Best form of Hinduism for newbie Westerner?

[nnmartin]

I am quite new to Hinduism but having read some of the classic texts recently it is clear to me that it is very similar to my beliefs.

I know there are many types and branches so which do you think would be the most suitable path for a novice Westerner to take?

I found the Rig Veda especially stimulating and consider myself basically a Celtic Pagan/New Ager with the need and respect for transcendental theology.

thanks

 

[Breathe]

Gaudiya Vaishnava (ISKCON, Hare Krishna) is one of the most common ones for Westerners.

Otherwise, Advaita Vedānta is popular.

Many new converts start off looking into Smartism.

 

[Gaura Priya]

You'll get your biases... Just visit a temple, seek out the truth, and pray alot.

The branches of Hinduism are not denominations inasmuch as they are individual religions with completely different sets of beliefs, practices, and values. Whether it be Vaishnavism, Smartism, Shaivism, or Shaktism, taking shelter of any of these paths will give you full depth of what it means to practice Dharma.

I am a Vaishnava, and that is my religion, but I respect those who are non-Vaishnavas as well.

 

[nnmartin]

there seems a lot to learn!

Hinduism seems just as varied as all the forms , theologies of Christianity - more so even?

No idea where to begin - I'll just finish the Bhagavad Gita off and see where it takes me.......


I've just looked at the rules for the Hare Krishna's - I fail on all of them!

these things I like to do: Smoke tobacco, eat meat, gamble, have pre-marital sex

which form of Hinduism allows this?

 

[OM25]

hi there,
Don't worry about your habits. It's quite natural for anyone to be indulging in sensual pleasures.
If i may, let me suggest some short works for you like atma bodha and bhaja govindam composed by shri adi shankaracharya.

 

[Vinayaka]

I am quite new to Hinduism but having read some of the classic texts recently it is clear to me that it is very similar to my beliefs.

I know there are many types and branches so which do you think would be the most suitable path for a novice Westerner to take?

I found the Rig Veda especially stimulating and consider myself basically a Celtic Pagan/New Ager with the need and respect for transcendental theology.

thanks

Here's a link to Himalayan Academy pages. If you browse resources, etc. there is a lot of information on not only Hinduism, but Saivism in particular. All in modern understandable American English. Kauai's Hindu Monastery

I second the idea of going to a temple.

 

[Jainarayan]

I know there are many types and branches so which do you think would be the most suitable path for a novice Westerner to take?

Read a basic primer on Hinduism, especially about the deities. You'll get a feel for what you're drawn to. We often say that you don't choose your deity to follow, He or She chooses you. Maa Saraswati, goddess of music, learning and arts (I play guitar and bass), brought me to Sri Krishna.

No idea where to begin - I'll just finish the Bhagavad Gita off and see where it takes me.......


I've just looked at the rules for the Hare Krishna's - I fail on all of them!

these things I like to do: Smoke tobacco, eat meat, gamble, have pre-marital sex

which form of Hinduism allows this?

Any form of Hinduism allows virtually anything, short of violence, because we're on a journey. If it's your intention to move towards a more devotional life, and you make an effort, you can't be faulted.

For example I consider myself Vaishnava because Vishnu/Krishna (one and the same) is my Supreme God. However, I'm pretty bad relative to the requirements of Gaudiya Vaishnava and ISKCON. For example, I wear a necklace of tulsi beads which represent a devi dear to Lord Vishnu. I'm supposed to eat a completely vegetarian diet, but I haven't done that yet. Some strict Vaishnavas will clutch their pearls and get that vapors at that, but wearing them reminds me what I should strive for, not a proud symbol that I am perfect. You see?

 

[Marble]

there seems a lot to learn!
these things I like to do: Smoke tobacco, eat meat, gamble, have pre-marital sex

which form of Hinduism allows this?

Tantra.
Which deity you like best?

 

[Breathe]

there seems a lot to learn!

Hinduism seems just as varied as all the forms , theologies of Christianity - more so even?

Hinduism is a VERY broad category.

It's more like adding Mormons, JWs, Muslims, Protestants, Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Assyrian Church of the East, Reform Jews, and so on, and calling it "Abrahamicism" than a religion.

No idea where to begin - I'll just finish the Bhagavad Gita off and see where it takes me.......

Good idea.

<<snip>>which form of Hinduism allows this?

Look into Shaivism, Shaktism, and possibly Tantra. Hinduism doesn't 'allow' or 'forbid' much, really, but they're less stringent with it than the Vaishnavas are.

 

[Gaura Priya]

Look into Shaivism, Shaktism, and possibly Tantra. Hinduism doesn't 'allow' or 'forbid' much, really, but they're less stringent with it than the Vaishnavas are.

Sad, but true.

Unfortunately, I have to say this, but maybe a form of Tantric Shaktism may be of use. Even if people in the beginning are like, "Oh, meat, wine, women... YEAH!"

However, generally all Hindus regard pre-marital sex, alcohol, and meat as general no-no's, save a few.

The essence of Vaishnavism is how much you can do for God. The rules and regulations are there, but you do as much as you can, rather than God punishing you for not following. The most important to Vaishnavism is developing a personal relationship with Krishna (or Vishnu), and learning to love Him through chanting His names, meditating on His forms, visiting His temples, etc. And knowing Him to be the Supreme eternal Father of all.

Here is a good summarisation of the four main religions of Hinduism: Four Denominations of Hinduism - Magazine Web Edition > October/November/December 2003 - Publications - Hinduism Today Magazine

The only thing I disagree about it is the idea of Shakti in Vaishnavism. Unlike the article, which says that the feminine has no importance in Vaishnavism, in actuality She has the utmost important focus in our devotion to Lord Vishnu! Without Lakshmi, there is no Narayana. Without Sitadevi, there is no Lord Rama, and without Srimati Radharani, the Supreme Goddess, there is no Krishna!

 

[nnmartin]

ok, thanks for the info - a lot of learning to do!

Just bought Upanishads Mantra 1-18 , seems to be about Krishna (written by AC Swami Prabhupada)

Quite a few of the Cambodians have Hindu names , eg: Lakshmi, Satya, Sorya, Mara, etc.. - no Hindu temples in use here but plenty of Buddhist ones where I can at least get a taste of the essence!

 

[Wannabe Yogi]

Sad, but true.

Unfortunately, I have to say this, but maybe a form of Tantric Shaktism may be of use. Even if people in the beginning are like, "Oh, meat, wine, women... YEAH!"

Only a very small minority of Shaktas follow what has been miss named the "left handed path".

Tantra is much different then most people think.

 

[Gaura Priya]

Only a very small minority of Shaktas follow what has been miss named the "left handed path".

Tantra is much different then most people think.

Which is precisely why I was hesitant.

I have one friend who kind of was interested in Shaktism because of this notion of tantra... what we now know as Neo-Tantra in the West.

 

[Wannabe Yogi]

Which is precisely why I was hesitant.

I have one friend who kind of was interested in Shaktism because of this notion of tantra... what we now know as Neo-Tantra in the West.

very true.

 

[Gaura Priya]

ok, thanks for the info - a lot of learning to do!

Just bought Upanishads Mantra 1-18 , seems to be about Krishna (written by AC Swami Prabhupada)

Quite a few of the Cambodians have Hindu names , eg: Lakshmi, Satya, Sorya, Mara, etc.. - no Hindu temples in use here but plenty of Buddhist ones where I can at least get a taste of the essence!

Good luck! What you have in your hand is a translation of the Isha Upanishad (or Ishopanishad). Mind you, what you will read will be a commentary based on Vaishnavism, so it is biased.

But it's a nice translation of the Ishopanishad.

My favourite is verse 16,

pûsann ekarse yama sûrya prâjâpatya
vyûha rashmîn samûha
tejo yat te rûpam kalyâna-tamam
tat te pashyâmi yo 'sâv asau purusah so 'ham asmi

"O my Lord, O primeval philosopher, maintainer of the universe, O regulating principle, destination of the pure devotees, well-wisher of the progenitors of mankind, please remove the effulgence of Your transcendental rays so that I can see Your form of bliss. You are the eternal Supreme Personality of Godhead, like unto the sun, as am I."

 

[Atman]

Namaste Martin.

The following site- Shiva Shakti Mandalam: Tantrik Home Page is a great resource for information about Tantric Hinduism. I should note however, that what is often consider "Tantra" by those (who like yourself) describe themselves as "New Age" is very different from what is considered authentic Tantra. Gambling and smoking are not considered a part of traditional Tantric Sadhana (Sadhana means practice), however drinking, eaitng meat and sexual intercourse (premarital and non-marital included) are. Interesting to note however is that in some countries like Trinidad the Hindu diaspora have begun offering burning cigarettes or cigars to the deity Kal Bhairava, due to his association with Tantra and therefore turning taboo practices into sacred ones.

Aum Namah Shivaya

 

[Gaura Priya]

Namaste Martin.

The following site- Shiva Shakti Mandalam: Tantrik Home Page is a great resource for information about Tantric Hinduism. I should note however, that what is often consider "Tantra" by those (who like yourself) describe themselves as "New Age" is very different from what is considered authentic Tantra. Gambling and smoking are not considered a part of traditional Tantric Sadhana (Sadhana means practice), however drinking, eaitng meat and sexual intercourse (premarital and non-marital included) are. Interesting to note however is that in some countries like Trinidad the Hindu diaspora have begun offering burning cigarettes or cigars to the deity Kal Bhairava, due to his association with Tantra and therefore turning taboo practices into sacred ones.

Aum Namah Shivaya

Thank you so much for the resource!!

AUM!!

 

[nnmartin]

. Gambling and smoking are not considered a part of traditional Tantric Sadhana (Sadhana means practice), however drinking, eaitng meat and sexual intercourse (premarital and non-marital included) are.
Aum Namah Shivaya

I could give up most things I'm sure if necessary - I hardly smoke or gamble really.

giving up meat would be hard though I think.

 

[Riverwolf]

I could give up most things I'm sure if necessary - I hardly smoke or gamble really.

giving up meat would be hard though I think.

Tip: if you're going to stop eating meat, don't do so altogether. Do so in increments. (After becoming full Hindu, I just automatically stopped eating beef, but I continued to eat other forms of meat.)

 

[Breathe]

I could give up most things I'm sure if necessary - I hardly smoke or gamble really.

giving up meat would be hard though I think.

I second what RW has said.
Don't worry about the meat yet. Just try to avoid eating beef, and hopefully, in time, meat won't become as big an issue for you.

Since you're in Cambodia, and in the countryside you have mentioned the belief in magical cows, I'm guessing that beef isn't as commonly eaten as some forms of meat. It should be somewhat easier to get around to avoiding beef.