New to Himduism

[Jkwiyup]

Hello!

I'm new to this site(i just recently joined), mainly out of my interest in Hinduism or Sanātana Dharma. I've recently become interested in this religion for reasons unknown to me. I feel particularly drawn to Shiva and certain Shavite ideas make a lot of sense to me. I'm still very clueless about Hinduism in general though. I recently purchased the Bhagavad Gita and have begun to read it.

In short I'm asking for any advice, books, etc to further my knowledge

 

[Vinayaka]

I'd recommend 'What is Hinduism" by the editors of the magazine Hinduism Today, or even Hinduism for Dummies. It;s a very complex and vast faith, and I think its good to get a basic idea of the depth of the water before you dive in. You can also get a lot of info just from browsing here, or the internet. For more direct experiences, just go to a temple.

Good luck on it.

 

[Nyingjé Tso]

Vanakkam and welcome !

Like Vinayaka-Ji said, go to a temple and try to feel the experience, and if you fit in. If you are drawn to Saivism more precisely, I would recommend some readings from Himalayan Academy website...They have many interesting e-books for beginners free to download (even in .pdf if you don't own a reading tablet thing)
If you like and feel you want to go further, then you should seek the grace of Sri GaneshJi: it is said He is the easiest to reach and the guardian of the doors. He will sure clear the obstacles on your way if you ask Him with sincerity and devotion.

Aum Namah Shivaya

 

[Madhuri]

Hi and welcome to RF!

I am wondering, which Bhagavad Gita translation did you purchase? Who is the commentator?

 

[Jkwiyup]

Hi and welcome to RF!

I am wondering, which Bhagavad Gita translation did you purchase? Who is the commentator?

Thanks!

and I'm not sure but i believe it's Graham.M. Schweig

 

[Jkwiyup]

Vanakkam and welcome !

Like Vinayaka-Ji said, go to a temple and try to feel the experience, and if you fit in. If you are drawn to Saivism more precisely, I would recommend some readings from Himalayan Academy website...They have many interesting e-books for beginners free to download (even in .pdf if you don't own a reading tablet thing)
If you like and feel you want to go further, then you should seek the grace of Sri GaneshJi: it is said He is the easiest to reach and the guardian of the doors. He will sure clear the obstacles on your way if you ask Him with sincerity and devotion.

Aum Namah Shivaya

I'm in a fairly small college town so i don't have any access to a temple....or a car for that matter lol. But i have read some stuff from the Himalayan Academy Website

 

[Madhuri]

How good are you with understanding Indian accents? If you can understand easily then I recommend The Hindu Academy on youtube. He explains things really nicely.

http://www.youtube.com/user/HinduAcademy

 

[Jkwiyup]

I'm fairly good at hearing through accents and thanks I'll check it out

 

[Wannabe Yogi]

I'd recommend 'What is Hinduism"

I agree "What is Hinduism" is the best introduction I have seen. Well written, easy to follow format, chocked full of accurate information. They have done the impossible. Not only do they give a real taste of the diversity of the big tent of Hinduism. They are able to make clear the tenets of the main sects.

 

[mohinishaktidevi]

Hmm Im Still wondering what I can suggest.

It's nice to be new to Hinduism. You should document your progress, questions, finds, supprises and comparison check lists and such.

Let me stress that the Gita is only 700 verses long. It is crammed with talking points and references to other Hindu topics. 700 verses is a neat quantity of stats and figures and formulas and reference to make notes of. Generally speaking, esp in India, if you master the Gita's contents you become an expert yogi.

 

[Gaura Priya]

Thanks!

and I'm not sure but i believe it's Graham.M. Schweig

Mr. Schweig's Gita is a definite good. I used to own that translation, and he himself is a practicing (Vaishnava) Hindu, as well as an academic!

I think one thing that any newcomer to Hinduism is to watch for books and literature written by non-Hindus, as sometimes their perceptions may be coloured. If you can recheck your sources and make sure that they are written by Hindus, it makes for a more authentic reading experience.

 

[Jkwiyup]

Thanks for the recomendations and where can i purchase "What is Hinduism"?

 

[Nyingjé Tso]

Vanakkam,

You can purchase the book or download it for free at the Himalayan Academy website

Himalayan Academy Publications - What Is Hinduism?

Aum Namah Shivaya

 

[Jkwiyup]

Thanks I'll just download it

 

[Maija]

Vanakkam,

You can purchase the book or download it for free at the Himalayan Academy website

Himalayan Academy Publications - What Is Hinduism?

Aum Namah Shivaya

Never even knew that! nice to know