(I plan on formal conversion)
And how exactly do you plan to do this?
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(I plan on formal conversion)
And how exactly do you plan to do this?
I'm not too sure. Do you have any advice?
Are you talking about a Hindu naming ceremony (namakarana), initiation (diksha), or something else? Just curious.
Religious conversion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
https://www.himalayanacademy.com/view/how-to-become-a-hindu
Those links are part of a Google search on 'conversion to Hinduism'. In a nutshell, there is no need for any formal conversion process. You start thinking, living and worshiping like a Hindu.
Don't. As Jainarayan said, it's not necessary.
However, if you're really set on it, study it thoroughly for at least 5 years. Try to pinpoint down to one sampradaya so there is no confusion or conflicting concepts. Go check out all your previous religions in a sincere way to see it you really want to do this. Then give it a bit more time to sink in.
I'm referring to the both name-changing and the initiation.
Thank you for your advice! I will indeed take it to heart. I'm referring to the both name-changing and the initiation.
Those are really big steps, not to be taken lightly or quickly, I think.
Very very few people do it. Some take on a religious name, and they use if for religion, but don't take it that final step of legally changing it. As far as I know ISKCON is still like that. They have 'spiritual names ending in dasa or dasi, but the passport still says Abraham Smith.
Others have changed, and than gone back, even after several years. So although it may sound like the 'cool' thing to do, it's like marriage ... a lifetime commitment. I actually don't know anyone who has done it on their own, without a lot of study. Even scholars like Dr. David Frawley, (Vamadeva Shastri) still retained his original name, despite being accepted in the Hindu community world wide as a scholars and representative.
Dearest friend Vinayaka,
Very wise words! Those people whom you describe remind me of the hippies in the 60s who were so for the fad, the 70s rolls around and they were back to business suits and short hair. I utterly refuse to be thus! If I'm going to do something with religion, I'm going to stick to it!