Where to start?

[illykitty]

Okay, I've finally decided that I'll try Sanatana Dharma, Vaishnavaite path for a bit, because I seem drawn to Krishna particularly.

I've only read the Bhagavad Gita, know a little about beliefs but don't know much about practice. I don't really know where to go from here... Does anyone have advice?

Thank you!

 

[Kalicharan Tuvij]

I think "wise ones" like ShivaFan, Vinayaka, Lemaster etc here will be better positioned to answer this simple yet-not-so question.

One thing I can say for sure is, bringing home a murthy of Hanuman ji (and doing puja now and then, also listening to Hanuman Chalisa) will make you into a Hindu immediately.

So from there you can explore Krishna, your Ishta, or anything else, based on your growing and all.

best wishes
KT

 

[StarryNightshade]

I would find a nearby temple and go to a few services to get a feel of what that will be like. Especially go to temple for Holidays.

A shrine isn't really necessary, but it can be a nice little reminder of your practice.

And always remember that compassion goes a long way.

 

[Riverwolf]

When I first started practicing Hinduism, I read every book I could get a hold of on the religion, from Hindus and non-Hindus alike.

Of what I read, I'd say that by far the most important modern works to read for a newcomer would be the works by Swami Vivekananda, especially his essay "Paper on Hinduism", which is part of his "Addresses at the Parliament of Religions", and his book, "Karma Yoga."

Since he lived 100 years ago, his works are freely available online (or you could buy the whole, 10 volume set for 10 dollars if you, like me, prefer holding a physical book in your hands. ^_^):

Complete Works - Index - Volumes

Since you seem drawn to Krishna specifically, I recommend Vaishnava works, specifically from the Gaudiya sect. I, myself, wasn't a Vaishnava (I was drawn more to Kali and Shiva), so I don't have an exhaustive knowledge of appropriate literature, but anything by Sri Chaitanya is an absolute must. Plus, read the two main Vaishnava Puranas: the Bhagavata Purana (I recommend against Sri Prabhupada's translation/commentary for a beginner; I preferred Swami Tapasyananda's, personally), and the Vishnu Purana, which is available at Internet Sacred Text Archive for free. If the unabridged works are too intimidating (any given Purana is about the length of the Bible), there are plenty of abridged versions.

Finally, familiarize yourself with the stories of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

 

[Valjean]

Be Here Now, by Ram Das.

 

[ShivaFan]

Namaste illykitty

I think Vinayaka can explain a lot of the absorbing of any clarion call from Devas or Devi, and all others, my situation was probably different from most as I have only been a Hindu in this life and nothing else as far as "religion" from almost 50 years but admission also of a very bad ("rascal") type Hindu who has been ordered by authorities of SD that my instruction for this life is "do not disturb others" which perhaps I sometimes do (never to be mean) due to my tendency simply to enjoy Hindu adventures but not interested in moksha at this time. Sort of like a "cowherd boy".

However, I would think you should devotionally surround yourself with beautiful "God art" of the Devas or Devi who are perhaps looking at you, you will figure it out.

Next, you should take the "bold" step (only in the sense I have noticed shyness or "scared" feelings of making mistakes by some "new" Hindus) to go to a temple. An authorized temple has the pujaris, priests, initiated, who have established Devas or Devi as Murti (form) living as Residents of the Temple where you can have darshan or seeing and communion. Take that step, step inside.

Om Namah Sivaya

 

[Sb1995]

Just go to the temple and tell the pandit you want to be Hindu and he'll tell you what to do from there. Don't be intimidated.

 

[Maija]

I really like Eknath Easwaran's Gita and I'm going to try his tranlation of the Upanishads.
His writing is very clear and straight forward while breaking down whats necessary.

Go to the temple for Janmashtami for some festivity, but perhaps visit before so you do not feel overwhelmed. Start by listening to some bhajans, youtube is great, there was also a thread Madhuri made. Everyone def has their own style that touches them and the best way to find out is to start listening and exploring. You could also find some local kirtan or study groups.

Def get a print or some affordable image of those devas that are dear to you, the only rule is sincerity. These days I just like to sing for Sri Vasudeva and Rama, this is my most pure offering. And when i dont have time or desire to meditate and i certainly have not altar just yet so no puja or prasad, i offer what i am doing for Sri Bhagavan. So when i clean, cook, work or play with my baby its all in my best intention as if it was an interaction and offering to my Lord.

 

[Sb1995]

Shri Krishna Janmashtami is on August 27th. EVERY HINDU HERE MUST GO TO THE TEMPLE IF THERE IS ONE ACCESSIBLE!

 

[Jainarayan]

Okay, I've finally decided that I'll try Sanatana Dharma, Vaishnavaite path for a bit, because I seem drawn to Krishna particularly.

I've only read the Bhagavad Gita, know a little about beliefs but don't know much about practice. I don't really know where to go from here... Does anyone have advice?

Thank you!

Everyone's advice is good. Practice for worship of Sri Krishna: Bhagavad Gita 3.9, 9.26, 18.65. Love for Krishna, thinking of him all the time and service to and love for others is the best puja you can do for him. There is nothing better he asks.

Btw if you want to read about his life read the Srimad Bhagavatam Canto X (chapter 10). You can find it on-line in its entirety.

 

[Nyingjé Tso]

Vanakkam,

Go to a temple, have darshan, observe, feel and connect. Meditate on the floor in front of Sri Krsna. See if you feel at ease with Him. I am a desperatly shy person like you, so my first time at temple wasn't quite the ray of light I expected. I ended up seatd in a corner near SivLingam....and it went better. I was at home with Him. There was not a crowded temple anymore, just me and God. That is the most wonderful feeling.
Stay determined, come there after puja and observe people, do the same. With darshan you will learn to feel the subtle presence of God with you.
Going to temple is a good way to start IMHO. It even become somewhat addictive Now I wait all day for going to temple like a woman waiting to see her lover ! XD I just feel so at home. It is the most astounding after puja, when I touch the parad lingam of the temple....it is like a real physical feeling, like waves on your hands. When you feel that Illykitty, you know God is here, and that is the most heartwarming and beautiful feeling you can feel.
A shrine at home is a good way to start practice, but for now don't bother too much about doing everything right. It will comes to you at right time. And you won't hated or punished by God for not doibg puja.

Aum Namah Sivaya

 

[Poeticus]

Don't jump in yet. Watch from afar. Take your time.

 

[Kalidas]

I think "wise ones" like ShivaFan, Vinayaka, Lemaster etc here will be better positioned to answer this simple yet-not-so question.

One thing I can say for sure is, bringing home a murthy of Hanuman ji (and doing puja now and then, also listening to Hanuman Chalisa) will make you into a Hindu immediately.

So from there you can explore Krishna, your Ishta, or anything else, based on your growing and all.

best wishes
KT

I"M A WISE ONE!? I feel so special lol okay I'll do my best.

Okay conversion IS confusing and different but exciting and even fun.I felt like (and still do most of the time) a child.

It actually took me a year (yes one entire year) before I began to actually even practice. MV gave some good advice actually sitting and watching is not bad at all. But if you feel ready to jump in don't worry TO MUCH about rituals and practice. I'm 100% positive my daily puja is far from "standard". Just try and see how it feels (it does have a feel). Puja can be as elaborate or as simple as you want. If you are not sure if Krishna is in fact whom you want to worship try many Gods. Most people start with gnesha. Genesha is know to create or destroy obstacles to help you get on the right track. I had a friend gave me the advice to worship a different deity pretty much everyday until one "felt right". One day Kali Maa just entered my thoughts after worshiping her that day and she has never left.

Hinduism is cool in that we are not dominated by dogma. Don't worry to much on what books or others say is the 100% ONLY way this can be done. Worry a lot more on how it feels and whether it works.

 

[Maija]

Everyone's advice is good. Practice for worship of Sri Krishna: Bhagavad Gita 3.9, 9.26, 18.65. Love for Krishna, thinking of him all the time and service to and love for others is the best puja you can do for him. There is nothing better he asks.

Btw if you want to read about his life read the Srimad Bhagavatam Canto X (chapter 10). You can find it on-line in its entirety.

Good advice from another wise one!
Now we just need to hear from Ratikala and we will be almost complete

 

[Kalicharan Tuvij]

Good advice from another wise one!
Now we just need to hear from Ratikala and we will be almost complete

Yeah thats right!!

pranam

 

[Jainarayan]

Good advice from another wise one!
Now we just need to hear from Ratikala and we will be almost complete

I am honored. :namaste

 

[illykitty]

Wow so many replies, right now I'm really tired (and my eyes are a bit blurry) but tomorrow I'll have a real good look at all the replies.

By the suggestions, I'm trying to contact a temple nearby and maybe I can have enough courage to visit. Its named Shree Krishna Mandir, so I guess it's also the right place to go to!

But yes, I am painfully shy and it's going to be hard... But hopefully I find this to be what I've been seeking for many years.

I also have a fascination with Kali Ma, saw her name pop up a lot but I'm not sure.

 

[Kalidas]

Wow so many replies, right now I'm really tired (and my eyes are a bit blurry) but tomorrow I'll have a real good look at all the replies.

By the suggestions, I'm trying to contact a temple nearby and maybe I can have enough courage to visit. Its named Shree Krishna Mandir, so I guess it's also the right place to go to!

But yes, I am painfully shy and it's going to be hard... But hopefully I find this to be what I've been seeking for many years.

I also have a fascination with Kali Ma, saw her name pop up a lot but I'm not sure.

Kalicharan and I are devoted to her. Many see her as scary, I see her as mother. Most devotees (most okay guys MOST lol) worship her in the sort of "mother child" relationship. She is our mother and takes on the many attributes a mother would take on. She gave birth to us, as apparent by her swollen breasts she also feeds us from her body, yet she also destroys (mostly your ego)

Try not to get to overwhelmed though, just take your time let the Gods, God, Goddesses, Goddess etc etc come to you. I promise they will not leave you in the dark very long

 

[Kalicharan Tuvij]

Kalicharan and I are devoted to her. Many see her as scary, I see her as mother. Most devotees (most okay guys MOST lol) worship her in the sort of "mother child" relationship. She is our mother and takes on the many attributes a mother would take on. She gave birth to us, as apparent by her swollen breasts she also feeds us from her body, yet she also destroys (mostly your ego)

Try not to get to overwhelmed though, just take your time let the Gods, God, Goddesses, Goddess etc etc come to you. I promise they will not leave you in the dark very long

Yes. I don't know what to add.
In Veda she is called "ILA" and her foot (hence "KaliCharan": foot of Kali), is said to drop "ghee" (Ilapada). She is also said to accept "human-like" (read ego) sacrifice. She is also said to be the Mother-Teacher to all mankind.

 

[ratikala]

namaskaram illy ji :namaste

Okay, I've finally decided that I'll try Sanatana Dharma, Vaishnavaite path for a bit, because I seem drawn to Krishna particularly.

jai jai , .... and with janmasthami coming up this is a good time to make a visit to the temple , but yes , the best advice that so many have given , just take it gently , if you visit any temple and explain that you wish to take darshan of sri krsna you can just sit for a while and contemplate , prehaps you will find out what draws you to krsna ? ... do you feel drawn to bala gopal (baby krsna) , ...to cowheard boy krsna , ... to radha krsna , ... or ot anoter of the many forms of krsna ?

I've only read the Bhagavad Gita, know a little about beliefs but don't know much about practice. I don't really know where to go from here... Does anyone have advice?

Thank you!

which temples do you have localy ? ... the practice will differ a little ... even a lot depending very much on the tradition of the temple .

if you can find any temple with bhagavad gita classes this will be most usefull , and good way to get to know people , and dont even be worried if they are childrens classes , once people get to know you most temples are like one loving family , you will find the children calling you auntie ji

and when you visit the temple you might like to take some flowers , maybe a very nice small posey you can make your self and ask if you can offer it to krsna , a pujari will help you to offer it , sometimes they will let you lay it at the foot of the shrine , sometimes they will do it for you , but is a very nice thing to do .

also if you do not know how to greet new people at the temple , .... jai sri krsna ... is universally accepted ...

best wishes and .... 'Jai sri Krsna' :namaste