Hindu Sects

[Sweetheart]

How do I figure out what sect of Hinduism I want to follow? I've researched the four major sects Saivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and Smartism. I'm still very confused though. I can't differentiate the four. I was wondering if anyone had any advice as to how I can decide what sect would be best for me. Also if any one knows of any websites that translate The Vedas, Upanishads, The Puranas, The Epics - Ramayana, Mahabharata and The Bhagavad Gita into English. I was thinking maybe if I read some sacred writings, it might make it easier for me to understand and decide.

 

[Kalibhakta]

I suppose I have to ask you...what do you want out of Hinduism? I, being who I am, will stress Bhakti -faith- above all else, but there are many gods and many paths to them, and we have quite a new non-theistic Hindus.

What are you looking for?

 

[Acintya_Ash]

I think reading scriptures is the best thing to do and then decide it for yourself. Reading the Bhagavad Gita will throw light on which path to choose.

Also if any one knows of any websites that translate The Vedas, Upanishads, The Puranas, The Epics - Ramayana, Mahabharata and The Bhagavad Gita into English. I was thinking maybe if I read some sacred writings, it might make it easier for me to understand and decide.

You can read the Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, Mahabharata (Retold by Krsna Dharma), Ramayana(Retold by Krsna Dharma), and other works of Srila Prabhupada . from here Bhaktivedanta Vedabase Online (its a Gaudiya Vaishnava site.)

 

[George-ananda]

What made you decide you wanted to find a Hindu sect? There are many eloquent spokesman for each sect so how would you decide? Any sect followed with a pure heart works. Is there a particular teacher, philosophy or god that drew you to become interested?

 

[Aupmanyav]

My standard suggestion to beginners who want to find out about Hinduism is to check in Wikipedia (Hinduism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia), BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/) and About.com (An Introduction to Hinduism for Beginners - and follow the links there. For scriptural texts, your first stop should be Sacred-Texts: Hinduism

Don't be in a hurry to join a sect in Hinduism. My suggestion will be to study more about Hinduism. You will yourself find the way. Of course, visit Hindu temples in your area.

 

[ShivaFan]

Firstly, I am impressed with your seeking the path to Hinduism! A great adventure awaits you. You will not believe how exciting things will become. But having said that - careful....
... careful! Do not be naive.

What do I mean by that?

You are very intelligent. I can see that by your line of questioning, "how can I know which sect?" ...

That is a very insightful question! And seeing you have noted the most popular sects of the current age (there are others), it seems you are already finding your way into "the temple".

It isn't just "finding" like "luck". You are also being given knowledge, but it is given at first in small dosage.

So, keep an open mind, because there ARE sects, and when certain scriptures are presented to you as "the Bible of Hinduism", be a bit careful here.... often it is a wonderful scripture, but is in fact that of one of the sects only. It is not necessarily the way for you to decide "which sect?" ....

Honestly, in my humble opinion - there are other ways that might be more helpful. You are you. Not me. Not some member of RF. You.

So here is an experiment. Which Hindu Devatas or Devi seem to attract you, connect if you will? You may think this is childish. But I wager, you tell me the Name or Names, even if they overlap to multiple sects - yet other Hindus as myself can prubably point you to Who is calling and "which sect". In one way, no matter WHAT sect, we Hindus all respect and love each other's sects. For me that is true.

And no matter what sect is yuurs - there will be overlaps with others. And family can have a big "sway" in the matter. For example, I am Saiva but with a strong Shakta influence.

So it prubably will be. And you should go to many temples of many sects. This is common in Hinduism. It is for me, because I am what is called a Village Hindu.

 

[Aupmanyav]

SF, what was it? Alcohol, sleep or something else?
Hara, Hara, Hara, Hara.

 

[Shantanu]

How do I figure out what sect of Hinduism I want to follow? I've researched the four major sects Saivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and Smartism. I'm still very confused though. I can't differentiate the four. I was wondering if anyone had any advice as to how I can decide what sect would be best for me. Also if any one knows of any websites that translate The Vedas, Upanishads, The Puranas, The Epics - Ramayana, Mahabharata and The Bhagavad Gita into English. I was thinking maybe if I read some sacred writings, it might make it easier for me to understand and decide.

You should follow the sect that gives you the truth.

 

[StarryNightshade]

@Sweetheart

1.) What do you know about Hinduism so far?

2.) What is it that you are looking for in particular?

3.) Are there any deities that you are drawn towards?

Others have given great advice for a novice to work with, so I really don't have anything new to add. Hope you find what you are looking for.

 

[Vinayaka]

Sweetheart, I empathize. Many have tread this path before you, on these forums, and some have found what they like, while others haven't. My recommendation is always the same: Go to a Hindu temple, maybe even two or three. Sit in front of the murthies, and feel them. This may well help, as you may feel drawn to one over another.

Second to that, continue to read those introductory books, and not so much ones that are sectarian in nature, at least until you really understand what sect they're from. Keep asking questions here, too.

 

[Maya3]

Hinduism is vast, what do you already believe?

Do you believe that God is formless and everywhere?
Do you believe that God takes a specific form?
Do you believe that God take several forms?
Do you believe that there are many Gods?
Do you believe that there is no god/s?
Do you think you can become Self Realized if you mediate?

If you can answer any of these you will be able to find a Hindu path that fits, if not, you will find a Hindu path that fits.

Maya

 

[tiki]

I agree with it does not matter what's the sect (or religion I think) only it matters how is your heart. All paths that teach compassion and kindness will go to the summit and if your heart is sincere then the path you chose is right path for you.

 

[Vinayaka]

I agree with it does not matter what's the sect (or religion I think) only it matters how is your heart. All paths that teach compassion and kindness will go to the summit and if your heart is sincere then the path you chose is right path for you.

Welcome to these forums, Tiki. Always good to have another Hindu on board.

 

[tiki]

Welcome to these forums, Tiki. Always good to have another Hindu on board.

Thank you

 

[Kalibhakta]

You are most welcome here, tiki! Who is your Ishta-deva, friend?

 

[tiki]

You are most welcome here, tiki! Who is your Ishta-deva, friend?

Devi ma [emoji4]

 

[Kalibhakta]

It is wonderful to have another Shakti! Jai Mata Devi! Jai Maha Kali!