Practicing Hinduism

[sunflower]

I have been on a journey lately to discover a religion I connect with. After much general research on many different religions I have found that Hinduism is a religion I would like to begin to practice. However I am slightly overwhelmed with just how much information comes along with this religion and I was curious if anybody who also commits Hindu practice had any pointers on where I should begin my journey.
Thank you in advance for anybody with advice.

I would also like to add that I mean absolutely no disrespect to anyone's religion, I am completely knew to Hinduism and very uneducated in the religion (that's why I'm here asking). So if I say something wrong please kindly correct me, there is much I still have to learn.

 

[Terese]

Pranam Sunflower ji, Welcome to the Hindu DIR!

Hinduism is quite vast, as you have said. Before i answer your question, what is it that interests you to Hinduism? Anything specific?

 

[sunflower]

Pranam Sunflower ji, Welcome to the Hindu DIR!

Hinduism is quite vast, as you have said. Before i answer your question, what is it that interests you to Hinduism? Anything specific?

The thing that interests me the most about Hinduism is the connection between real emotions and lifestyles to Gods/Goddesses.
I also feel Hinduism is a more peaceful religion than others I have studied.

 

[Terese]

The thing that interests me the most about Hinduism is the connection between real emotions and lifestyles to Gods/Goddesses.
I also feel Hinduism is a more peaceful religion than others I have studied.

Do you have an attraction to any deity(s) in Hinduism? Can you elaborate on these 'real emotions'?

 

[SomeRandom]

Haha you happened to pick a particularly auspicious time in the Hindu calendar to begin your journey. Diwali is in full swing right now, the official date falls on Halloween this year. So you can start by simply going to the celebration of this near you (hopefully not too far from where you live.) If only to score a free feast (vegetarian only, but still delicious. And that coming from a staunch meat eater )

 

[Nyingjé Tso]

Vanakkam !

Hello and welcome ! It's easy to get drown with all the informations you can find everywhere x__x

Easiest thing to do is to just... Go into a temple, if you happen to have one around in your country !

This way you can formally say hello to the Gods and see if you feel at home

Aum Namah Shivaya

 

[sunflower]

Do you have an attraction to any deity(s) in Hinduism? Can you elaborate on these 'real emotions'?

For an example of the 'real emotions'. I have been reading descriptions of some deity(s) and they mostly seam to present different aspects of life. My studying has informed me: Annapurna is the goddess of food and cooking, this is what I mean by they represent different duties. I can not completely remember everything I have read, but I do recall reading about the mother goddess, and there was a destroyer and creator of the world, etc. I see each deity connecting people to a certain part of themselves and certain parts of their life.

 

[sunflower]

Vanakkam !

Hello and welcome ! It's easy to get drown with all the informations you can find everywhere x__x

Easiest thing to do is to just... Go into a temple, if you happen to have one around in your country !

This way you can formally say hello to the Gods and see if you feel at home

Aum Namah Shivaya

I live on the west coast of the United States, and I do not think there are many temples around me however I have not really looked into it, so I will make sure to do that. Thank you for the help.

 

[sunflower]

Haha you happened to pick a particularly auspicious time in the Hindu calendar to begin your journey. Diwali is in full swing right now, the official date falls on Halloween this year. So you can start by simply going to the celebration of this near you (hopefully not too far from where you live.) If only to score a free feast (vegetarian only, but still delicious. And that coming from a staunch meat eater )

I always have have interesting timing when beginning new things. And I will definitely look into that! Thank you for you're input!

 

[Terese]

For an example of the 'real emotions'. I have been reading descriptions of some deity(s) and they mostly seam to present different aspects of life. My studying has informed me: Annapurna is the goddess of food and cooking, this is what I mean by they represent different duties. I can not completely remember everything I have read, but I do recall reading about the mother goddess, and there was a destroyer and creator of the world, etc. I see each deity connecting people to a certain part of themselves and certain parts of their life.

Lovely! Worship your dearest jewel I must inform you, if you do not already know, that Hindus are not pagans, all Hindus believe in Brahman, the Ultimate Reality, which is the source of all things, all gods. Hinduism is highly mystical and philosophical as well, there are many texts we refer to

What, if you are looking, would you like to learn more of Hinduism?

 

[sunflower]

Lovely! Worship your dearest jewel I must inform you, if you do not already know, that Hindus are not pagans, all Hindus believe in Brahman, the Ultimate Reality, which is the source of all things, all gods. Hinduism is highly mystical and philosophical as well, there are many texts we refer to

What, if you are looking, would you like to learn more of Hinduism?

I'm trying to introduce myself into Hinduism slowly so I make sure I am educated to avoid making any mistakes or trying to practice something without understanding why I am doing so. I have been curious if there any specific strong beliefs that are taken very seriously?
And/Or any customs that I should be aware of?

(Just for extra information: I was raised as a very conservative Christian, so when I say things like strong beliefs and customs I'm referring to things relating to purity before marriage, and women wearing skirts in Christianity)

 

[Vinayaka]

I live on the west coast of the United States, and I do not think there are many temples around me however I have not really looked into it, so I will make sure to do that. Thank you for the help.

Lots of temples, but maybe none really close either. Seattle has about 6, Portland 2 or 3, the Bay area maybe 12, and LA 10 or so. If you use google maps, search nearby function, you can find them. Hindu temples are representative of our diversity.

 

[sunflower]

Lots of temples, but maybe none really close either. Seattle has about 6, Portland 2 or 3, the Bay area maybe 12, and LA 10 or so. If you use google maps, search nearby function, you can find them. Hindu temples are representative of our diversity.

Awesome! I generally close to a couple! I really appreciate your help. Also may I ask, is there any kind of 'dress code' for visiting a temple? Just curious, I have no idea.

 

[metis]

One of the most fascinating things about Hinduism is its freedom to seek minus specific dogmas. It is so open that it's darn near impossible to even define it because there's so many variations, including some non-theistic schools that have existed.

 

[sunflower]

One of the most fascinating things about Hinduism is its freedom to seek minus specific dogmas. It is so open that it's darn near impossible to even define it because there's so many variations, including some non-theistic schools that have existed.

Yes I have noticed how open of a religion it is, that is why I feel a bit overwhelmed with what to study and practice.

 

[Terese]

I'm trying to introduce myself into Hinduism slowly so I make sure I am educated to avoid making any mistakes or trying to practice something without understanding why I am doing so. I have been curious if there any specific strong beliefs that are taken very seriously?
And/Or any customs that I should be aware of?

(Just for extra information: I was raised as a very conservative Christian, so when I say things like strong beliefs and customs I'm referring to things relating to purity before marriage, and women wearing skirts in Christianity)

There are so many beliefs in Hinduism. Hinduism is an umbrella term, it refers to many religions in Bharat (India). I can say one thing that would not apply to another Hindu.

Just relax, there is no need to feel overwhelmed, just go at your own pace. Do you have something in mind that you want to study and/or practice?

 

[Terese]

Awesome! I generally close to a couple! I really appreciate your help. Also may I ask, is there any kind of 'dress code' for visiting a temple? Just curious, I have no idea.

Modest attire, if possible

 

[Vinayaka]

Awesome! I generally close to a couple! I really appreciate your help. Also may I ask, is there any kind of 'dress code' for visiting a temple? Just curious, I have no idea.

Modest. You will have to sit on the floor, so take that into consideration. (loose fitting, long sleeves) If there are any Indian clothing stores, I'd recommend a salwar kameez. Any clerk in any Indian shop would be incredibly helpful.

A good place to learn the basics is right here, by asking. I'd also recommend general reading about what it is, and in particular 'What is Hinduism?' by Himalayan Academy. Those kind of books give you a general overview, introductory stuff. Scripture, if that interests you, can come later.

 

[metis]

Yes I have noticed how open of a religion it is, that is why I feel a bit overwhelmed with what to study and practice.

To a large extent, that's where study and meditation comes in. There are people who can help you with that process, but please at the same time realize that they will be giving their take on things, whereas you ultimately must develop your own take, but from as an objective approach as possible. It is very important to keep an open mind along the way.

 

[sunflower]

Modest. You will have to sit on the floor, so take that into consideration. (loose fitting, long sleeves) If there are any Indian clothing stores, I'd recommend a salwar kameez. Any clerk in any Indian shop would be incredibly helpful.

A good place to learn the basics is right here, by asking. I'd also recommend general reading about what it is, and in particular 'What is Hinduism?' by Himalayan Academy. Those kind of books give you a general overview, introductory stuff. Scripture, if that interests you, can come later.

Thank you so much for the information. I guess I am just a little nervous about being viewed as though I'm trying to offend or 'make fun' of people who's culture is normally identified with Hinduism. However that is one reason I'm so interested in his religion because so many people from different ethnicities identify Hinduism as their religion. I am just worried I will come off offensive to the religion, especially because I'm so new to it and unfamiliar with the customs.