Best form of Hinduism for newbie Westerner?

[Wannabe Yogi]

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

I would have to say one of the many good places to start is the Vedanta Societies. The Ramakrishna order has 100s of them all over the world. They teach all the forms of Hinduism and they are known for their lack of scandals that is endemic to most religious organizations. Most of them have excellent libraries and book stores.

Many very important western intellectual have had close ties to the Vedanta Societies. They also have among the best social programs for the poor.

 

[Satyamavejayanti]

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

For new comers id suggest to please first read the history of India by Indians, and then the history of Hinduism by Hindus, then the Bhagvad Geeta, Ramayana, Upanishads, Brahmanas, Works by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Swami Vivekananda and finally all the 4 Vedas translated into English by proper and trusted Sanskrit scholars. I suggest if you are coming from Celtic Pagan/ New age beliefs to start with Devi Bhakti (Devotion to the supreme mother), and move gradually to Krishna and Ram Bhakti, then on your own your intellect will direct you towards Moksha.

 

[zenzero]

Friends,
The BEST form of SANATAN DHARMA is to understand that sanatan is eternal and dharma is the laws of existence and that one simply needs to follow the laws of existence and be in tune with it.
Hinduism is another label however sanatan dharma is the original and best matched label coined so far.

Love & rgds