reverence to lot of scriptures;
and to HANS LAXMAN: that's why I was forbidden to enter the main temple in Puri? or Vishvanath mandir in Varanasi? do you think I'm gonna spoil your religion?

ok HANS LAXMAN, I truly understand how you feel about that, and truly understand what you mean when you say westerners are unconsequent; it is true that we have a tendancy to go from one thing to another, without never being satisfied;
but i can certify you vedic philosophy and religion is to my soul like a fresh water (do you know this poet Bartrihari? "vayragyasataka"-sorry for the miswriting- the most beautiful verses i've read about sannyas); I'm not a follower of osho rajneesh, or a chilom smoker; my question comes from real interest..

Lingaraj mandir, in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, prohibited for non-hindus (and not only muslims)
Puri, the main Shiva temple, where there is the jotyirlingam... forbidden, as in varanasi, the golden temple... but, in other jotirlingam places, no problem! (Omkareshwar, Trimbakeswar, Nageshwar...)

Answer 1

As far as I am aware (I am a Hindu) westerners can become a Hindu. The only way to become a Hindu is to practise it. There isn't any initiation ceremony, like there is in Islam and Christianity. I don't know who told you that a westerner can only become a Hindu via becoming a sadhu first. I am sure that is nonsense.

With all due respect, I have to say that it is discomforting to see westerners wanting to embrace Hinduism. I mean, westerners are famous for declining morals and religious apathy. Look at how they have treated Christianity. I don't want my religion to contain people like that.



Sorry, I didn't mean any disrespect. However, Hindus prefer people that can distinguish from right and wrong. Despite some of the unethical rubbish that Hinduism is associated with (like the kama sutra) Hindus are a very morals oriented people. Whereas westerners have a reputation for "anything goes". When some orthodox Hindus think of westerners, they think of a people that accept homosexuality, have no respect or regard for their parents and elderly, abuse sexual practice etc. They do not want people like that in their religion (no offence). The thing is, for people like me Hinduism is our religion. We love and respect it with our heart and soul. Whereas for most westerners, Hinduism is more of a hobby. They become interested in Hinduism to the bone, and then all of sudden they become bored and dump it. I don't mean to sound harsh, but westerners do have a habit of becoming infatuated with eastern things and then they become bored. It is like a phase that they get over. I am sure that you will get over it as well. I can't exactly explain why they would prohibit you from entering the temples. The should not have done that. Maybe they assumed you were of middle eastern origin. They do not allow Muslims to enter because the majority of the Muslims that come tend to be terrorists who want to plant bombs.



I just want to say that I do not view myself as a custodian of hinduism. If I was a custodian, trust me, half the so called hindus who are a part of hinduism would not even be there (cough cough). I just want my religion to stay pure. Is that a crime? Look at the disrespect that westerners have shown to Christianity. Although Christianity is their native religion, it means nothing to them. I do not want hinduism to reach a level where it becomes meaningless for hindus.

About what Brahmanda has said, I would just like to point out that the ISKON isn't a representative of the entire hindu religion. Put in the wider context of hinduism, the ISKON will probably constitute only 10% of the content of hinduism. I sense that you are focussing only on the "hippy and feminine aspects" of hinduism, like yoga etc. Hinduism is more complicated and many westerners go diving in without understanding it. The best way to describe Hinduism is "a religion that has many different religions inside it". Hinduism is not a coherent and cohesive religion because there are many and often self contradictory ways to practice Hinduism. Because of this, it is actually one of the more difficult religions to practice. If one is a Christian or a Muslim it is relatively easier because one knows where they are and what they are required to do. Moreover, in Islam and Christianity there is a clear structure, in that one has a founder, a main doctrine (like the bible or Koran) and a code of conduct (like the sharia). In Hinduism we do not have such a clear structure, our doctrines and bibles (which tend to be much longer than the Koran and holy bible) number in hundreds, according to the Vedic texts there are 50 million gods and goddesses in total. Due to this, Hinduism has a very large content and it can be easy to get lost.

Often, the average Hindu himself knows very little about Hinduism because, put simply, there is simply far too much to know. Also the average Hindu does not have time to practice Hinduism accurately, and due to this Hindu practice is reduced to the singing of simple hymns in front of statues. This is a very rudimentary form of Hinduism and I would not advise it. This is because the hymns and aartis that are often sung are in the language of Hindi. Whereas Hinduism should in essence ONLY be practiced in Sanskrit. According to Hinduism Sanskrit is the language of the gods. Even scientists have now claimed that the sound waves that are produced when one speaks in Sanskrit are so unique that they have mystical effects associated with them. Sanskrit is the language that all the mantras are written in. Because of this, it is pointless to practice Hinduism in the Hindi language.

There are literally hundreds of different ways that one can be a Hindu and there are hundreds of different ways that one can practice Hinduism. Critics of Hinduism have attacked this fact, because it allows for inconsistency. However Hindus shall often champion it as a good thing, because it takes into consideration people's individuality and they are permitted to form a bond with god contingent on their individuality. Despite the widely used term, there is no such thing as " a hindu way of life". Replace "way" with "ways".

As I said, Hinduism is practiced in various ways and can often seem contradictory. For this reason recognition must be granted to the fact that "Hinduism" is not a cohesive religion but an umbrella religion that encompasses all other religions. For instance, the ISKON (Krishna Conciseness) teach that sex should only be undertaken for procreation. Whereas according to Shiva Maha Purana it is a man's duty to sexually satisfy his wife well into old age. The ISKON teach sexual energy to be bad because it is associated with the senses, whereas according to the tantric aspects of Hinduism (which are associated with kali worship) sexual energy is very important for spiritual enlightenment and self realisation because sexual energy is part of god. Can you notice the difference? Another example is food. Ostensibly Hinduism is a vegetarian religion because animals are considered have souls and thus to be a part of god. Whereas if one worships the kali, one is required to make animal sacrifices. According to schools like ISKON and Sanathan Dharma, machoism is a bad thing for men to display because overt masculinity hinders wisdom. Whereas, the hanuman and Shiva doctrines teach the Christian idea that manliness is next to godliness and it is important for guys to be athletic, masculine and virile because this is an important way of realising god.

There are different schools: This include ISKON, Aryan Samaj, Sanathan Dharma etc. Each school practices it differently. There are some Hindus that place emphasis in worship by singing hymns and concentrating on gods and goddesses. Others emphasise yoga, meditation and the recitation of mantras. Still others focus on the concepts of dharma and karma and charity work. Hence there is no "one way" that Hinduism can be practiced.

Now, I would like to correct some common "myths" about our religion. Firstly, Hinduism is often associated with the infamous "caste system". I would like to take this opportunity to unequivocally and categorically clarify that the Indian caste system IS NOT PART OF THE HINDU RELIGION. The caste system was a product of Indian culture and society and actually did not come into existence thousands of years after Hinduism started to flourish in India. The caste system has nothing to do with the Hindu religion. Hinduism actually teaches that everyone is equal because everyone has a soul which is part of god. In so far as the caste system is concerned, it was only a way to organise society. If you look at the ancient Greek and Japanese societies, they practiced what was identical to the caste system. The Indian society was divided up into 4 castes: Brahmins (priests, gurus and the religious elite); Royalty (Princes and Warriors); Merchants and Business men and then the 4th was labourers. The problem with any caste system that is modelled on a belied in hierarchy is that in due course it shall engender superiority and inferiority complexes. As a result the Brahmins of ancient India began to think that they were superior even to Indian Kings! But I can assure you that the Indian caste system is not a Hindu establishment.

The second myth is that regarding the Hindu idols. Hindus are often insulted by Muslims and Christians as being idolaters and stone worshippers. This is wholly inaccurate. The idols that we worship play only a symbolic role. They are there to symbolise the gods and not constitute the gods. No Hindu in his or her right mind actually believes that the idols they worship are the gods themselves and will come alive! That is nonsense. The Vedic texts actually prohibit the construction of idols, however ancient Indians chose to prevaricate this religious law. The reason was that they found idols of gods were good as a method to focus worship and give it a direction. No Hindu in their right mind actually believes that god can be reduced to a statue or a clay stone. There is a similar dynamic in all religions. Even Buddhism use religious idols for symbolic purposes. In churches there are often status of Jesus on a cross. Muslims run around the black rock at Mecca which they call "lord's house". Thus religious symbols are actually practiced in every religion. That is all the Hindu idols are - symbols. Nothing more and nothing less.

Good Luck if you decide to choose Hinduism. Although most of the time westerners don't truly understand the religion despite calling themselves hindu.


p.s a good website is http://www.hinduwisdom.info/index.htm...

and the bibles are as follows:
Vedas (4 books)
Puranas
Upanishads
Shastras
Ramayana
Gita
(plus each god shall have their own book)

Answer 2

There is no restriction on anyone accepting Hindu religion. There are countries outside India with large population of native followers of Hinduism. However, Hinduism does not preach conversions, although it is the most liberal religion in the world. It never imposes any restrictions whether to worship God in material (Saakar) or abstract (Niraakaar) form, nor does it compel anyone to become a sadhu or ascetic. The western sanyasins you have met at Hardwar may not be fully familiar with Hinduism due to which they gave you incorrect information.
In fact, sadhus are ascetics who have renounced family life and have no worldly attachments, as chosen by them, so that they can fully devote themselves to God's prayer. Again, there is no such compulsion and a Hindu is supposed to worship God while leading a normal family life.

Answer 3

There is no bar in your becoming a Hindu. Unfortunately/fortunately there is nothing called conversion to Hinduism.It is a way of life and you have to just follow the steps. You can join the Self realisation foundation established by Swami Parama Hans aYogananda and get to live the Hindu way of life.
Some people have begun to believe (even in olden times they were there) they are the custodians of Hinduism. generally the Hindu saints of old like Saint Tukaram, Gyaneshwar, and others had to face the wrath of these so called custodians and fight them with gods help. so You need not get frightened by these non godly persons. Once again I say You join the yss, Srf or Iskon and become a Hindu. I have a american frient Missac who is a member of iscon(inter national society of krishna conciousness)
his name has been changed to jagannath dasa and he lives the perfect life of a Hindu.

Answer 4

First of all I welcome you and thank you for your love to my country and Hinduism. Although I m not a Hindu ( I m a Sikh ) but Hinduism is part of my life. I love this religion.

You dont really need to be Hindu to follow Hinduism. There is no restriction for anyone to follow any Deity or Hindu God. You can be faithfull to your relegion and follow Hinduism at the same time (thats what I do - I follow my religion and also beleive in Hindu Deities and worship them). As was told by other answerers that according to Hindu scriptures either you are born Hindu or you are not. I do not think there is any specific way of converting to Hinduism.

All you can do it worship the God/Deity of your choice and follow his/her path and belive in Supreme Power which is the ultimate irrespective of any religion called Bhrahm or Shri or Onkar or God or Supreme Power or The One or whatever you call it. Believe me you will be blessed by the Deity whom you will worship (If you read the Upnishads Bhagvat Gita or Veds and Purans you can easily learn the Mantra way to worship the Deity of your choice).

You dont need to convert into Hinduism to follow it.

Answer 5

Hindu religion one of the the oldest religions. As per the Scriptures, you are either born a Hindu or not. As a Hindu, you can convert to any other religion, as all other religions were created later (All other religions accept conversions, as there were no born Christians, Moslems, or Sikhs).There is no restriction on a Hindu to denounce his faith as as prevalent in Catholics, Jews or Moslems. This religion is also the most gentle and tolerant of all religions, with polytheism, no restrictions on holding different beliefs as compared to the interpretations of the Head Priest.
The ISKON and various Hindu foundations working abroad have educated the occidental and oriental people of the Hindu way of life which has convinced some people to convert to this Faith, but since this religion has had no past records of conversions these occur seldom and go unnoticed (mind you, there is no restriction on being able to convert to this faith too, but the basic initiation rites of a Hindu starts with the Genealogy of his family and this may have to be 'fudged' for a neophyte).
All religions are a means of helping a group of society to grow with a common set of beliefs and ideas and ideals. So whether you be a person of any faith including Atheism, be happy in your faith and respect others for what they believe in. This is what Hinduism teaches.

Postscript:
I fully agree with Swarna. In Spite of the hijacking of Hindu Ideals by mean minded politicians, I find this religion as the only sheet anchor to keep me sane in my adopted country

Answer 6

Hi,
I am hearing first time like this. I don;t know for which reason they been like that to you. But why you need them . You can learn on your own. Try this, but belive this too. u said you have read bhagavat gita . So pray krishna or Maha vishnu and ask him to help you out what you have asked for. Sure your answers will be answered.

Coz, i do a lot and it is allways been answered to me. I get my answers in secounds , sometimes it take time. you should have a guru to follow. So ask and pray to Maha Vishnu, Sure i belive he will give you answers, Remember you should belive, Never confuse yourself that time. When you are confused, Ask him to clear you out.

I know this is not the correct answer. But i belive that you can try this. According to Maha Vishnu, He loves his devotie more than anythingelse in the world. He even be a servent for your affection and love towards him. That is Maha Vishnu, He is also Krishna.
You should have known him well while reading bhagavat gita.

Answer 7

You can become a hindu.
In Fact the name of the religion is "Sanatan Dharma" which means " the eternal righteous path".
Get in touch with Arya Samaj (a reformist movement within Hinduism) and they would be only too pleased to initiate you.
you could visit aryasamaj.com or any of their branch office in India or any other country in the west.
Hinduism does not inculcate the feeling of intolerance towards other beliefs as it is maintained " the reality is one though known by different names"

Answer 8

there are many politirtians out here to spoil Hinduism.
there are many bad people handling the temples for money but they never let the good people to follow hinduism.
I'm not against Hinduiem just against the politians who ruin it's name.
i say this not only as an INDIAN but also as a hindu

Answer 9

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Answer 10

As I understand it, you get born into your place in society, and thru good behavior will be reborn into a better place in society next time. Jumping in from the side doesn't fit into the system.

Hopefully a hindu will give you a better answer.

Answer 11

i m totally disagree with those who critisized hinduism. and who wrote about indian men..........
well for ur question there is not any obligation to change ur religion......u can opt any religion in india whatever u want.......

and for those who critisized india........
well indian men have normal penis.....they do noy have too short or too big......because most of the indians r not addicted in bad works.....like other countries b'coz they has learnt atticates to respect women...........
so stop critisizing india
india has greatest heritage in world.......who ever visited india....his love towards india has gone very high....
i dont think so whoever gone india will critisize it on any point........