iv been doing some thinking and as dangerous as it is i have some thoughts a want some advice on.
i have a strong connection to hinduism in its many forms and its many deities. dose anyone on here have any similar connections or do you come from a hindu family or background?

i want to know how much significance do the holy books have in the different sects of hinduism and why?

can some one create there own puja rituals or are ther set ones that have to be followed ?

can anyone become hindu and if they choose this path are they bond to only this way of life?

can an individual have a personal understanding / relationship with the gods they choose without having to read any of the holy books?

could hinduism be considered pagan ?

all thoughts welcome.

This is a huge subject, Warlok, and your questions are wide ranging I've some experience and knowledge of some of the Hindu approaches. My partner is Hindu, and spent a few years in the Hare Krishnas a while back (before they went a little crazy). My own spiritual path is heavily influenced by Hindu philosophy and theology. My 'conversion' from atheist to theist was aided by Krishna.



It depends on the sect, and the particular philosophical approach. You need to understand that Hinduism is very very broad, far broader in its beliefs, practices and philosophies than any other religion out there (except possibly western paganism ). Some rely heavily on scripture, some don't. Have you any approach in mind?



There are a wide variety of approaches to that, too. Most of the pujas are old, and detailed in the scriptures. However, I know many Hindus who adapt and shape them to their own needs.



Yes, anyone can become a Hindu, certainly in terms of beliefs and practices - the 'religious' and 'spiritual' bits. Culturally, I'd say possibly not - that's arguable though. How do you mean, "bond only to this way of life"?



Not sure I completely understand this question either, sorry Warlok. You can certainly have a personal relationship with any of the Hindu deities without having to be 'fixed' to scripture, in most Hindu approaches anyway. Most Hindu branches would tell you to "suck it and see", i.e. read the scriptures about a particular deity, talk to other devotees of the deity, then build your own relationship with him/her.

Again, there is a HUGE variety of practice, belief and interpretation within Hinduism - it's very hard not to find a branch or sect that doesn't resonate with your own experience. You could even (for example) be a Hindu and be a devotee of Brighid, or Thor, or whoever. Or even not be a devotee of any deity - there are atheist Hindu branches and philosophies.



If one subscribes to the theory that any non-Abrahamic belief system is pagan, then yes I suppose one could. Most Hindus I have known would say not, however some do regard pagans with some affinity. In all the times I've self-labelled as 'pagan' to a Hindu, I've always been treated with the greatest respect.



I hope I can help, but as I said, your questions are big general ones! If I may ask, what's inspired you or brought you to this place (the place of asking about Hinduism, not UKP ).

Caerthan

edited for accuracy

Hey Warlok.

I know according to your blog you are in Surrey, but I have to admit that means nothing to me.... in the sense that I couldnt point out Surrey on a map!

My point... well I have a list of Hindu temples, adn I have to assume that one of them is close to you!

I think, honestly, that you would be best speaking to someone from that faith about the questions you have. Im not saying people here cant help... but really, if you want the best information on a faith, go to someone of that faith. I am sure that they would be more than happy to speak to you. I dont think that Hindus care who or what ethnicity people are that their gods talk to and I think you might get more satisfying answers by speaking to their equivalent of a Priest, Imam, etc etc.

Hindu Temples UK

I would wholeheartedly second this advice. Also, try a number of different temples and groups - they all have different perspectives. They would also be more than happy to recommend other temples or groups that 'fit' you more.



Yup, they don't generally give a hoot about ethnicity.

The only caveat I would add is, I would avoid the Hare Krishna groups. They're the only evangelical Hindu group out there, and they will try and make a grab for you. I've a strong dislike of evangelism in any form, hence my caveat. YMMV though.

Caerthan

Ok, Short anectdote coming up about Hinduism.

In the early 1990s My brother Attended a London University, One of his freinds was a Hindu Lad. He became my Brothers Best freind and best Man at my Brothers (Moselm wedding*)
This Lad's father Died suddenly and My Brothers Freind Suddenly found himself catapulted to the Head of the Family Role. Well to be in your ealry 20's and having to officiate at your Fathers Funerall was a tad stresfull. So he asked his mother if he could have a Bit of Moral Support and a Freindly Face and could My Brother Attend the funeral?
Yes sure no problem at all. As long as he respected it.
So for one day My Brother was a Hindu, He wore the Mark on his head, took his shoes off and ate Vegitarian.
And it was Fine, He found it a intresting experice and gave him a insight into the culture that not many of us have.

Now my brother is a Total Aithiest, Belives in one life is all you get, No God (or Allah) has a very scientific mindset.

So in his experice he found them very open and welcoming to a "outsider"

*thats a story in itself.

I read this post a while back and meant to reply - great topic

I'd just concur with the advice that you should go ask Hindus

I grew up in Leicester and spent much of my formative years in a largely Hindu community - absolutely loved it, so colourful. Every Diwali we'd make diva lamps and act out the story of Rama and Sita; dad would take me down Belgrave road (largest Diwali calibration outside India) and I'd eat sweets 'til I was sick and buy saris. Very happy times which stayed with me strongly. From the age of about 16-18, and far removed from Leicester, I really started to explore Hindu deities and work with them. Still extremely fond of them in my heart and at one point considered becoming Hindu myself.

As with Buddhism, what stops me is male attitude and the role of women. It's hard being an adherent of any organised religion as an equalacist lol

I think the answer to your question of whether you can become one is largely 'yes' but Hinduism - although one overall religion - has many, many various sects and some you would not fit. Same with Buddhism. There are places you can go an things you can become and there are those you cannot, or at least not readily. But many Hindus are very welcoming and embrace new people. As already said though, religion is one thing, culture is another - you will never be Indian

But I'd be really interested to hear how it goes. Let me know if you do pursue it - would make an excellent blog.

Best of luck with it x

Actually, one thing I would be very interested to know is how you are cast as a non-Indian entering Hinduism. Is there a cast marked "for'gner" lol - 'Untouchable Back-Packing Bum' or the cast of 'Accountant'

Caste is related to Indian society, not the Hindu religion. It's a bit like saying "If I become an Anglican, will I be working, middle or upper class?"

Caerthan

But in Indian culture, for instance, Brahmins are usually of the upper echolines. So, in Western society, could one with no caste become a Brhamin? Would it influence your standing in certain sects. I revoke what I said before about religion and culture aside actually, that's silly - they both penetrate one another.

Religion and culture do indeed interpenetrate one another.

Indian caste politics is an incredibly complex subject to get to grips with, and one I don't pretend to understand to any great depth. Try the Caste System In India wiki page for a taste. Like all things Hindu, it's like a room full of tangled coathangers

It all depends on the sect, and the location, but a Westerner could go into 'official' Hinduism and become a Brahmin. Bear in mind that a Brahmin functions as a scholar, teacher and/or priest, so a combination of study, temple time and initiation could lead to one becoming a Brahmin. As I said, though, it depends on the sect and the location (in India or in the West) on whether one would be accepted as such. My partner became a Brahmin in the Hare Krishnas.

Caerthan