Posted by Rev Carroll on February 20, 1998 at 17:58:26:
In Reply to: Re: instruction via internet? posted by Deepa Sovouriradjane on January 07, 1998 at 17:55:52:
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: : I am an American married to a Hindu Indian. I have read the Gita and other works on Hinduism and have an understanding that in order to convert you must have formal instruction from a yogi or guru. Can this instruction be given via internet? I have been unable to find any instructors in my home town.(Chattanooga, Tennessee) Thank you - Debbie
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: I am seeking clarification on your question, perhaps someone else will be able to add something.
: I have never heard of the abovementioned rule; that one must receive formal instruction before becoming a Hindu. I was not always a Hindu, but nor was I of any other faith before becoming a Hindu. I was raised agnostic. Now (since meeting my husband) I consider myself a Hindu. Am I wrong? Could this rule apply only to those actually CONVERTING from another religion?
: Isn't it enough if we practice Hinduism as a Hindu, believing as a Hindu and reading the good books?
: Thank you.
: -Deepa
I never heard this either.
I didn't really convert so much as I grew into Hinduism. I already had a beleif, and then one night, I had sort of a revelation, I won't go into details about it, because some people may question how I came to it, but I suddenly, without studying Hinduism, became aware of the meaning of Shiva's dance, for a long time I thought it was just my own personal myth, but I then attended a demonstration of Hindu temple dancing, and learned that "my" myth was right on the mark, so I realized this must be the way I was meant to go.That said, I'm also a liberal, and my beliefs probably differ alot from some more traditional hindus.