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ARTICLE : Becoming Hindu
FBFW, people not of Indian descent cannot become Hindu in the general
sense of the word - as a native born Indian. I really question how Hindu
second or third generation Indian-Americans are. But Hinduism is a
collection a faiths so while non-Indians cannot become Hindu, we can
become part of an Order.
The easiest way for a non-Indian to become Hindu is to become the student
of a Swami (Swamis are more-or-less Hindu priests). There are quite a few
Orders of Swamis, so don't jump the gun. Once a Swami consents to be your
teacher, if someone (who is a Indian descent) asks what is your religion
or are you Hindu, the correct and polite response is my teacher is Swami
so-and-so.
At that point, the person will be officially accepted into that Order of
Hinduism. (Remember, Hinduism has quite a few Orders.) And with proper
attitude, knowledge, and activity, eventually become socially accepted
into that segment of the Hindu community.
Americans will probably never be comepletely accepted into the Hindu
community, even though there are now American Swamis. (Welcome to the
twenty-first century.) As a result, it is always best to transfer
authority. Instead of making statments, like many Indians can and do, say
the Veda says this or the Upanishad says that or my guru says the other
thing.
The next question is, "How do you find a Swami and how do you become
his student?" Finding a Swami is fairly easy; there are Hindu temples
in most major cities in the US. There are also Hindu communities is quite
a few places that can't affoard a temple.
All of the high holy services of Hinduism (pujas) are conducted in
Sanskrit. Because of the diversity of language of Hindu people, there are
frequently classes, discussions, or religious services in English which we
can understand also.
The best way, once you (to non-Indians) find a Swami or division of
Hinduism that your comfortable with, is to fairly quickly (one to two
months) ask the Swami a question about their lesson - get face time, but
don't be annoying. With Swamis be very careful! Never speak unless
spoken to. The only time I address the Swami is when they are sitting and
don't appear to be doing anything else; then I approach them, give
greeting, offer pranams, and sit on the floor. (Most Asians are fairly
touchy about the altitude of the head.)
After six months to a year you will want to seek to become a student of
the Swami; you'll find the proper customs to do this. Bring a gift; some
kind of sweet, preferrably Indian, preferrably homemade is appropriate.
If the Swami initiates you (which isn't automatic and doesn't always
happen), he is then your guru.
If you should stop being a student of that Swami, I'm entirly unsure of
your status or how to properly phrase an answer. The Swami may continue
being your guru even if you don't see them for a while or if they die.
Bests,
Jay
