|
Page11
Can One Be Converted to Hinduism?
As Sanatana Dharma or the universal tradition, Hinduism holds that we are all born in
universal Truth. As immortal souls we can never be apart from it. We
are always part of Sanatana Dharma. Even if we assume a specific
religious identity we do not leave it. Can one ever be apart from
the Divine whatever one's religious affiliation?
However, true Hindus do
share their religion and welcome others to partake of it, not
because they are seeking converts in order to dominate the world,
but because they recognize that all beings are of one family. Such
sharing is not trying to save others or give them a new identity but
striving to connect all human beings to the universal family, which
is the legacy of the sages.
One can formally become a
Hindu by undergoing a short two hour ritual ceremony called Shuddhi
(purification), which is a short ritual lasting about two hours.
Various Hindu groups provide this service. Yet becoming a Hindu is
not converting to a belief that limits our freedom of inquiry. It
does not require accepting a specific prophet, son of God, scripture
or church. It gives one full freedom to follow whatever leads to
Truth. One can be a Hindu and still follow Truth wherever one finds
it. Joining Hinduism in the true sense is an inclusive, not
exclusive process. It is a recognition of Sanatana Dharma, which
requires that we live a dharmic life and respect all dharmic
traditions and principles whatever their source. It requires that we
begin a life of spiritual practices.
|
