How to Become a Hindu: A Guide for Seekers and Born Hindus

by Sivaya Subramuniyaswami

riginally written to show non-Hindus how to formally enter the Hindu religion, this book contains stories from Americans, Canadians and Europeans recounting their dramatic, sometimes intense, passage from Western faiths. This book outlines the six steps to formally convert to Hinduism and includes sample forms and documents.

How to Become a Hindu also gives advice and recommendations to Indo-Americans who have married outside their religion.

For Hindu and yoga leaders this book is an immensely useful tool to help guide and advise students.

The idea of conversion to Hinduism is much debated, and this book brings together for the first time the historic and contemporary views from scripture and powerful Hindu thinkers that clearly uphold and celebrate an easy, natural passage to Hinduism. Non-Hindus and Hindus alike will discover insights and knowledge not normally found in conventional Hindu books. Includes a Hindu name list and comparison of the beliefs of the world's major religions.

Genres: Religion

538 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2000

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative but also very redundant. It could use an abridged version without so many testimonials and appendixes.

[shiv sahil guleri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives a lot if insight and testimony regarding conversions process which is quite easy and tough at the same time. Satguru insists on changing names which some people might think too much . But he also give good reason that not having name changes will lead to half-hindu not full-hindu.

[Clair · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it offers an intriguing perspective, the author maintains a firm stance and implies that his approach to conversion is the One Path, despite recognizing Hinduism's extensive internal diversity. He leaves limited room for individual circumstances.

As an example, he strongly emphasizes that those who convert should adopt Hindu names, not only during religious ceremonies but also in all aspects of their lives, including legal changes. Anything less, in his opinion, would result in being regarded as a 'half-Hindu' at best.

Beyond the naming issue, his overall approach appears to gravitate toward a form of 'cultural integration,' rather than a straightforward religious conversion. While he ardently supports the idea of foreign conversion to Hinduism, he appears to encounter challenges in articulating a vision that doesn't heavily rely on Indian inculturation. It seems to me that if we embrace the idea of conversion, Western Hindus should strive to develop a Western Hindu culture, akin to how Balinese Hindus have established a distinctive Balinese Hindu culture, rather than merely adopting Indian culture (while retaining the necessary respect for it).

Overall, the author maintains a rather inflexible view of what he believes conversion should entail, one that may not be entirely justified given Hinduism's diverse internal landscape. This perspective might not appeal to busy householders with strong ties to their national or cultural identities.