Q&A for How to Be a Hindu

No, it doesn't matter because lots of diversity happens in Hindu temples and your name doesn't really matter to the Gods overall.

Try to talk to her and convince her why you want to become a Hindu. Unlike Abrahamic religions which are belief based, Indian religions are practice based. so it's the practices which will make you a good Hindu. If your mother doesn't allow it, then keep your previous religion officially and start practicing whatever you learn from Hinduism. No one, irrespective of religion, would have a problem with you if you decide to become a vegetarian or want to meditate daily, Start practicing the omnipresence of the divine by treating humans, animals, plants and Mother Earth with respect.

Yes. There are no hard-and-fast rules in Hinduism. God guides you on the paths, but it is on us which to follow. You can visit a church or a mosque even if you are Hindu. There is no punishment if you don't worship the god in Hinduism.

Yes, probably. Hinduism is a free thinking philosophy and liberal in its attitude. Hindus are questioners and truth-seekers and Hinduism has always promoted peaceful coexistence between different faiths.

Yes, you can.

If there is no temple in your home country, province or state, find a support group online.

Hinduism doesn't have a concept of Satan as a counter force to God. Therefore everyone, everything contains God. So, believe in God and do good and you'll be happy with Hinduism.

Refer to the article. The core of Hinduism makes everyone a Hindu. If you believe in the oneness of God, practising self-discipline through prayer and fasting, and being a good human being, then you are a Hindu. The question is what are you converting for? Is it to practice rituals? If so, invite a priest and request they help you through this. However, the core of ritual is belief and having faith. If you believe the rituals will help you, they will. If not, they won't.

Yes, you can do the ceremony at home, especially if you do not have a community in your area to go to.

Be a good person. Pray 3 times a day, and don't hurt anyone unless it is a situation where your supposed to defend yourself.

Yes, people can certainly do that.

Yes, of course you can! According the Christianity, you cannot worship idols or other gods, but as a Hindu, it's perfectly fine to believe in both if you truly want to.

Hinduism allows merry-making to its fullest as long as it gives you a soothing feeling, is good for your health, mind and spirit and doesn't hurt others. In fact, the Hindu deities Shiva and Saraswati are considered to have originated music and dance. Krishna, an incarnate of Vishnu, was an accomplished dancer and flutist. Promiscuity is definitely prohibited. Non-medicinal use of alcohol is prohibited but many Hindus consume moderately. Non-violence is the essence of Hinduism and vegetarianism is a virtue but many Hindus consume meat or fish occasionally. But the most important reason to accept Hinduism is its free-thinking and liberal view of its adherents.

I think many people are already in this mindset. It is perfectly fine to take what you like from Hinduism and not the rest! Hinduism has no strict adherence policies.

Yes, that is completely OK. Nothing is really compulsory in Hinduism.

You can call a priest over and make yourself a praying area for pujas in a small part of the house.

No, you do not require any such letter. Hinduism is not as much a religion to follow as a philosophy to be incorporated into our day to day life. There are no formalities in converting to Hindu.

Hinduism believes that God is one, but you see him differently. Like Shiva, the God of Gods, the destroyer. Vishnu, the nurturer, the father. Brahma, the creator. Durga, the goddess of war, valor. Choose any God you want, worship the one which makes feel connected to him/her or has the trait that you want in your life or in you. You can also worship two or three Gods at once if you feel connected to more than one.

No, you can still watch them. It just means that you can't engage in violent acts.

No, there is no special clothing that you have to wear. You can wear anything that doesn't make you naked or/and doesn't hide your identity and/or face.

Yes. Festivals are not restricted in Hinduism, you can celebrate Christmas or pretty much anything else and still be Hindu.

Many people find peace of mind through Hinduism.

You are a Hindu, you should ask for your basic rights as a Hindu woman. Islam and Hinduism are totally different ideologies. A wife is your equal half in Hinduism and this doesn't apply in Islam. And because of Sharia law, there is always a possibility that a Muslim can divorce you without a court by just saying "Talaq" thrice. And that will be considering a legal divorce in Islam. I will advise you to really think this through, and get a legal binding agreement that he will neither try to force Islam on you nor will he practice Sharia law on you. And make sure you get the agreement right because it concerns your future.

The Bhagvad Gita is the guide on how to live a Hindu life, just like Christians have the Bible. You can find the book on the internet or even in book stores in many countries.

Yes, there is still much to be learned from Hindu beliefs and philosophies even if you eat beef occasionally. You shouldn't think of it as a hard and fast rule that not eating beef is a rule you need to follow to be a good Hindu. It is a conclusion you need to reach by yourself.

Yes! Skin color is not important in Hinduism.

wikiHow has some articles on the topic, such as Pray to the Hindu God Ganesh , Do Hindu Prayer , and Pray in Hindu Temples . If you can visit a temple, many there would be happy to help you.

If you are married, then you should/ According to Vedas, it is symbol of the loyalty and purity of a married woman.

Of course. Anyone can convert to Hinduism, regardless of ethnicity, current religion, or skin color.

Being a Hindu can make some people as if their lives have a purpose or an ultimate goal. Other people like the comfort that an organized community of believers brings to them. The answer is different for everyone.