Getting into Hinduism

Lately I've been reading a lot about Hinduism, and it's very interesting to me. I'd like to take it a bit further and maybe even start practicing, to see if it's something that works for me.

However, I'm having a moral issue. I've been extremely ambivalent toward religion for most of my life, and I know if I were to tell my friends they wouldn't take me seriously. My mom would probably be supportive, but my dad would roll his eyes and laugh, then ask why I can't just get into Catholocism. Would it be wrong of me to keep it a secret until I know it's something I want to be serious about? I feel like if I consciously hide it from some of my friends, then I'm ashamed of it... and nobody should be ashamed of the religion they choose to practice.

quote:Originally posted by firekitty751:

Would it be wrong of me to keep it a secret until I know it's something I want to be serious about?

You were raised with Catholic guilt, huh? If you're not yet serious about it, what is the secret? That you're interested in learning about another religion? Keep it to yourself and don't concern your parents with religious conversion that may or may not happen.

On a related note, what is it about Hinduism that you're attracted to?

quote:Originally posted by Martini:

You were raised with Catholic guilt, huh? If you're not yet serious about it, what is the secret? That you're interested in learning about another religion? Keep it to yourself and don't concern your parents with religious conversion that may or may not happen.

On a related note, what is it about Hinduism that you're attracted to?

I wasn't raised Catholic, but my dad suddenly got really into it when he married his wife. The secret isn't that I'm interested in it, but that I actually want to practice, or at least think about it. The reason I don't think anybody will take me seriously is because I've never shown interest in any religion, and I tend to get really into things then move on to my next fling. But I've been thinking about this for awhile, and it doesn't seem like it's just a fling.

What is it about Hinduism that attracts me? Hmm... I guess it just makes sense to me, you know? When I read about Christianity, Judaism, or Islam, they just don't click with me, if that makes sense. They seem completely ridiculous. It's also very broad, and there isn't a strict set of beliefs one must follow... and in a way open to interpretation. It seems much more spiritual that other religions, too. It just appeals to me, I don't really know why.

quote:Originally posted by firekitty751:



When I read about Christianity, Judaism, or Islam, they just don't click with me, if that makes sense. They seem completely ridiculous.

That makes perfect sense to me. I have also read about those religions and I agree; they seem completely ridiculous.

quote:Originally posted by firekitty751:



It's also very broad, and there isn't a strict set of beliefs one must follow... and in a way open to interpretation. It seems much more spiritual that other religions, too. It just appeals to me, I don't really know why.

Something I've noticed about some folks on this board, is that when they move away from one of the Big Three, they seem to feel a need to find a religion as a replacement. If I may make a suggestion, I think besides learning more about Hinduism, ask yourself what it is about it that appeals to you. I and many others are perfectly content without any religion.

I'm no expert on Hinduism, but I'm betting that you are critical of Christianity, Islam and Judaism because you are a rational thinker. Lots of Hindu beliefs aren't exactly rational.

An interesting book that I think you may like:

http://tinyurl.com/lpl8g

Thanks martini.

I don't think I'd be getting completely into it, like... I don't worship cows, for one. I guess I wouldn' really consider myself a Hindu, as I wouldn't be following it exactly, but parts of it really make sense.

I'm not moving away from those other religions, as I've never been religious at all. I am fine without religion, but I'm extremely curious. I figure if I like it and it feels right, I'll stick with it. If I don't, I'll go back to not being religious.

But thank you very much, I'll check out your link when I get back. I'm off for now.

Your gonna make a pretty crappy Hindu I hope you know.

Why not just be interested in Hinduism, or at least educated in it?

Are you really attracted to the idea of becoming a practising Hindu? To me, the beliefs aren't rational at all, and i guess i don't find it "clicks" with me.

Then again, like all religion Hinduism is full of things i perceive to be true...at it's core it is actually pretty similar to the "big three", it's mearly the emphasis on God(s) which is different.

I personally find a philosophy such as buddhism so much more interesting, and carrying much more potential to come to terms with your own emmotions/beliefs.

You should definatly go for it if you want though, let people roll their eyes...

Americans can act so rational, and yet millions believe the world is less than 10,000 years old, so heh.