Hinduism is the religion with the largest number of adherents in India and is now the oldest religion in the world. With around one million adherents, Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world. Now Hinduism has spread throughout the world and is truly a global religion. Although several millennia have passed since Hinduism was first discovered, some of the main principles of the past are still at the core of Hindu religious philosophy. If you are interested in becoming a Hindu, learning and following these principles is your first step to enlightenment.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Learning the Basics of Hinduism
Step 1. Learn the basic concepts of Hinduism
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world which dates back even before recorded history in the Indian subcontinent. It is important that you start studying this religion by appreciating its basic elements.
- Trine is a concept in Hinduism that describes the cosmic functions of creation, maintenance, and destruction in the form of Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Sustainer, and Shiva the Destroyer or Modifier. However, in most of the Puranic scriptures, Brahma's creative activity was dependent on the presence and power of a greater deity.
- Traditionally, Hinduism applies strict social groupings called Color System which divides society into four castes. Brahmins (priests), Ksatriyas (nobles and kings), Vaishyas (craftsmen and farmers or businessmen) and Sudras (workers). There is also a myth that there is a fifth caste that is very high and outside the Color System, but that is not true. Hinduism does not classify people into certain categories and classes. The Color System only determines the color quality of a person. A person can have all the qualities of color with one of the qualities being more prominent.
- Karma is a system of cause and effect that determines that a person's intentions and actions will affect everything that happens in his life. Each person carves his own destiny through the actions in his life. If someone does good, the reward is also good.
- Dharma is God's law that governs the universe. If we follow dharma, our soul will be in harmony and one step closer to God, truth and justice.
- Reincarnation or also known as punarjanma is the cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth. Instead of the afterlife as taught in Judeo-Christian religion, Hindus believe that the eternal soul will continue to exist after the death of the body and be reborn into a new body. The person's actions during life (his karma) affect the rebirth of his soul (for example, as a lower living being). Once a person completes or perfects his karma, his soul is freed from the cycle of reincarnation.
- Hinduism also traditionally believes in chakra. There are 7 chakras or energy points located throughout the body and connected to a person's soul. Religious adherents can purify or open the chakras by means of yoga meditation.
- Although there are various perspectives regarding Almighty and gods, all followers of Hinduism worship Sang Hyang Widhi who is never changing, always present, eternal, intangible, and the embodiment of pure love.
Step 2. Embrace pluralism
Hinduism is more accepting and even upholds pluralism than most other religions. Hinduism is open to various activities and traditions.
- The phrase in Hinduism that reads, “May good thoughts come to us from all sides,” reflects the open and receptive nature of Hinduism. This implies that everyone can (and should) seek enlightenment from a variety of sources and perspectives, rather than from just one dogma.
- Hinduism does not require us to believe in one particular belief system. Hinduism also does not believe in a single view, reality, or specific way of getting close to God.
- Contemporary Hindus tend to practice tolerance and acceptance as important religious virtues, rather than being exclusive and narrow-minded.
Step 3. Study the main schools of Hinduism
There are 4 main schools of Hinduism. Although they have differences, these four schools have the same goal, which is to lead the soul to divine destiny.
- In the flow Saiwism, Hindus worship Shiva as God (the Most Merciful). Saiwiste (followers of this school) value self-discipline, following teachers, worshiping temples, and practicing yoga in order to unite with Shiva.
- adherents sactism worship God in the form of the Divine Mother, Sakti or Devi, and use chanting, magic, yoga, and other rituals to channel cosmic energy and awaken one's spinal chakra.
- In flow Vaishnavism, its adherents see God in the form of Lord Vishnu and his incarnations, namely Krishna and Rama. Vaisnawiste (followers of this school) highly revere and uphold holy people, temples, and scriptures.
- adherents Smartism worship God in six representatives, namely Ganesha, Shiva, Sakti, Vishnu, Surya, and Skanda. Adherents of this sect recognize all the major deities of Hinduism, and are therefore renowned as the most liberal or non-sectarian sect. They follow a philosophical and meditative path, and hope to unite with God through understanding.
Step 4. Read the main scriptures of Hinduism
These books were written at different times in the history of Hinduism and offer different perspectives on the various teachings of Hinduism.
- Bhagavad Gita (usually considered part of a larger book, the Mahabharata), is the main scripture of Hinduism. This book is set out in the form of a philosophical dialogue between Krishna and the warrior Arjuna. The Bhagavadgita is considered to be the most popular and easy-to-read scripture and is ideal for beginners who are interested in Hinduism.
- Vedas is another major Hindu religious scripture. There are 4 Vedic books (Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda) which contain hymns, mantras, rituals and views of daily life unique to ancient India.
- Upanishads tells how the soul (atman) unites with the ultimate truth (brahma). This is achieved through contemplation and meditation, as well as practicing good karma.
- Puranas offers narrative stories about the Universe, from creation to destruction as well as tales of kings, heroes, and demigods.
Step 5. Familiarize yourself with Hindu deities
In the Hindu pantheon, Gods/Goddesses have various forms and appear in various beings. While it is generally said that there are more than 330 million sacred creatures of Hindu religion, there are some that are more famous or prominent and you should try to learn about them.
- Ganesha (elephant god) is the son of Shiva and is considered the god of success.
- Brahma is the Creator.
- Vishnu is the Preserver.
- Shiva is the Destroyer.
- Lakshmi is the Goddess of all prosperity.
Part 2 of 3: Embracing Hinduism
Step 1. Join a Hindu religious community
The first step to perfecting an ethical conversion to Hinduism is to join a Hindu religious community.
- Search for Hindu temples nearby where you live online and visit them to learn more about Hindu religious communities and activities.
- The goal of joining a Hindu religious community is to be accepted by local Hindus and get their help to carry out the daily fan constant rituals (see the section Practicing Hinduism).
- If you don't have a Hindu temple where you live, you can join an online community so you can at least connect with your fellow Hindus virtually.
Step 2. Distinguish your past and present beliefs
The next step of converting is to make a list of your differences in beliefs in your previous religion and the beliefs that Hinduism teaches. This will help you remember what things you will leave behind and will apply after changing religions.
Step 3. Cut off your relationship with past mentors
One of the most important elements of Hindu philosophy is detachment and you can start to implement it by leaving your mentors and sources of influence in your past life, especially if they were not supportive. Your decision to change religion.
- New converts are strongly advised to share their motivations for converting with previous mentors and provide opportunities for mentors to change their minds.
- A new convert should request a termination letter from previous mentors to signify that he has ended his involvement with his former religion in order to convert to Hinduism.
Step 4. Use a Hindu name
New converts will be required to legally change their name and use a Hindu name as part of their conversion process.
- Hindu names are usually taken from names from Sanskrit or Indian and are inspired by Hindu gods and goddesses.
- Technically, a person will be required to change his first and last name and apply that name to all his personal documents (driving license, passport, employment files, etc.) legally.
- Popular Hindu names for men include Aaray (peace, wisdom, musical notes), Viyaan (first sunshine, full of life), and Aditya (sun). For women, popular names include Saanyi (Goddess Lakshmi), Aanya (elegant), and Aadhya (Goddess Durga).
Step 5. Hold a traditional Hindu naming ceremony
This ceremony, which is also called the name karan sasnskara, is performed at the temple and is the venue for the naming of the Hindu religion, the taking of oaths, and the signing of certificates of conversion.
Step 6. Announce your conversion
After all the steps above have been completed, the new convert will be asked to make an announcement 3 days in a row in the local newspaper regarding the change of name and conversion. This announcement must be copied and kept as proof of conversion.
Step 7. Enjoy the welcome ceremony
To celebrate your conversion to Hinduism, a traditional vratyastoma ceremony will be held for you.
Part 3 of 3: Practicing Hinduism
Step 1. Do not do violence and be kind to all living beings
Hinduism believes that all living things are sacred and must be loved and respected. As a Hindu, try to be more considerate of all living things, big or small.
- Do not think, speak, and intend harshly (ahimsa). In other words, try not to hurt other living beings' hearts and bodies with your actions, words, or thoughts.
- Consider becoming a vegetarian. Many Hindus, though not all, are vegetarians to show that they care and respect animal life.
- Although all animals are considered sacred in Hinduism, cows are considered sacred animals. Based on an ancient Hindu story, the first cow, Mother Surabhi, was a treasure created from the cosmic ocean.
- Beef is never present in Hindu religious dishes and the 5 by-products of cows, namely milk, curd, butter, urine, and feces, are considered sacred objects.
- Feeding animals is considered an important and sacred duty (a dharma). Most Hindu households will offer food to ants as part of a ritual or give elephants sweet treats on special holidays.
Step 2. Perform 5 daily tasks (Panca Maha Yadnya)
This daily duty, or devotion, is performed by all Hindu households.
- Brahma Yadnya is an act of devotion to the Brahmans by teaching and studying ancient texts.
- God Yadnya is an act of devotion to the Gods and the elements of the universe by lighting a fire.
- Pitra Yadnya is an act of filial piety to the ancestors by offering water.
- Bhuta Yadnya It is an act of filial piety to all beings by offering food to all living beings.
Step 3. Perform the five main tasks (Pancha Nitya Karma)
In addition to the five daily tasks mentioned above, Hindus also apply five karma or religious duties, as below:
- Someone must chasing the truth (dharma) and live virtuously with chastity, respect, self-control, detachment, unselfishness, and the search for truth.
- Someone must make a pilgrimage (tirtayatra) by visiting people, temples, or holy pilgrimage sites on a regular basis. This kind of trip provides freedom from the routine of life so that it refreshes your mind. Pilgrimages also help build a sense of community in the family because all family members make pilgrimages together.
- Someone must celebrating holy days (Utsawa) by taking part in various festivals, celebrating holy days in homes and temples, and fasting. Hindu sages say that intermittent fasting protects the body from disease, restores the body's healing powers, and restores the mind by getting rid of lust, anger, envy, ego, and envy.
- Someone must administer the sacrament (samskara) as stated in the scriptures and which mark one's path through life.
- Someone must declare that God is everywhere (Sarwa Brahma) and considers God to be in all kinds of beings.
Step 4. Worship the gods through Puja
Puja is the main act of worship in Hinduism.
- Puja can be done in a temple or at home.
- Puja is the worship of Hindu deities by bathing the statue or relic with milk, curd, honey, butter, and water, then adorning the statue or relic with patterned cloth, jewellery, flowers, sandalwood, and incense.
Step 5. Do other Hindu religious activities
In addition to the traditional activities mentioned above, also consider doing various Hindu religious activities that are now increasingly lively in mainstream culture.
- Ayurveda is an ancient Hindu religious system for holistic healing and wellness that has recently gained prominence in the West.
- Hatha Yoga has been adapted from Hindu religious activities as a way to introduce meditation to the wider community.
- Say, "Namaste," while clasping both hands in front of the chest is now known as a polite way of greeting people.
Tips
- You don't have to believe all the concepts! Remember, Hinduism encourages us to question our beliefs. For example, some Hindus adhere to the notion of creation.
- Hinduism encourages everyone's Subjective Truths (i.e. any idea or activity that can strengthen you by remembering more). That's why there are various forms of gods and goddesses. You are given the freedom to choose any deity in the Hindu pantheon of gods and goddesses. Choose the deities according to your Subjective Truth.
- If you choose to go vegetarian, check the labels of each food product to make sure there are no animal ingredients and especially beef (which can include gelatin).
- Never eat beef as this is forbidden.
