Why Hinduism?

[GoodbyeDave]

I have come to the conclusion that I'm an ex-Christian. But I think one needs to be something, and not just make up a private religion. If an ex-atheist went to a Christian and asked why they should accept Christianity, they would get a detailed answer. So if you are asked why one not born a Hindu should consider the religion, what would you say?

Of course, I realise that there is a difference. Christianity teaches that it's the one true way, and Hinduism doesn't. It's like Orthodox Judaism, which discourages conversion on the grounds that if you aren't born a Jew, God didn't want you to be one. Nevertheless, I'm sure some of you have persuasive arguments. The beauty of the Gita and the Upanishads certainly impresses me, for a start.

 

[Vinayaka]

I don't think you can just decide to start believing in something. You either have a disposition to it or you don't. If you believe in karma, reincarnation, God (not necessarily separate from you), ethical behaviour that aligns with Hinduism, than maybe you're a Hindu. Then again, maybe not.

Because we have a habit of not seeking out converts, this is actually pretty hard. Generally people come to us, we don't go to them.

But keep asking questions for your own clarification.

 

[Jainarayan]

So if you are asked why one not born a Hindu should consider the religion, what would you say?

Of course, I realise that there is a difference. Christianity teaches that it's the one true way, and Hinduism doesn't. It's like Orthodox Judaism, which discourages conversion on the grounds that if you aren't born a Jew, God didn't want you to be one.

I don't think, as Vinayaka said, one can decide to start believing in something. Been there, done that, doesn't work. There are people who believe that you can't be Hindu unless you are born Hindu. They are certainly entitled to their opinions, but my opinion is a resounding "they're wrong!!!"

That said... search your feelings and beliefs and see if they line up with what you believe Hinduism to be. They won't line up 100% but that's OK. If you accept what the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads teach, without any reservations, and they reflect your own beliefs, well then, I'd say you're Hindu.

Fwiw, that's partially how I was drawn to Hinduism (the rest of the story is another essay, but it involves Goddess Saraswati and a guitar ). I always had certain beliefs, even as a teenager, and always believed in the deities (though not everyone does, and it's not a requirement). It turns out that my beliefs were very much in line with Hinduism, before I even knew it.

 

[Poeticus]

So if you are asked why one not born a Hindu should consider the religion, what would you say?

David,

Why are Gaudiya-s making inroads in
terms of dharma in certain, various
countries? It is a simple answer: their
lifestyles are helping those in need come
together and work for the betterment
of society, helping them heal mentally,
emotionally, and spiritually.

For example, these Krishna-raps demonstrate
what I am trying to convey very clearly:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=[youtube]DwSZpSN4b00[/youtube]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=[youtube]8umnwAG1N08[/youtube]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=[youtube]n1bzRXJujog[/youtube]​

 

[Fireside_Hindu]

I have come to the conclusion that I'm an ex-Christian. But I think one needs to be something, and not just make up a private religion. If an ex-atheist went to a Christian and asked why they should accept Christianity, they would get a detailed answer. So if you are asked why one not born a Hindu should consider the religion, what would you say?

Of course, I realise that there is a difference. Christianity teaches that it's the one true way, and Hinduism doesn't. It's like Orthodox Judaism, which discourages conversion on the grounds that if you aren't born a Jew, God didn't want you to be one. Nevertheless, I'm sure some of you have persuasive arguments. The beauty of the Gita and the Upanishads certainly impresses me, for a start.

I think you'll find most Hindus hesitant to "make a pitch" for their religion. Hindus in general don't really have an invested interest in converting people. But our arms are open to any who wish to begin practicing. If you wish to find out whether Hinduism is right for you, read through some of the forum, do online research and library research. That will give you the answer you need.

:camp:

 

[StarryNightshade]

I have come to the conclusion that I'm an ex-Christian. But I think one needs to be something, and not just make up a private religion. If an ex-atheist went to a Christian and asked why they should accept Christianity, they would get a detailed answer. So if you are asked why one not born a Hindu should consider the religion, what would you say?

Of course, I realise that there is a difference. Christianity teaches that it's the one true way, and Hinduism doesn't. It's like Orthodox Judaism, which discourages conversion on the grounds that if you aren't born a Jew, God didn't want you to be one. Nevertheless, I'm sure some of you have persuasive arguments. The beauty of the Gita and the Upanishads certainly impresses me, for a start.

First, like others have said, I don't think you just "start" believing something. It takes soul searching and the willingness to learn, and soon you start to realize what it is that you truly believe. It appears that you already are taking that first step.

With me, once I stopped being an immature "I'm better than all religious people" anti-theist, I took a long, hard look into what it was I believed. I searched through various faiths, and Hinduism was the one that resonated well with the beliefs I already held.

Second, I wouldn't say Hindus discourage converts, but they don't seek them out either. In general, they allow people to come to them. Actually, I think one of the only Hindu groups which does actively proselytize is ISKCON.

 

[Sb1995]

We don't have to tell you why. Dont take that the wrong way . We don't convert people nor tell them that our religion is the best etc etc

 

[Poeticus]

We don't have to tell you why. Dont take that the wrong way . We don't convert people nor tell them that our religion is the best etc etc

Well various sampradayas do
convert ardent wishers.

Did you enjoy the Krishna-raps?
They're linked above in my post.
​

 

[Sb1995]

Well various sampradayas do
convert ardent wishers.

Did you enjoy the Krishna-raps?
They're linked above in my post.
​

Just shows that Hindu dharma is spreading in Africa . Interesting to see the fastest growing religion in Ghana is Hinduism. Not that I care about numbers or anything but its interesting how it reaches such places worldwide

 

[ShivaFan]

Well David, you seem to be a fine gent!

Firstly, if you are looking at Hinduism because you decided you "hate" or "dislike" or "feel hurt (by)" (etc) some other religion, such as Christianity but it doesn't matter which, then that is not the path to Hinduism. Do not come to Hinduism to "take revenge" on some other religion.

But if you are coming to Hinduism because you are attracted ("love") or feel ("like") an association, because you "feel awakened" (by) such, then that is a sign of your calling to Hinduism.

I think it is the later. Because you used two words, Upanishads and Gita ("The beauty of the Gita and the Upanishads certainly impresses me")... surely the word beauty reveals a calling to that, rather than a walking away from another.

So I say Welcome, please enjoy! Is there any particular Devata that seems to be calling you? I bet if you give a few more clues, I can suggest. But you will know. It can first start with your eyes (seeing), or it could be your ears (hearing of).

You don't have to be "born", but you were born. And perhaps you are now feeling what you were born of in your heart!

Om Namah Sivaya

 

[Aupmanyav]

So if you are asked why one not born a Hindu should consider the religion, what would you say?

Freedom of thought. Most important reason. No fetters. I am a strong atheist but Hinduism has a place for me. Adherance to duties and righteous action (dharma) for a peaceful society.

 

[Aupmanyav]

Poeticus, I notice your new signature. (Have I not drunk Soma)

 

[Poeticus]

(Have I not drunk Soma)

What about this one?

कुवित्षिवस्रेगलस्यापामिति​

​

 

[Omkara]

Because it provides answers to these questions-

1.Why would an omnipotent and omnibenevolent God allow evil?
2.Why are people born unequal?
3.Why did God create anything at all?

i.e. it provides a workable theodicy.

 

[Maya3]

Because diverse beliefs are ok.
Because it does not contradict science and evolution.
Because it helps you find that you are part of God.
Because it accepts you the way you are.
Because it teaches that everything IS God and that animals, even the smallest insects and or a flower are also part of God.
Because it teaches Ahmisa, non violence.
Because it's free, no strict rules that tells you that you must do this or that, or believe this or that.
What counts is if you are a good compassionate person and is trying your best to be kind and helpful and serve others.
There is no fear of hell, no fear of God.
It teaches that if you want you can meditate on AUM and you hear and feel that you are THAT.
And yes because the Gita and Upanishads are incredible.
I could go on and on...

Maya

 

[Poeticus]

Just shows that Hindu dharma is spreading in Africa . Interesting to see the fastest growing religion in Ghana is Hinduism. Not that I care about numbers or anything but its interesting how it reaches such places worldwide

I want to travel to
Ghana one day in
the future!​

 

[Poeticus]

I want to travel to
Ghana one day in
the future!​

And Madagascar.​

Ghana and Madagascar.​

 

[GoodbyeDave]

My thanks to those who have offered some answers.

Firstly, if you are looking at Hinduism because you decided you "hate" or "dislike" or "feel hurt (by)" (etc) some other religion, such as Christianity but it doesn't matter which, then that is not the path to Hinduism.
But if you are coming to Hinduism because you are attracted ("love") or feel ("like") an association, because you "feel awakened" (by) such, then that is a sign of your calling to Hinduism. I think it is the later. Because you used two words, Upanishads and Gita ("The beauty of the Gita and the Upanishads certainly impresses me")... surely the word beauty reveals a calling to that, rather than a walking away from another.

If I no longer feel a Christian, it's certainly not with any feeling of antagonism. I think you're right in saying that being impressed by beauty is important. As an intellectual, I tend to seek philosophical arguments, probably too much.

Because diverse beliefs are ok.
Because it teaches that everything IS God and that animals, even the smallest insects and or a flower are also part of God.

The first is good news, since I'm not too sure about the second!

 

[Poeticus]

Glad to hear back from you, David!
Please keep in mind that not all
Hindus believe that "God" is "every
thing" and is "every where". For
example, I am a polytheist Hindu
who believes in 33 Gods, and I do
not hold to the pan[en]theistic view.​

 

[Maya3]

:

The first is good news, since I'm not too sure about the second!

If you think of God in the Abrahamic sense that it is a separate being that is somewhere upstairs. Then yes it's hard to think of God in a piece of grass.
But if you think of God as one energy encompassing the whole universe, pervading everything, then you cannot really leave anything out.

But again, yes the first is good news, so it doesn't matter if you are not sure.
We cant prove anything so it doesn't matter. Who knows who is right?

Maya