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Re: REQUEST : Looking for informations on the process of conversion
This is in reference to the discussion of conversion into the Hindu
faith. It is difficult for me to understand how some people think other
human beings can initiate them into a religion. The only ones that can
initiate you are the God and Goddess themselves. Anyone who wants
large amounts of money for such a ceremony should be ashamed! My husband
and I were recently married in a Hindu temple. We are very involved in
the local community and no one has ever questioned wether or not we are
Hindu. Neither one of us has every had a formal initiation ceremony
into Hinduism. I have received mantra initiation, but that is a
different subject. However, the swami who performed the ceremony would
never have asked me for any money much less $900.00! We were both born
and raised in the southern U.S. I don't think I would want to be
initiated by someone who refuses to pass on spiritual teachings unless
you give them large amounts of money. I would seriously question the
organization's beliefs and values. Traditionally gifts, including money
are given to teachers, swamis, etc. so they can purchase necessities and
devote their time to passing on teachings, study, etc. If you do not
feel inclined to give something to your initiator in return for his or
her time, energy, and materials used in the ceremony then you are not
ready for it spiritually. The point is the dollar amount should not
matter as long as it is enough to cover any supplies used and to
compensate the initiator for their time involved. Initiations do not
have to be elaborate so I fail to see why any genuine teacher of Sanatana
Dharma would charge such rates. When you are initiated it is really the
power and blessing of the God and Goddess that work through the
initiator. If you are unable to find true, sincere followers of Sanatana
Dharma to perform the service, I would ask the Deities themselves to
directly initiate you. As for the comment I saw about not being Hindu
unless you are born in India- I believe the Gods are omnipotent and are
certainly not limited by something like geographical boundaries. I live
in Texas and the Hindu deities are certainly present in my life as much
as when I was in India studying. I must admit this is my first time at
this site and I am disappointed with what I have found.
OM SHANTI,
Radha
