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Are you a person born into Hinduism and because of its diversity don't know how to properly practice your faith? This article might help you.
Steps
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1Remember that Hinduism is a very open-minded religion. You can practice this faith anyway you want. There is no prescribed ritual in Hinduism or any particular way to worship God. Our scriptures clearly state that while God is one, he has many forms and one can worship him in any way and in any religion.
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2Choose the form of God you wish to worship. It depends on which God gives you peace. If Krishna gives you peace, then worship Krishna, if Shiva gives you peace, then worship Shiva! It is your decision. You may even worship God in Himself like the Brahmo Samajis or Arya Samajis, if you wish. It is all up to you.
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3Pray and sincerely believe in the form of Parambrahman (God) you have chosen. You may perform puja for Him, or you may worship Him in your way. Call upon him even when you are not in distress.
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4Read some of the holy scriptures of Hinduism. The Bhagvad Gita and the Upanishads are good examples. But remember though, that while some scriptures show God commanding people to kill, this is not a justification of murder. Hinduism is a religion of peace. What God is trying to say is that you should kill the Devil inside you and become righteous.
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5Try to understand some of the tenets of Hinduism. Reincarnation is one, and it has also been proven scientifically. Hindus believe that a person is born again and again after death, and to escape this cycle one must attain moksha (salvation). Some people say that to attain moksha you must leave your family. This is not true. You can attain salvation, even if you are a family man, but you must overcome the sins - Kaam (lust), krodh (anger), lobh (greed), maya (illusion or attachment to worldly things and relations) and abhimaan (ego). If you do not overcome these you cannot attain salvation.
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6Karma is another tenet of Hinduism which means that you are responsible for whatever wrong you do, and you will be punished unless you repent sincerely. God is All-Forgiving and All-Merciful.
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7Respect other religions and do not convert to any religion or convert anyone to your religion. Hinduism is not a special-class religion. It is equal to all other religions be it Islam, Baha'i Faith, Christianity, Buddhism or any other faith. Respect others and their point of view.
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8Be peaceful and loving to all people, and try to consume less meat. Remember, animal sacrifice is a heretic's act and has no place in Hinduism, though some Hindus still practice it. Do not consume beef, for cow is considered sacred. In fact, it is better to avoid meat of the larger animals, or even better, eat no meat at all.
Community Q&A
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QuestionI have always wanted to become a Hindu but I'm still not sure how. I made I little stand with a shoe box and put playmobil charters on it to be the gods and goddesses, so I have a worship place in my room.
Community AnswerThere is no contract telling someone that you are officially a Hindu. As long as you love and devote yourself to your God, everything is okay. If you feel you're not doing as well as you could be, then do some research or ask someone for more information. -
QuestionAccording to Hinduism, what is love?
Community AnswerLove is commitment, the way Sita devoted her life to Ram and stayed with him in the forest. Love is anything, really. -
QuestionI have a Hindu friend who doesn't believe that I am Hindu because I am white and because I was raised Methodist. Is it accepted by most Hindus for people who were not raised Hindu to practice it?
neethu nathCommunity AnswerHinduism is not a religion. It is a way of living. The western presentation made Hinduism a religion. All those who lived nearby the river Sindhu were called Hindus. Anyone who caters to God's guidelines is considered a Hindu. -
QuestionI used to be an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna during my childhood. I had a very happy life then. Then, I don't know what happened, but I lost connection with Krishna. I am depressed now and my life is not the same.
PriyaCommunity AnswerYou don't need to have an idol or any object to represent God. Just thinking about him all of the time is one way to reconnect with Krishna. Also, think about how you lost connection. Not enough time to pray? Make some time, or pray during your free time. -
QuestionIs it written in Gita that a Hindu cannot change his religion. If so, which sloka is that?
Sanjana GurramCommunity AnswerThe Gita does not say that Hindus cannot change their religion, but it does say that all god is one, no matter which religion. -
QuestionIs it wrong to pray to the lord, who is Krishna for me, whilst I am on my period?Sanjana GurramCommunity AnswerPeriods are considered impure in Hinduism you can pray to Krishna but you cannot pray to his idol or go to a place of worship even in your own house.
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QuestionI consume meat, and am a kid, can I be a good person by chanting the name of god and worshiping him?Sanjana GurramCommunity AnswerOf course, there is nothing wrong with consuming meat in Hindu Culture, It is religiously fine to eat any meat except beef because Hindus consider the cow as a god.
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QuestionWhat happens if you do eat beef though? Is it a sin? And if it is, what do I do?
Jade GladstoneCommunity AnswerIt is certainly not a sin. There is no problem in eating any kind of meat. Just try consuming only a very small amount, as that will mean that we are being more kinder to other creatures who have the same wish to live.
Warnings
- Beware of the false pundits (priests) and sadhus (saints) who will try to cheat you calling themselves the "exalted ones" and that to pay them and worship them is to worship God. They are false. A true saint is one who is humble and takes little and keeps to himself. Sai Baba, Kabir, and Guru Nanak are stunning examples of saints.Thanks!
