How to Become a Hindu - Himalayan Academy

497 Pages·2012·22.37 MB·English

by  Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami

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BB HOW TO BECOME A HINDU
Srimadjagadguru Shankaracharya, Goverdhan Math, Puri,
Orissa, India, Sri Swami Nischalananda Saraswatiji Maharaj
On the basis of philosophy, Sanatan Vedic Aryan Hindu Dharma
accepts godliness in all living beings. Vasudhaiva kutumbakam:
“The whole world is one family.” All living beings are children of
the Immortal Power, God or Ishwara. Hindu Dharma sends out
a message for all persons to be free from agony and fear, and
to be healthy, happy and pious. ¶The Hindu Dharma is like the
holy river Ganga, whereas all other sects, faiths and religions are like canals from
Ganga. The existence and utility of all other religions depend upon Hindu Dharma.
The Holy Quran, etc., do not recommend cow slaughter. Instead, they support cow
protection. In this situation, all those who fi nd their roots in the Vedas, who accept
the holiness of the cow and believe in protecting the cow family can become Hin-
dus, while keeping others’ welfare in mind. But it is proper to follow the tradition for
social arts, like food, marriage, etc. Based on this principle, any person who has faith
in the Vedas, believes that India is a pious land (punya bhoomi), who has sympathy
and wants to protect the cow is acceptable to His Holiness as a Hindu. ¶Those have
been proselytized by deceptive methods or by physical force must be permitted to
go back to their original religion on the principles of human rights. Such persons
form the majority of Muslims and Christians in India. They can be brought back to
the Hindu fold by creating the proper atmosphere, providing proper facility and by
love and aff ection. ¶Amongst Hindus who have gone astray, due to the infl uence
of Western education, communism, existentialism and materialism, a proper re-
education program is required. They need enlightenment in the scientifi c basics of
Hindu philosophy, principles of Dharma Rajya (rightful government) and Ram Rajya
(just government). This book, especially the story of Sri Sita Ram Goel, is very edu-
cative. Thus, it is proper to give practical form to the principle of becoming Hindu,
while keeping a racial and genetic priority in view. This elucidative book will provide
immense help to those who wish to enter the Hindu fold, and also the younger
generation of Hindus living outside India.
Swami Asimatmananda, for Srimat Swami
Ranganathanandaji, President, Belur Ramakrishna
Math and Mission, West Bengal, India
Revered Maharaj appreciates this honest effort to guide
sincere seekers wishing to follow the Hindu way of life. He
points out that the doors of Hinduism had been kept closed
to “outsiders” for centuries. Swami Vivekananda himself gave
his famous call to Hindus to broaden their outlook. One of his
interviews on conversion has been qouted in detail in the book. There are many
devotees associated with the Ramak rishna Order who were not born into the
Hindu faith but have accepted Hindu names of their own accord. Scores among
them have gone on to take, and faithfully keep, formal lifelong vows of brah-
macharya and sannyasa. ¶The Prabuddha Bharata, the monthly English journal
of our order, has been serializing, since February, a transcript of a question and
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answer session conducted by Revered Swami Ranaganathanandaji Maharaj at is always ready to embrace the true seeker..
Chicago, in1982, at the request of the local Vedanta Society. In it, several questions
pertaining to Hinduism, including about conversion, have been answered by re-
Pandit Vamadeva Shastri (Dr. David Frawley), Vedacharya;
vered Maharaj. Revered Maharaj conveys his love to Satguru Swamiji as well as to all Director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies;
the inmates of Kauai’s Hindu Monastery. Author, How I Became a Hindu; Santa Fe, New Mexico
Many people throughout the world are attracted to the Hindu
religion because of its great yogis and powerful spiritual prac-
Dada J.P. Vaswani, head of the worldwide Sadhu
Vaswani Mission, renowned Sindhi religious tices. However, if they want to become Hindus, they are told,
leader and eloquent lecturer, Pune, India even by Hindus, that it is not possible. Or, if it is possible, they
True conversion is not a mere change of label but an in- are not given an easy way to do so. The result is that people
ner transformation of mind and heart. The great task that looking for a higher religious identity, such as they see in Hinduism, will become
lies ahead of us is that of converting Hindus—in India and Buddhists or try to accommodate themselves to their original religious back-
abroad—into true Hindus, acutely aware of the rich heritage grounds that they found wanting in the fi rst place. ¶Many people have the miscon-
that belongs to them as children of the ancient rishis of Bharat- ception that Hinduism does not take on new members, and some Hindus seem to
varsha. The emphasis of the rishis was not on words but on life. When the Hindus confi rm this. They identify Hinduism with caste or with some India-based ethnic-
bear witness in deeds of daily living to the great ideals of Sanatana Dharma, then ity, not with a global religion, though this has always been its basis as Sanatana
indeed will India shine once again in the splendor of the new morning sun. Hence Dharma, the universal or eternal tradition of truth. ¶Now at last a modern Hindu
the value of How to Become a Hindu. It has been written with clarity of thought, teacher addresses this issue of conversion to Hinduism directly, with kindness and
perceptivity of mind, a depth of feeling and a great sense of commitment. It an- sensitivity, yet fi rmness and clarity. In How to Become a Hindu, Satguru Sivaya Subra-
swers many questions that perplex the youth of today. ¶India is passing through muniyaswami shows sincere seekers a clear and practical path to enter into human-
a dark period of her destiny, because Hindus have forgotten how to live as Hindus. ity’s oldest and broadest spiritual and religious tradition—to forge a direct connec-
They need to be taught the truths proclaimed by their prophets and avataras and tion to great yogis and rishis that they have long admired. ¶As perhaps the world’s
by Him who said, “Renouncing all rites and writ duties, come unto Me for single foremost Western-born Hindu guru, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami himself provides
refuge. I shall liberate thee from all bondage to sin and suff ering. Of this have no the best example of what is possible through formally becoming a Hindu, as do his
doubt!” Millions of Hindus are waiting to be converted into true Hindus. I am one many Western swamis that bring out HINDUISM TODAY, the world’s most authorita-
of them. I welcome this publication and breathe out an aspiration that it may fi nd a tive magazine on Hindu Dharma. ¶All students of Hindu-based teachings, like yoga,
place in every Hindu home—and heart. Vedanta, Vedic astrology or ayurveda, should examine this book to understand the
background tradition that their disciplines are based upon and which may be nec-
Sri Swami Satchidananda, Founder/Spiritual essary to facilitate their deeper practices. All Hindus, particularly those who don’t
Head of Satchidananda Ashram; Founder, Light of know how to explain their many-sided religion, should read this book to fi nd out
Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS); renowned yoga
how to do so. All those interested in the religions of the world should examine the
master and visionary; Yogaville, Virginia
book carefully to correct the rampant misconceptions about Hinduism that have
Since ancient times Hinduism has been known as Sanatana been fostered by missionary creeds. ¶The world would do better with more Hin-
Dharma, which means the Eternal Truth. As such, the Hindu dus. The Hindu religion is notably more diverse, tolerant and mystical and contains
religion has a long history of accepting anyone and everyone a much greater variety of spiritual teachings than larger, better funded and more
who is on the path toward eternal truth. Hinduism does not aggressive faiths. It represents the native and pagan traditions of the world that
discriminate against any sincere seeker. Whosoever is devoted to the search for that contain the key to the older and more experiential spirituality of humanity that so
Eternal Truth is embraced by the religion of Hinduism. Therefore, Hinduism is per- many people are looking for today. ¶With more real Hindus the world would be a
haps the most universal and welcoming faith of all time. ¶How to Become a Hindu, kinder and more understanding place to live in, with yoga and meditation as the
by revered Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, is the fi rst authoritative book to give foundation of human life and culture. Those who accept the Hindu religion from
those who wish to embrace Hinduism more formally and more fully all the inspira- the point of view set forth in How to Become a Hindu will be better able to spread its
tion and guidance to enable them to do so. This book is encyclopedic in its breadth universal message of not only One God but One Self in all beings. Let us hope that
and depth, answering any and every question regarding Hindu faith, its beliefs and this book travels far and wide, not only outwardly but also in the minds, hearts and
rituals. Finally, there is a book that teaches aspirants how to embrace the faith that souls of all people.
& &
REVIEWS COMMENTS REVIEWS COMMENTS
answer session conducted by Revered Swami Ranaganathanandaji Maharaj at is always ready to embrace the true seeker..
Chicago, in1982, at the request of the local Vedanta Society. In it, several questions
pertaining to Hinduism, including about conversion, have been answered by re-
Pandit Vamadeva Shastri (Dr. David Frawley), Vedacharya;
vered Maharaj. Revered Maharaj conveys his love to Satguru Swamiji as well as to all Director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies;
the inmates of Kauai’s Hindu Monastery. Author, How I Became a Hindu; Santa Fe, New Mexico
Many people throughout the world are attracted to the Hindu
religion because of its great yogis and powerful spiritual prac-
Dada J.P. Vaswani, head of the worldwide Sadhu
Vaswani Mission, renowned Sindhi religious tices. However, if they want to become Hindus, they are told,
leader and eloquent lecturer, Pune, India even by Hindus, that it is not possible. Or, if it is possible, they
True conversion is not a mere change of label but an in- are not given an easy way to do so. The result is that people
ner transformation of mind and heart. The great task that looking for a higher religious identity, such as they see in Hinduism, will become
lies ahead of us is that of converting Hindus—in India and Buddhists or try to accommodate themselves to their original religious back-
abroad—into true Hindus, acutely aware of the rich heritage grounds that they found wanting in the fi rst place. ¶Many people have the miscon-
that belongs to them as children of the ancient rishis of Bharat- ception that Hinduism does not take on new members, and some Hindus seem to
varsha. The emphasis of the rishis was not on words but on life. When the Hindus confi rm this. They identify Hinduism with caste or with some India-based ethnic-
bear witness in deeds of daily living to the great ideals of Sanatana Dharma, then ity, not with a global religion, though this has always been its basis as Sanatana
indeed will India shine once again in the splendor of the new morning sun. Hence Dharma, the universal or eternal tradition of truth. ¶Now at last a modern Hindu
the value of How to Become a Hindu. It has been written with clarity of thought, teacher addresses this issue of conversion to Hinduism directly, with kindness and
perceptivity of mind, a depth of feeling and a great sense of commitment. It an- sensitivity, yet fi rmness and clarity. In How to Become a Hindu, Satguru Sivaya Subra-
swers many questions that perplex the youth of today. ¶India is passing through muniyaswami shows sincere seekers a clear and practical path to enter into human-
a dark period of her destiny, because Hindus have forgotten how to live as Hindus. ity’s oldest and broadest spiritual and religious tradition—to forge a direct connec-
They need to be taught the truths proclaimed by their prophets and avataras and tion to great yogis and rishis that they have long admired. ¶As perhaps the world’s
by Him who said, “Renouncing all rites and writ duties, come unto Me for single foremost Western-born Hindu guru, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami himself provides
refuge. I shall liberate thee from all bondage to sin and suff ering. Of this have no the best example of what is possible through formally becoming a Hindu, as do his
doubt!” Millions of Hindus are waiting to be converted into true Hindus. I am one many Western swamis that bring out HINDUISM TODAY, the world’s most authorita-
of them. I welcome this publication and breathe out an aspiration that it may fi nd a tive magazine on Hindu Dharma. ¶All students of Hindu-based teachings, like yoga,
place in every Hindu home—and heart. Vedanta, Vedic astrology or ayurveda, should examine this book to understand the
background tradition that their disciplines are based upon and which may be nec-
Sri Swami Satchidananda, Founder/Spiritual essary to facilitate their deeper practices. All Hindus, particularly those who don’t
Head of Satchidananda Ashram; Founder, Light of know how to explain their many-sided religion, should read this book to fi nd out
Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS); renowned yoga
how to do so. All those interested in the religions of the world should examine the
master and visionary; Yogaville, Virginia
book carefully to correct the rampant misconceptions about Hinduism that have
Since ancient times Hinduism has been known as Sanatana been fostered by missionary creeds. ¶The world would do better with more Hin-
Dharma, which means the Eternal Truth. As such, the Hindu dus. The Hindu religion is notably more diverse, tolerant and mystical and contains
religion has a long history of accepting anyone and everyone a much greater variety of spiritual teachings than larger, better funded and more
who is on the path toward eternal truth. Hinduism does not aggressive faiths. It represents the native and pagan traditions of the world that
discriminate against any sincere seeker. Whosoever is devoted to the search for that contain the key to the older and more experiential spirituality of humanity that so
Eternal Truth is embraced by the religion of Hinduism. Therefore, Hinduism is per- many people are looking for today. ¶With more real Hindus the world would be a
haps the most universal and welcoming faith of all time. ¶How to Become a Hindu, kinder and more understanding place to live in, with yoga and meditation as the
by revered Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, is the fi rst authoritative book to give foundation of human life and culture. Those who accept the Hindu religion from
those who wish to embrace Hinduism more formally and more fully all the inspira- the point of view set forth in How to Become a Hindu will be better able to spread its
tion and guidance to enable them to do so. This book is encyclopedic in its breadth universal message of not only One God but One Self in all beings. Let us hope that
and depth, answering any and every question regarding Hindu faith, its beliefs and this book travels far and wide, not only outwardly but also in the minds, hearts and
rituals. Finally, there is a book that teaches aspirants how to embrace the faith that souls of all people.
ihndu k[Ta\ Baivatau\
ihndu k[Ta\ Baivatau\
Second Edition
Copyright © 2000
by Himalayan Academy
How to Become a Hindu, A Guide for Seekers and Born Hin-
dus is published by Himâlayan Academy. First published as
Íaivite Names in 1989. All rights are reserved. Th is book
may be used to share the Hindu Dharma with others on the
spiritual path, but reproduced only with the publisher’s prior
written consent. Designed, typeset and edited by the sannyâ-
sin swâmîs of the Íaiva Siddhânta Yoga Order, 107 Kaholalele
Road, Kapaa, Hawaii, 96746-9304, USA. A Guide for Seekers
and Born Hindus
Published by
Himâlayan Academy
ihndu k[Ta\ Baivatau\
USA • India
ivaæaTaI*ca jaaita ihndu paTadxa*nama\
Library of Congress Control Number 00-132420
ISBN 0-945497-82-2
Cover Art Satguru Sivaya
Chennai artist S. Rajam depicts some of the typical steps a soul Subramuniyaswami
takes in adopting Hinduism (clockwise from upper left): confronting
previous religious leaders to inform them of this change; Lord Íiva
looks on; young aspirant studies the scriptures and philosophy of
Sanâtana Dharma; Western convert learns to wrap a sari as part
of her cultural immersion; a Chinese seeker worships Lord Ga∫eßa;
priests conduct the traditional homa rites for the final ceremony, the
name giving sacrament, nâmakara∫a saμskâra.
Second Edition
Copyright © 2000
by Himalayan Academy
How to Become a Hindu, A Guide for Seekers and Born Hin-
dus is published by Himâlayan Academy. First published as
Íaivite Names in 1989. All rights are reserved. Th is book
may be used to share the Hindu Dharma with others on the
spiritual path, but reproduced only with the publisher’s prior
written consent. Designed, typeset and edited by the sannyâ-
sin swâmîs of the Íaiva Siddhânta Yoga Order, 107 Kaholalele
Road, Kapaa, Hawaii, 96746-9304, USA. A Guide for Seekers
and Born Hindus
Published by
Himâlayan Academy
ihndu k[Ta\ Baivatau\
USA • India
ivaæaTaI*ca jaaita ihndu paTadxa*nama\
Library of Congress Control Number 00-132420
ISBN 0-945497-82-2
Cover Art Satguru Sivaya
Chennai artist S. Rajam depicts some of the typical steps a soul Subramuniyaswami
takes in adopting Hinduism (clockwise from upper left): confronting
previous religious leaders to inform them of this change; Lord Íiva
looks on; young aspirant studies the scriptures and philosophy of
Sanâtana Dharma; Western convert learns to wrap a sari as part
of her cultural immersion; a Chinese seeker worships Lord Ga∫eßa;
priests conduct the traditional homa rites for the final ceremony, the
name giving sacrament, nâmakara∫a saμskâra.
v
Dedication
Samarpa∫am
–º¥@®ºÎ

H
OW TO BECOME A HINDU IS DEDICATED TO MY
SATGURU AND ALL THOSE BEFORE HIM IN OUR
LINEAGE, DATING BACK 2,200 YEARS. SATGURU
Íiva Yogaswâmî (1872–1964), paramaguru of over two mil-
lion Sri Lankan Hindus, had the vision, the foresight, to
fulfill my request to enter the Íaivite religion in 1949 and
receive my nâmakara∫a saμskâra and the love and support
to this day of the Tamil religious community for over fifty
years. Today he and I work together, he in his world and I in
mine, to stabilize, encourage and enlighten the Sri Lankan
Hindus, who for a decade and a half have experienced an
unexpected diaspora into all major and minor countries. We
have established temples and dedicated shrines, published
books in their language, and given solace to those suffer-
ing in leaving their homeland, so fraught with war. We have
worked to keep them reminded of their ancient and his-
toric culture of music, art drama and the dance, literature
and so much more, to keep it all as it once was, without a
break in continuity. This book is also dedicated to all swâmîs
who for decades have taught the ancient Sanâtana Dharma
in the West and thus effectively brought tens of thousands
of devout souls half way into the Hindu religion, and now,
through a more carefully defined ethical conversion, will
complete the process. Swâmî Vivekânanda (1863–1902), one
of the foremost progenitors of Hinduism in the Western
world, noted: “Why, born aliens have been converted in the
past by the thousands, and the process is still going on.”
v
Dedication
Samarpa∫am
–º¥@®ºÎ

H
OW TO BECOME A HINDU IS DEDICATED TO MY
SATGURU AND ALL THOSE BEFORE HIM IN OUR
LINEAGE, DATING BACK 2,200 YEARS. SATGURU
Íiva Yogaswâmî (1872–1964), paramaguru of over two mil-
lion Sri Lankan Hindus, had the vision, the foresight, to
fulfill my request to enter the Íaivite religion in 1949 and
receive my nâmakara∫a saμskâra and the love and support
to this day of the Tamil religious community for over fifty
years. Today he and I work together, he in his world and I in
mine, to stabilize, encourage and enlighten the Sri Lankan
Hindus, who for a decade and a half have experienced an
unexpected diaspora into all major and minor countries. We
have established temples and dedicated shrines, published
books in their language, and given solace to those suffer-
ing in leaving their homeland, so fraught with war. We have
worked to keep them reminded of their ancient and his-
toric culture of music, art drama and the dance, literature
and so much more, to keep it all as it once was, without a
break in continuity. This book is also dedicated to all swâmîs
who for decades have taught the ancient Sanâtana Dharma
in the West and thus effectively brought tens of thousands
of devout souls half way into the Hindu religion, and now,
through a more carefully defined ethical conversion, will
complete the process. Swâmî Vivekânanda (1863–1902), one
of the foremost progenitors of Hinduism in the Western
world, noted: “Why, born aliens have been converted in the
past by the thousands, and the process is still going on.”