Sanatana Dharma and difficulty

[Nyingjé Tso]

Vanakkam everyone,

I haven't been here lately, forgive me. This past week have been a very agitated one, especially on discoveries and questions about Sanatana Dharma.

I realized I doubt. Why ? I believe in what I lived and led me to Sanatana Dharma. I have an undying love for the supreme consciousness Shiva is Ishwara. I practice Sadhana and meditation at the altar and it does so much good, to feel closer.

But we cannot learn alone by ourselves, especially something as large as Sanatana Dharma. We are social animals, we need to communicate for learning, students need teachers. And there is one thing that I have apparently done wrong: being born here, in my country. More especially not being indian.

I'm not following this path to make friends, or to be a showoff to others. I'm damn serious at it, and honest. I've come to hindu people, hindu forums...And it's normal that sometimes I need some details and explanations, so I read about it, about the teachings, I follow debates to have every opinion and think about the subject.

I want to learn. I want to know more. I need to know more.
Each time I try, I just end up down.

I took so much hard words from hindus in the face. Being born in a western country is a punishment apparently. I'm not worthy of anything. I hate every hindu. I hate Sanatana Dharma. I am a liar, an ignorant, I am polluted, or I am trying to steal the teachings of the most and unique glorious country that I should go down on my knee and beg them. As if I was an inferior human being.

I"m not angry toward anyone in the world...I know all born hindu are not like that...I have met much people nice to me. But for one nice there are four crazy on my back.

How can I learn anything.

I just want to talk. To learn. Because those people are born into Sanatana Dharma, and because they are older than me, I think they must be very interesting people to discuss with. They are. But discussing....

I have so much questions, and so much doubts. Now I am thinking about taking a step back.

Like I said I does not have any need to befriend everyone or to showoff 'hey look lol I know hindu people". I just want to have a discussion between two reasonable adults. I just want to be able to read about interesting stuff like traditions, avatars, learnings without finding in these insults toward every non born hindu in them.

It's not a religion of hate, on the contrary.

I'm maybe not frequenting the good forums or websites, but where to go ? Whom to talk ? It's so difficult being "a convert". Just pushing the doors become more and more difficult. I would like so much to be able to understand. To ask the questions and discuss about the answers.

There are fundamental things I do believe. But there are infinite others that I can't understand without discussion, explanations, debates. Every time I try to express my opinion on those kind of subjects regarding understanding scriptures and philosophy, I'm pulled out, as I am a filthy person whose opinion and questions are irrelevant.

Please kind ones, why don't you make little noise too ? Please let me hear you. Not everyone is like those aggressive people...

I have met a wall in my progress. I feel I have a passage to make. You must all have encountered that in your path, in those moments when you need knowledgable people to enlighten you.
Whom did you ask ? Where did you discuss ? I'm craving for Truth and I only get slaps in the face.

I cannot learn more alone, Sanatana Dharma is difficult. There are so much different sides and way to think ! Which one is right ? Who is telling the truth ? The ones that say Sanatana Dharma is for mankind regardless of races, or the ones that say I'm not even worthy to hear the words of the scriptures ?

I don't really know how to express this feeling. I'm not insulting anyone or having a grudge against any people. I deeply respect and love people from everywhere, regardless of what they are, there is always something to learn and understand, should it be good or bad.
Just staying in the dark and feeling rejected and just being a "convert", all of this makes me doubt in some principles I shouldn't. I am thinking of seeking answers, elsewhere, to desperately try to find more open people, or at last find the great majority of kind and open minded hindus that I don't hear

I don't know

Hm, sorry

Aum Namah Shivaya
Hara, Hara Bhole Shankar !

 

[Shuddhasattva]

And there you have it, a beautiful religion - or set thereof - coexisting with a dismal culture.

 

[Maya3]

First I want to say that here on this forum you can ask anything you want.
I can say that 95 procent or close to 99 procent here are very nice people and you can feel comfortable in asking whatever you want.

Also most people here are not of Indian decent, so you are not alone and no one will look down on you because you are not.

Ask away,

we are here.

Maya

 

[Jainarayan]

JayaBholenath,

I'm curious if you've had these negative experiences in person or on-line. Being a white western convert I've never encountered any animosity from born-Hindus in person. Everyone at temple has been, at the very least, polite with a smile. The priests are downright friendly.

However, I've had many an on-line encounter with vicious racists who've questioned my every motivation, going so far as to call my beliefs "touchy-feely salad bar"; telling me to go back to my real religion; hearing that you cannot convert and must be born Hindu. I'll admit that it has taken me aback and made me question if I "belong". But when the priests give me a thumbs up and smile seeing me wear a dhoti in temple, and asking how I am, that's what matters.

There is only one other on-line Hindu forum I can think of, and if I were you, I would stay a million miles away from it. I tread lightly there of late. It's a difficult thing to learn the ins and outs and the nuances of a new religion, even though you've always felt drawn to it. We don't need people saying we're not wanted. It's not up to them to decide. That also goes for anyone who has made you feel unwelcome in person. Avoid them and find new company, maybe at a different temple, if that's where your bad experiences are.

 

[Vinayaka]

Opinions ... in one ear and out the other. Doubt is another natural step in the process, and a good thing. Its a big world, and one of the best pieces of advice I've ever gotten was 'Consider the Source." If you meet a racist, or an impatient person, of just a poorly behaved rude one, how does this affect what you believe?

Best wishes coming to grips with it.

 

[Onkara]

Vanakkam everyone,
...
Aum Namah Shivaya
Hara, Hara Bhole Shankar !

Vanakkam Jaya
I think many of us have had to face the topics you raise. It is too early and not necessary to become discouraged.

It is a large topic and I will bullet point some initial reflections:

• It goes against the most profound philosophy of the Upanishads to suggest that there is a discrimination based on caste,creed,gender or birth. None of these physical factors (pakriti) disqualifies someone from worshipping God and participating with others in worship. The soul is not born, nor does it die. So how can the soul be denied access? It cannot, as long as we recognise we are the Atman.
  
• A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (author of Bhagavad Gita As It Is) addresses this by calling it "skin disease" i.e. those who judge others based on their skin colour or birth. He saw no racial discrimination it seems.
  
• The Math established by Sri Ramakrishna (and Swami Vivekananda) explictly go against any discrimination. Swami Vivekananda came to europe and the USA to promote Hinduism and encourage interest.
  
• Kashmir Shaivism also explicitly denies discrimination. Bansi Pandit writes:
  

  Kashmiri Shaivism is free from restrictions of caste, creed, and gender. Any devout aspirant can have access to both the theory and practice of this philosophy. In Kashmiri Shaivism, practice of religion is considered more important than theological debates and discussions. Kashmiri Shaivism does not advocate a life of renunciation (Sannyasahood) or profession of monks, but recommends an active householder's life with daily practice of worship, yoga and meditation. The use of outward symbols, such as yellow and orange robes, matted hair, and ashes are prohibited. Worldly enjoyment as a goal of worldly life is recognized and respected, but a spiritual path aimed at harmonizing bhukti (worldly enjoyment) and mukti (liberation) is advocated. Kashmiri Shaivism does not advocate suppression of one's emotions and instincts, but provides a spiritual path aimed at their sublimation towards the ultimate goal of spiritual freedom.

• There is no logic to support a western birth as superior or inferior to any other birth. There are 2nd, 3rd and perhaps 4th generation Indians and Bengali living here, are they "no good"? No, of course not. Also there is no "west" if you keep walking west you will end up in India, then the middle East then back home again. The world is one. Any negative response is based on emotions and not well thought out.
  
• Keep in mind, we are the pioneers. The people of this forum are exactly those people paving the way for others and making Hinduism a better way of life. Be Proud! The world has changed dramatically over the last 100 years and we are the first people starting to say "Yes, we are following Sanatana Dharma". So stick with your convictions.
  
• You can overcome this. The thought is tamasic. It had a beginning (it wasn't always there) and so it will have an end (it can be removed and give way to peace and satisfaction).
  
• Avoid negative people or those who do not understand. That includes certain forums and groups. This is Krishna's teaching in the Bhagavad Gita.
  
• I have visited two Hindu temples in Europe. In both the Pandit and the Brahmin running the temple asked me to return and participate (I am not Indian nor are my parents).

The statements are based on my personal understanding and research.

Om!

 

[DanielR]

Vanakkam everyone,



But we cannot learn alone by ourselves, especially something as large as Sanatana Dharma. We are social animals, we need to communicate for learning, students need teachers. And there is one thing that I have apparently done wrong: being born here, in my country. More especially not being indian.

I'm not following this path to make friends, or to be a showoff to others. I'm damn serious at it, and honest. I've come to hindu people, hindu forums...And it's normal that sometimes I need some details and explanations, so I read about it, about the teachings, I follow debates to have every opinion and think about the subject.

I want to learn. I want to know more. I need to know more.
Each time I try, I just end up down.

I took so much hard words from hindus in the face. Being born in a western country is a punishment apparently. I'm not worthy of anything. I hate every hindu. I hate Sanatana Dharma. I am a liar, an ignorant, I am polluted, or I am trying to steal the teachings of the most and unique glorious country that I should go down on my knee and beg them. As if I was an inferior human being.

I"m not angry toward anyone in the world...I know all born hindu are not like that...I have met much people nice to me. But for one nice there are four crazy on my back.

How can I learn anything.

I just want to talk. To learn. Because those people are born into Sanatana Dharma, and because they are older than me, I think they must be very interesting people to discuss with. They are. But discussing....

I have so much questions, and so much doubts. Now I am thinking about taking a step back.

Like I said I does not have any need to befriend everyone or to showoff 'hey look lol I know hindu people". I just want to have a discussion between two reasonable adults. I just want to be able to read about interesting stuff like traditions, avatars, learnings without finding in these insults toward every non born hindu in them.

It's not a religion of hate, on the contrary.

I'm maybe not frequenting the good forums or websites, but where to go ? Whom to talk ? It's so difficult being "a convert". Just pushing the doors become more and more difficult. I would like so much to be able to understand. To ask the questions and discuss about the answers.

There are fundamental things I do believe. But there are infinite others that I can't understand without discussion, explanations, debates. Every time I try to express my opinion on those kind of subjects regarding understanding scriptures and philosophy, I'm pulled out, as I am a filthy person whose opinion and questions are irrelevant.

Please kind ones, why don't you make little noise too ? Please let me hear you. Not everyone is like those aggressive people...

I have met a wall in my progress. I feel I have a passage to make. You must all have encountered that in your path, in those moments when you need knowledgable people to enlighten you.
Whom did you ask ? Where did you discuss ? I'm craving for Truth and I only get slaps in the face.

I cannot learn more alone, Sanatana Dharma is difficult. There are so much different sides and way to think ! Which one is right ? Who is telling the truth ? The ones that say Sanatana Dharma is for mankind regardless of races, or the ones that say I'm not even worthy to hear the words of the scriptures ?

I don't really know how to express this feeling. I'm not insulting anyone or having a grudge against any people. I deeply respect and love people from everywhere, regardless of what they are, there is always something to learn and understand, should it be good or bad.
Just staying in the dark and feeling rejected and just being a "convert", all of this makes me doubt in some principles I shouldn't. I am thinking of seeking answers, elsewhere, to desperately try to find more open people, or at last find the great majority of kind and open minded hindus that I don't hear

I don't know

Hm, sorry

Aum Namah Shivaya
Hara, Hara Bhole Shankar !

I feel the same though I would say I still haven't decided which concrete path to follow, this and another forum are the only places for me to learn, and I have noticed people being 'impatient' with me even here. Well, what can you do.

 

[Maya3]

So sorry if we have been impatient. We should all try to do better!

I think I know which other place you are talking about. Stay away from that place, seriously. I went there twice and left, people are incredibly rude and racist there, even some who are not Indian.
Unbelievable really.

Maya

 

[Vinayaka]

If you go into any basket of apples, you will find rotten ones. Personally, I kind of like to see that whole picture. Sure, it can be disheartening, but it's also reality. I doubt that you will find any congregation, sect, company, etc. that doesn't have its share of rude people. One of the reasons forums like this seem so polite is that the moderators take a hard stance and just kick rude people out. So in that way, it may not be a fair sampling of people with regard to reflecting general society.

I have only met 3 'nasty' born Indian Hindus in real life, and its been a long association. One of those was 'nasty' to his fellow Indian who were worshiping the 'wrong' way according to him.

Sometimes it is just a misunderstanding. For example, a person is really busy, and you interpret it as a brush off.

But the other factor here is history. Indians have had a long history of subjugation and critical condescending, hierarchial and very racist actions at the hands of the Europeans, and in particular the British. I think, in many cases, this is the underlying reason for what people feel. That kind of thing is much harder to drop than you think. (I recently had a coincidental chat with a Jewish person at my Hindu temple, (I was hosting a university interfaith class) and within the first 3 sentences, the word 'holocaust' came out of her mouth.)

So although we can say, "Forget it already." that may not work.

So personally, I like to look at all the good apples in the basket, and pray or hope the others will slowly change.

But observing behaviour without looking at deeper causes may not be the best way.

I've often been accused of being rude as well, here and elsewhere. Sometime I felt it was maybe just a poor choice of words on my part. At other times I thought it was a matter of real philosophical disagreement, and the 'you're being rude' slur came out.

I go to this other forum that is often referenced, and find strengths and weaknesses at both. And there is a reason Indians don't come here, just as much as many westerners don't go there.

 

[Onkara]

Anger, prejudice and fear are like a virus. The mind only has to come close to them and it too can be contaminated and soiled.

The turning point is when we recognise the 'virus' and do not let ourselves become contaminated. We do have the strength to go against it and do good despite what the majority may feel. We can refuse to be carriers and stop the propagation of hatred, impatience, discrimination (on gender, race, caste or intelligence) by refusing to react on it.

The weak will become lame with their own hatred, they will contaminate others unwillingly, causing more pain to those they supposedly respect or love. Keep your distance.

Seek refuge in the Dharma, recognise that with dharma comes choice and with choice comes strength. We already have inner strength and we know that we are one with the One source at the heart of all creation.

 

[Nyingjé Tso]

Vanakkam everyone,

_/\_ Vinayakaji, I am aware about the good and rotten apples in the basket, still, if you have a very difficult math problem and that the only math professor is a "rotten apple", what do you do ? Staying in ignorance because I know I'll be rejected, or trying to ask, even politely, knowing I'll be rejected ? In any case, the math problem will stay.

I have no intend to leave this forum or the other. Because both are full of people I deeply respect and love, even if it's not shared, and both are full of informations. This is more true for the other one, I truly like it, and it's the only place I know where I can ask or read about difficult questions and very knowledgable answers...There are bad and good, always. I can simply ignore the bad and stick with the goods, what if the bad are the one that hold the truth I seek ?

As for your jewish friend, France have been occupied by nazis during the war. My country was divided in two, some of our rulers did bad things, nazis killed and enslaved many, many, many people in my country.
Yet, I haven't met in my life ANY French still having grudge or inferiority complex to Germans. Many families (including mine) had bad, bad stories that happened during the war by nazis, still, none of them hate Germans. Because they know that the people that have done those terrible things weren't representative of their entire people.
I know it's obviously not comparable to the holocaust, but all of this to say, people hold the grudges they want, and it's never a good thing. It lead to generalize entire people and to idealize others, leading to a one-way thinking that totally closes your mind from what's happening around you.

Not that I care about the opinion of others. But I really need education...I just cannot sit and practice Bhakti without knowledge, I'm not even sure about what path to choose, afraid to adhere to a school of though, so I want to read and ask about them, about technicals questions relating to the vedas, why some hindu say there is no counsciousness, why others say there are ... ?
Maybe I shouldn't ask all of this and just go on with my Sadhana. But without knowledge, it seems half empty. Half full with devotion, half empty of knowledge.

I was looking at Himalayan Academy, as I feel close to those thinkings, but there are things I am not entirely sure, rules I cannot adhere for now.

There is no hindu communauty, not a single hindu in my city, should it be a born or a convert. Paris is 2 hours by train, but train is so expensive I cannot afford to go to temple regularly. In those case, it's very difficult to interact and ask questions.

I have met as much intolerant people as tolerant people IRL. In a varying range from the rascist one to the most kind almost mother like one... Both sides having different views and opinions, both sides claiming they are supported by this, or that, or this.

If I am doomed to be alone in my worship, so be it. But I need to stick on a school definitely to be able to gain the knowledge my practice lack. But for those kind of choice, one have to look for knowledgable people and seek their knowledge and advices. It is just tiring to get slaps in the face almost all of the time for such an stupid "you are white" excuses.

I understand the grudges many people have. But I have done nothing to them, nothing to their country, nothing to their culture, as for many and many others converts like there are here, simply needing advices and guidances, in the intend of NOT destroying of deforming Sanatana Dharma heritage...

I try to be the more open minded I can be, looking at every way with the same attention and curiosity, because people, even nasty ones, are interesting. Maybe it's not the good way to go ? Maybe I am a stupid goose that is not enough discriminative and drink the milk AND the water ?

Well...I can't be otherwise.

Converts like some of you have wide background in Sananatana Dharma and have overcomed those difficulties, this warm my heart to see that. I hope to be able to do the same, even if I'm alone.

Sorry, I am little silly since those last weeks <____<

Aum Namah Shivaya

 

[Atman]

Namaste Jaya Bholenath.

The Vaishnava Alavars Thiruppan and Thirumalisai were ridiculed and disbarred from entering temples, due to their supposed low birth. As was the Shaiva Nayanar Nandanar, and the Veerashaiva renunciate Akka Mahadevi was criticized for taking up sanyasin and being a woman. Many devotees including the likes of great saints like Tukaram, Kanhopatra, Mirabai, Chokhamela, Kannappar, Jnaneshwara, Kanakadasa, etc. were all discriminated against, simply because of the gender, or section of society they were born into, yet they prevailed against their adversaries. Ethnicity is no different in this regard my friend.

Remember the Katha Upanishad tells us the path to Moksha is like walking along a razor's edge. There will be many pitfalls, and obstacles for all of us. For some of us this will manifest in the form of prejudice and malice amongst those who are supposed to be our spiritual siblings, but hold your head high and stay steadfast on the path of Dharma my friend, and you will be rewarded.

 

[Jainarayan]

...I just cannot sit and practice Bhakti without knowledge

I don't see why not. I think if you ask 100 Hindus in any temple community to even name the four Vedas, three might be able to. Let me put it this way... in talking to some of the Indian ladies at temple, they said to me "you know so much more than we do, and we were raised as Hindus". After that I started keeping my mouth shut about things so as not to appear to be showing off. Yet these people are no less devoted because they don't understand Sanskrit. I've been told that MY Sanskrit is better than theirs. They can recite the Sri Vishnu Sahasranama in Sanskrit from memory (all 30 minutes of it), but I doubt they know what more than a few words mean. All they know is that it is a great vehicle for devotion and pleasing the Lord.

I'm not even sure about what path to choose, afraid to adhere to a school of though, so I want to read and ask about them, about technicals questions relating to the vedas, why some hindu say there is no counsciousness, why others say there are ... ?

Open your mind, let it relax and God in any of His or Her forms will call to you. Instead of asking flawed humans, ask God to guide you. Most of the time we don't choose the path, God chooses us. Though I'm nominally Vaishnava and am first and foremost devoted to Vishnu/Krishna in all His forms, Lord Shiva has called to me, as has Maa. They've called to me for different reasons at different times, not because of Smarta sampradaya, but because God wanted to speak to me in a particular form that would get my attention.

Maybe I shouldn't ask all of this and just go on with my Sadhana. But without knowledge, it seems half empty. Half full with devotion, half empty of knowledge.

Knowledge and seeking to understand are good, but too much of a good thing is no good. Just look at some of my questions that by asking them confused me even more. It's called overthinking. Here are some good places to start
About Hinduism - What You Need to Know About Hinduism
http://www.hinduwebsite.com/
Main Page - Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
Spirituality in India - Indian Spirituality - Indian Way of Life and Spirituality Hinduism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I was looking at Himalayan Academy, as I feel close to those thinkings, but there are things I am not entirely sure, rules I cannot adhere for now.

I think I'm safe in saying that none of us can adhere to all rules perfectly. If we did, we would have attained moksha and would not be here to talk about it. This is a journey. We have to travel; we can't say "Beam me up Scotty" and instantly transport to our destination. If you feel close to what Himalayan Academy says, then explore it and don't put up roadblocks for yourself.

If I am doomed to be alone in my worship, so be it. But I need to stick on a school definitely to be able to gain the knowledge my practice lack. But for those kind of choice, one have to look for knowledgable people and seek their knowledge and advices. It is just tiring to get slaps in the face almost all of the time for such an stupid "you are white" excuses.

You don't owe anyone any explanations or apologies. Everything in your heart and mind is between you and God. Those people who put you down will be dust one day. You may or may not ever encounter their jivas again. For the adharmic things they do, and for your desire for devotion, you may be at a higher place than they will be. We are not our bodies.

Converts like some of you have wide background in Sananatana Dharma and have overcomed those difficulties, this warm my heart to see that. I hope to be able to do the same, even if I'm alone.

Don't be so sure. I'm not sure if my little speech here (OK, not so little) is for your benefit or mine!

 

[Wannabe Yogi]

Vanakkam everyone,

_/\_ Vinayakaji, I am aware about the good and rotten apples in the basket, still, if you have a very difficult math problem and that the only math professor is a "rotten apple", what do you do ?

Find a new Math teacher.

 

[Wannabe Yogi]

This is my take on "nasty rotten Hindus" I the same as nasty rotten apples. Don't consume them. A rotten apple certainly has its place. Like a compost bend. I just try to keep them at arms length.

I have a worm compost bin. So I can appreciate rotten fruit. I just don't see a reason to include it into my life. I prefer to appreciate rotten fruit from a distance.

 

[Maya3]

Not that I care about the opinion of others. But I really need education...I just cannot sit and practice Bhakti without knowledge, I'm not even sure about what path to choose, afraid to adhere to a school of though, so I want to read and ask about them, about technicals questions relating to the vedas, why some hindu say there is no counsciousness, why others say there are ... ?
Maybe I shouldn't ask all of this and just go on with my Sadhana. But without knowledge, it seems half empty. Half full with devotion, half empty of knowledge.

I understand your thirst for knowledge and for having someone to ask.
But honestly your Sadhana will never be empty. It doesn't matter if you don't know, what matters is what is in your heart. Sadhana is for YOU, for you to get closer to God. How it's done is secondary. God would never get upset if you aren't doing it "right".

Maya

 

[Nyingjé Tso]

Vanakkam,

Sorry for the late answer, suddenly, too much work those past few days, and too much computer screen. My eyes hurt, seriously

Thank you all for your answers and I would like to apologize because I realize now that, even if my doubts and toughts are the same, I feel I didn't find the right words and maybe some will find this offensive. This wasn't my intention at all, sorry.

I have read all answers, thank you for taking the time to read and answer. I will think about it and about the next steps I should take regarding my faith.

I agree with you Maya, Sadhana is personal. Faith is personal. It is both a strenght and a weakness. A strenght because you directly experience responsability and get involved very personally in your relationship with God. A weakness, because by not being able to ask questions, to talk to people about this, to express your doubts, you are going away from God and cloud your own mind.

Sometimes by expressing what you feel it gives you the insight you needed, that's why I am very grateful for everyone that answered here :bow:

I personally think opinion of others are important. I live this everyday. Being able to put yourself in the shoe of someone else, by his opinion on your work, you become better.
There is a guy in my class who can't take any criticism, cannot accept any opinion on his work. He is deeply convinced that he is a professionnal, the best, the only good one, that every others are lesser than him. He only talk and slightly befriend the ones that can be useful to him: learning their techniques, getting their professionnal contacts...
In fact, his work isn't that great. He don't really know anatomy, and sometimes his characters and animations are just terrible because of that. But you can't say anything that would hurt his ego about that.
The fact that he is not open to opinions of others about his work makes him impossible to move forward. Of course he become better with leeching other's techniques, but he could become better and faster by just casting ego away and accepting insights on his work.

Paradoxally I always tell my friends "If you see my work and want to say it is crap, I won't mind at all if you just can say why, so I can become better". I always ask people "what do you think, is it good ?" Because I know I'll have a totally wrong view on what I do, and that they can help by pointing mistakes.
But few are very honest, maybe too much polite or maybe I annoy them.

insights on your toughts, work, opinions, as long as they are justified, gives you an opportunity to break your ego and go forward. It is very valuable, but this is my personnal opinion of course, I may be totally wrong. Breaking ego like this is like hitting your head with a stone: it's painful. And difficult to bear if you are more emotional one.

There are things in Santana Dharma I don't understand, I can't understand alone. And I just can't sit waiting for knowledge to enter my head.
So, I'll wait. There are plenty of books, plenty of schools I have to search, and many people I hope to be able to help and humbly learn from them
This is a good way to learn as it involves patience and humility

Just reading your opinions and experiences is a very great thing. I will think about it, and sorry if I have bothered you

Thank you


Aum Namah Shivaya

 

[spiritualhitchhiker]

Dear JayaBholenath, you usually start your post with 'Vanakkam', is that because you are from Tamil Nadu or have a Tamil background? You should first try to know the difference between the main three forms of worship mainstream Hindu's follow, 1st is Vishnu, 2nd is Shiva and 3rd is Devi. I know something about this but I can't explain it, try asking others about this.

 

[Nyingjé Tso]

Vanakkam Spiritual HitchHiker !

I try to be as much possible a good devotee to Shiva. But I didn't choose Mahadev, He just came to me and was the one that guided me in India and on the path of Sanatana Dharma. For this, I am forever grateful to Him ! ^^

I'm not from Tamil Nadu, sorry ! But my first experience and my first time in India was in Tamil Nadu. This is where my life changed, the first time I had darshan of Mahadev, and I met many friends there. Tamil Nadu is the land of my heart ! I hope to return there someday


Aum Namah Shivaya

 

[Vinayaka]

Tamil Nadu is the land of my heart ! I hope to return there someday

Aum Namah Shivaya

Oh, I think you will.