Need advice... Clashing feelings about faiths!

[illykitty]

At the moment, there are only two umbrellas that I am considering, Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and Neopaganism.

I love the look and feel of SD. It has been around forever and stood up the test of time. It has amazing deities which have great history around them. I love the calm and serenity, the beautiful murtis, the puja... And nothing in this faith, afaik, goes against my beliefs and ethics.

Now Neopaganism is a path my husband says fits me. It's true, I have a great awe and inspiration for nature, the passing of the seasons, I love trees and always did, animals and the moon... The elements of earth, air, water and fire captivate me since I was a child. I often see trees and a stag when meditating. Of course it's also a path which doesn't go against my beliefs and ethics.

Now the "issues" with both, starting with SD is that I don't know if I feel at home with it. I don't know who to worship and where to start. I'm also a little self conscious about being white and people (esp non-Hndus, as weird as it sounds) viewing me as strange to embrace something Indian.

Neopaganism, well I'm not belittling the truth it holds for some but it hasn't really been around for long. It's an attempt to bring back some pieces of the old ways which have been destroyed or kept quite hidden. It's a bit of a lonely path. I wouldn't know what to do, where to start either or what is "real" and what isn't. It would perhaps be harder. I don't know if I'd embrace celtic ways or make my own.

So yeah there are the thoughts I'm having at the moment.

 

[Poeticus]

I'm also a little self conscious about being white and people (esp non-Hndus, as weird as it sounds) viewing me as strange to embrace something Indian.

Well, if it truly is "something Indian", then it isn't "Sanātana", now is it? But, how could it not be "Sanātana" when this very Dharma reached from Afghanistan all the way to the Philippines in the past? Was that Indian?

SD has no one culture. Has no one language. Has no one group of people. But, it has the best surfers, and they can be found in Bali hittin' on the cute tourist mamacitas.

 

[illykitty]

Well, if it truly is "something Indian", then it isn't "Sanātana", now is it? But, how could it not be "Sanātana" when this very Dharma reached from Afghanistan all the way to the Philippines in the past? Was that Indian?

SD has no one culture. Has no one language. Has no one group of people. But, it has the best surfers, and they can be found in Bali hittin' on the cute tourist mamacitas.

Oh yeah, I know but other people don't, ignorance of what SD is so... They think it's Indian.

However there are some aspects that are regional, for example certain gods with animal forms are hard to relate to, as someone from Canada and now living in the UK. Elephants, monkeys and such are not native to my regions. Something like a deer is more relatable to me.

 

[Poeticus]

Elephants, monkeys and such are not native to my regions. Something like a deer is more relatable to me.

Then, go with Neo-Paganism. But, those (elephants, monkeys) are hardly the criteria for identifying with Hinduism - it's a very narrow perspective in dealing with a conglomeration as wide as the cosmos. I don't think Hinduism is a good choice for you. One doesn't find Hinduism. Hinduism finds the person. Hindu Dharma is not a mall - you can't window shop until you like something. If that was the case, I would have left Hinduism a long time ago.

 

[Treks]

Speaking as someone who was learning about and sort of practicing Wicca and Neo-Paganism for about 7 years, I think you might have more luck with SD because it's got more avenues to, ultimately, a monotheistic Source, and I get the feeling this might be important to you (please forgive me if I'm wrong). Although a supreme Source is sometimes mentioned in Neo-Paganism it really does take a back seat, if it's even in the car.

And Neo-Paganism is very disorganised which is great for people who can handle it, some people enjoy that level of freedom.

Maybe something like a traditional branch of Wicca would work for you, as it will have structure and imagery you can relate to?

 

[illykitty]

Then, go with Neo-Paganism. But, those (elephants, monkeys) are hardly the criteria for identifying with Hinduism - it's a very narrow perspective in dealing with a conglomeration as wide as the cosmos. I don't think Hinduism is a good choice for you. One doesn't find Hinduism. Hinduism finds the person. Hindu Dharma is not a mall - you can't window shop until you like something. If that was the case, I would have left Hinduism a long time ago.

No but I was giving an example of what may seem Indian to someone.

The amount of times I hear that about religion, if I did think that too then no religion would ever "find" me and I'd have a god-shaped hole in me for the rest of my life. What would you do?

 

[illykitty]

Speaking as someone who was learning about and sort of practicing Wicca and Neo-Paganism for about 7 years, I think you might have more luck with SD because it's got more avenues to, ultimately, a monotheistic Source, and I get the feeling this might be important to you (please forgive me if I'm wrong). Although a supreme Source is sometimes mentioned in Neo-Paganism it really does take a back seat, if it's even in the car.

And Neo-Paganism is very disorganised which is great for people who can handle it, some people enjoy that level of freedom.

Maybe something like a traditional branch of Wicca would work for you, as it will have structure and imagery you can relate to?

You know me well. They are things that annoy me about Neopaganism. Because even if I were to worship multiple gods I just can't seem to wrap my head around them not being, at the very source, originating from one. And of course yes, on it being disorganised - which makes it really hard!

I really don't know.

 

[Poeticus]

The amount of times I hear that about religion, if I did think that too then no religion would ever "find" me and I'd have a god-shaped hole in me for the rest of my life. What would you do?

I ask the following not to debate nor debase, but to simply understand your situation, because I do not know what you really seek, thus:

Is being a part of something truly that important to you?

 

[Nyingjé Tso]

Vanakkam,

My man is neo pagan (essentially Goddess cult) if you need to ask some questions or something, I can get him to the keyboard :3
But it is true it is very desorganised, not to say not organised at all. But the good side is you can meet with very nice people if you can find a coven around. The downside is, you can end up with anybody in any coven and some can really go wrong (I know some coven in France that practice skyclad, and they had really weirds individual at their doors because of that...Better not trust anybody when it comes to these practices)
But from what I see, it is a very simple and celebrative spirituality. Not for me, but it works for others.
I wouldn't recommend Wicca (I have nothing against wiccan, any denomination) but I have observed in many european countries that most of wiccan school are becoming quite closed to new ideas and extreme in their way to think. I've seen many forums and many groups irl erasing and banning members for just asking questions or wanting to debate or to bring new ideas "hey guys, what if we..." "no. Thxbay." xD
Be careful when you study or ask in wicca forums or else, don't close your mind because of other closed mind persons.
I have observed this mainly in france and europeans countries around, and it's quite new (even my man who know wiccans for a long time was very surprised by this new attitute), I hope it's not the same elsewhere.
If Sanatan Dharma is not for you then, go look, have your own way, but never forget to keep your mind open and to be safe _/\_ And there are many people here that are happy to help you.
I wish the best for you

Aum Namah Shivaya

 

[illykitty]

Is being a part of something truly that important to you?

Yes and more importantly having a path is my goal. I don't know how to worship the deity, I don't know how to communicate and which rituals or whatever else to do.

Why are people part of certain religions? I have similar reasons for looking for mine. I'm looking for one that'll work with me, at least for most part. I know it can't be 100% perfect though.

 

[Poeticus]

Yes and more importantly having a path is my goal. I don't know how to worship the deity, I don't know how to communicate and which rituals or whatever else to do.

Why are people part of certain religions? I have similar reasons for looking for mine. I'm looking for one that'll work with me, at least for most part. I know it can't be 100% perfect though.

You can only try your best. Though, I wouldn't recommend jumping into Hinduism just yet. Study as many scriptures as you can. What's the rush?

 

[illykitty]

Vanakkam,

[...]

Aum Namah Shivaya

Thanks for the reply. Honestly at the moment I have no idea. I'm kind of feeling down about this search.

Some wiccans are solitary though, I suppose that's for the best if groups are becoming rigid and extreme. Not saying that I want to be one but that's an option.

 

[ratikala]

namaskaram illy ji :namaste

Yes and more importantly having a path is my goal. I don't know how to worship the deity, I don't know how to communicate and which rituals or whatever else to do.

the best worship is having love in your heart , if at a later date you attend a temple you will learn how to worship through ritual , but even these rituals will be empty unless there is love in the heart

Why are people part of certain religions? I have similar reasons for looking for mine. I'm looking for one that'll work with me, at least for most part. I know it can't be 100% perfect though.

this sence of comunity is very important it is the love in the hearts of others that teaches us . we are none of us 100% perfect , but we strive , it is just being in the right enviroment where others are also striving and can undderstand our difficulties that is important , this is fellowship which ever religious tradition one chooses .

 

[illykitty]

I've made a bold decision that for the moment, I won't follow any pre-made religion. I'll just believe in what I feel is right. I'll just call myself Theist.

I don't know if it'll last but at least it'll give me that time to see what's important to me and try to connect in my own way.

 

[FearGod]

I've made a bold decision that for the moment, I won't follow any pre-made religion. I'll just believe in what I feel is right. I'll just call myself Theist.

I don't know if it'll last but at least it'll give me that time to see what's important to me and try to connect in my own way.

Good choice.

i think you believe that God is only one and that he sent many messengers for all tribes on earth speaking their native languages and you trust that there will be an afterlife and that is what faith is.

ISLAM - Articles Of Faith

 

[illykitty]

Good choice.

i think you believe that God is only one and that he sent many messengers for all tribes on earth speaking their native languages and you trust that there will be an afterlife and that is what faith is.

ISLAM - Articles Of Faith

Yep I do know it! But yes, I need to take a step away and analyse my thoughts, feelings and ethics. I've got a journal in which I write so that won't be too hard to do. I need to take an in depth look, criticise, then maybe find the truth in all that.

In the meantime, I'll pray to God to show me the path and try to connect and see where that leads me.

 

[FearGod]

Yep I do know it! But yes, I need to take a step away and analyse my thoughts, feelings and ethics. I've got a journal in which I write so that won't be too hard to do. I need to take an in depth look, criticise, then maybe find the truth in all that.

In the meantime, I'll pray to God to show me the path and try to connect and see where that leads me.

Wish you all the best in this world and in the hereafter.

 

[Huey09]

I've made a bold decision that for the moment, I won't follow any pre-made religion. I'll just believe in what I feel is right. I'll just call myself Theist.

I don't know if it'll last but at least it'll give me that time to see what's important to me and try to connect in my own way.

Welcome to my world... Excuse me while I do my happy dance at meeting another person struggling with finding a faith: hamster :

 

[illykitty]

Welcome to my world... Excuse me while I do my happy dance at meeting another person struggling with finding a faith: hamster :

Yep and it's been going on for a few years! It seems so easy for some, I wonder how?

Have you ever taken the belief-o-matic or the one I prefer, the original SelectSmart religion quiz?

My problem is, while I'm well aware of my ethics and position on moral issues, my beliefs aren't so well defined. I don't know which rings more true to me, there's about 3 different choices I could pick, of course giving different results.

:help:

 

[Huey09]

Yep and it's been going on for a few years! It seems so easy for some, I wonder how?

I like to compare it to having a significant other. Some people are able to find someone instantly. Some are born growing up next door to them. Others don't want one and lastly there are some who struggle to find just one in their lifetime.

Have you ever taken the belief-o-matic or the one I prefer, the original SelectSmart religion quiz?

I have and my top results were
1.)U.U.:no:
2.)Liberal Quakers
3.)Reform Judaism:sarcastic
4.)Neopagan
5.)Mainline - Liberal Christian Protestants :no:

My problem is, while I'm well aware of my ethics and position on moral issues, my beliefs aren't so well defined. I don't know which rings more true to me, there's about 3 different choices I could pick, of course giving different results.

:help:

Then once again we are in the same boat. I'm stuck on theist because I believe in a God but what Shklee (He+she) wants from humanity or has done to us is always shifting. I tried to be Muslim but quit after all the constant arguments and in fighting I had seen. For example I like Progressive Muslims most Muslims I have met decry them as everything from Kaffir to they are not Muslim. They seem almost no different from the Christianity sects that I left. I was Christian at first but Islam brought up a wave of new possibilities of Jesus not being the Messiah or anything special at all and my faith kinda collapse in on itself. And I would be Sikh but I have trouble believing in rebirth or keeping the 5Ks. I'm a mess