Do many non-Indians convert to Hinduism? Do the various sects have different views on the subject?

Question

I have a few Hare Krishna friends and I know that their movement is very accepting of converts. However, I also know that they don't represent mainstream Hinduism (at least what you encounter in America), and I'm wondering how other Hindu groups might go about accepting (or not accepting) converts. I haven't been able to find a good website that discusses the issue and have never seen the topic in a book. Any information would be welcome.

Answer 1

Here is a Yahoo group of western Hindus who converted to Hinduism.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/westernhindus/

You can find the information regarding if Hinduism accepts new comers is here:
http://www.himalayanacademy.com/resources/books/hbh/hbh_ch-5.html

The conversion guide is here:
http://www.himalayanacademy.com/resources/books/hbh/

Answer 2

I dont think there is any such thing as converting in Hinduism. If you like the Hindu practices you are free to follow them, you are free to go to temples.
Even the ancient scripts do not say anything about converting I think. But Hinduism is tolerant in that any non-hindu can start going to temples and praying. Can also practice Hindu customs at home as long as they are done right

Answer 3

I honor and revere the Hindu Gods but I'm not officially a Hindu convert.

Answer 4

well it is said abt hinduism tht u cant convert into the religion, u have to b a born hindu.....they say tht hinduism is a way of life, and u cant simply convert and become a hindu...the concept of conversion is not so prevelent in hinduism, forget abt non indians, not many indians convert in hinduism....i m not saying tht converts wont b accepted, but it is just so difficult to to become a hindu just by going throughv some ritual......

Answer 5

i remember in the early 70s it was hare krishna , the it became tantric buddhism.

now its madcap islam