REVIEWS & COMMENTS
Mere words are insufficient to express the gratitude of the Hindu world for this educational masterpiece which gives further support to the principles of Sanatana Dharma. Ironically, many Hindus who are not from an orthodox Hindu background are today rediscovering how to become a Hindu, and this publication will no doubt steer them on the right pathway. ¶I find most interesting the testimonies of the converted in the chapter “Personal Encounters with Hinduism.” I am certain this will have an effect on those Hindus who have deserted their dharma (especially to the corrupt influences of the Western world) and will ensure them a safe return into the loving embrace of Hinduism. ¶Secondly, the chapter “Does Hinduism Accept Newcomers” is a subject which I have to address quite frequently when non-Hindus and non-Indians come to discover the miracle of our Sunday morning worship at the Edinburgh Hindu Temple. Gurudeva has provided me with diksha to fortify my effort in handling this delicate matter. In the case of a Hindu marrying a non-Hindu, I use counseling and the medium of initiation (guru-diksha) to the non-Hindu, to add to my flock rather than lose both “to the competition.“ Sadly, in Trinidad, this is still a problem for some of the orthodox pandits. Hopefully, this publication will provide a clear approach to this subject. ¶Gurudeva’s exploratory ventures into subject matter which has not been covered in print before show his continuing desire for unification of the beliefs of all God’s children. Sanatana Dharma ki jai!§
Pundit Ramesh Tiwari, President General, Edinburgh Dharmic Sabha, Chaguanas, Trinidad & Tobago§
Those of us who enter Hinduism from another religion, and I include myself amongst this group, find themselves dedicating themselves fully to this glorious path of the soul. We commit solidly by changing our name, often legally, because we feel as if we are born again in this life. Within Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami’s book, How to Become a Hindu, there are numerous stories of ethical conversion to Hinduism, not only from devotees who have converted from other religions, but from those born within a Hindu family who have rediscovered Hinduism. I have found all these “encounters” of deep spiritual interest. Not only do they portray the movement of the soul as it climbs the ladder of self-awareness, they also show the evolution of the soul ripening to development and entering the true path of Self Realization. Indeed, the Divine leads us forward into unknown realms where we can even encounter the Gods themselves. Further, Gurudeva’s book directs the aspirant through a system of enquiry to some extremely important factors of how to become a Hindu, as well as answering many important ethical questions. This gives the aspirant the opportunity to think clearly about this wonderful quest. ¶Most of us in this world of form require a guru as our soul searches for spiritual answers. As we move up the “rungs of the ladder” and even begin to think about converting from one religion to another, it can be “gut wrenching,” as one of the stories in the book so aptly describes. This is why I believe How to Become a Hindu fills an important vacuum. It is a practical guide for those among us who are seeking sound advice and true answers to soul-searching questions. It is a guidebook, a gift from a master, offering an excellent opportunity to learn. And further, it offers the soul the opportunity to plunge into a beautiful, exhilarating experience where it can eventually glow in the truth of wonderful transformation. ¶There are those of us who need a formal process, a period of discipline and development, where there is the opportunity also to join with others of like mind. This is an essential period, a time for learning and self-discovery, a perfect time to quietly listen to the guru (teacher) and learn to understand the glory of Hinduism before making the final commitment. ¶When we eventually reach the stage when we know deep within the soul and can also outwardly admit that we are Hindu, we can make massive strides forward on the glorious spiritual path. Gurudeva has explained all of this vividly in his book. The Divine is always here ready to help us with this commitment. ¶Even though I entered Hinduism from another religion, I cannot recall a period of my life when my soul did not feel Hindu. Hinduism is very special. It is the bedrock of my soul. It is my religion. It is my culture. It is my way of life. It covers and it shields this earthly form so that within that Divine light of understanding everything is known as Divinity. Hinduism has shown me that here, in this world of form, my soul has the outstanding opportunity to humbly place everything at the lotus feet of Lord Siva and His Shakti. §
Mrs. Iswari Kamalabaskran, Lecturer in World Religions and Founder-Member and former Trustee and Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the London Highgate Murugan Temple and the Sri Rajarajeswary Amman Temple, Stoneleigh, Surrey, U.K.; Author of The Light of Arunachaleswarar Siva and Arunagiri Valam–The Supreme Path of Grace.§
May through this guidebook mankind find peace, harmony and God Realization by understanding the sense and significance of religion. I believe that this recent publication of Sri Subramuniyaswamiji is conveying a true vision with tolerance and open-mindedness. It enlightens mankind about the Sanatana Dharma and the noble ideals of ahimsa, love and service to all living beings and God Realization. I wish that this book may inspire hundreds of thousands of sincere seekers and provide them with the right perspective for their spiritual path.§
Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda, named Saravbhom Sanatan Jagadguru by the World Religious Parliament; Spiritual Head, International Sri Deep Madhavananda Ashram Fellowship; Vienna, Austria§
For decades, Western Orientalists, Christian missionaries and Marxist intellectuals have been trying to persuade us that Hinduism isn’t a religion and that even if it were we couldn’t convert to it. Now we know better, and Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami in his book How to Become a Hindu has taken the bull by the horns in encouraging non-Indian Hindus of conviction to make a public commitment and say with pride that they are Hindus. He is to be commended for his courageous and creative religious leadership. His book is intelligent and very timely and must be read by all persons seriously interested in Indian philosophy and yoga—for there is no true philosophy or yoga without the worship of Ishwara.§
Ishwar Sharan, author of The Myth of Saint Thomas and the Mylapore Shiva Temple, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India.§
Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami sets at rest the doubt that Hinduism is not a religion, saying it is a distinct world religion encompassing four major denominations: Vaishnavism, Saivism, Saktism and Smartism, all in one known as Sanatana Dharma. He rightly asserts that Hindu philosophy is free from missionary compulsions. With his own personal life experience, Swamiji has laid down six conditions for conversion to Hinduism, the first being a letter from the priest of the religion which one wants to give up, giving the consent for conversion. The implication of this condition is that he should convince the priest or guru about his new beliefs and convictions. The book is a manual for those who want to become Hindu. I am sure it will go a long way in achieving Gurudeva’s life mission of spreading Hinduism, to bring the entire world within its fold with convictions and not compulsions. §
Jagadguru Dharamraj His Holiness Swami Pragyanand Ji Maharaj, Pragya Peethadhiswar, Founder/Patron Pragya Mission International, New Delhi, India§
How to Become a Hindu is a remarkable book with the objective of providing important tools and guidance to those who feel the need and have the desire to embrace this ancient religion. The book is an outcome of the author’s own experience as an aspirant and a guru. ¶Can a person become a Hindu? This is a question that is often asked. Many years ago I and a few friends went into a restaurant after a conference. The young Indian waiter asked me whether I was a Hindu. When I confirmed what he said, he felt very happy. One of the friends told him that she also was a Hindu. The boy was astonished. He gazed at her and said, “You are not an Indian; how can you be a Hindu?” It is generally believed that one has to be born a Hindu. ¶The term “ethical self-conversion“ is used by the author in the sense that embracing Hinduism should not be a matter of convenience. There must be a genuine feeling about the great values of Hinduism. This is very important because the emphasis in Hinduism is not just belief or even practicing but experiencing inner peace, joy and freedom. ¶The book has compared and contrasted Hindu beliefs and practices with other religions, including Judaism, Christianity and Islam, in a fair manner. There are personal testimonies and encounters with Hinduism which will prove valuable to those who still need proof about the motive of Christian missionaries, the sly methods they use and the advantage they take over people’s circumstances. ¶The chapter “Beliefs of All the World’s Religions” gives a bird’s eye view of some basic beliefs that are held by their followers. This will be an eye-opener to those Hindus who hold the view that all religions are the same. This publication is indispensable for Hindu priests, parents, libraries, organizations and educational institutions.§
Swami Nirliptananda is a sannyasin of the Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Calcutta, India. He hails from Guyana and is in charge of the branch of the Sangha in London, England.§
Many of us went to India seeking personal enlightenment in the late ’60s and early ’70s. Now, a generation later, the West is dotted with ashrams, and Western teachers are carrying the Eastern lineages back home. Gurudeva Sivaya Subramuniyaswami’s important book How to Become a Hindu asks many pertinent questions about the next phase of our development. It is also a monumental analysis of the differing ideas of all the major religions. ¶I have noticed that Western Buddhists easily call themselves Buddhist, while followers of Hindu gurus have enormous trouble with the “H“ word. Gurudeva takes a refreshingly hard line, insisting that yogis come out of the closet and admit they are Hindus. Not everyone will agree with this approach, but the book is fascinating reading, and the questions become urgent when we think of the many children of devotees who grow up in an ashram environment. Shouldn’t they have spiritual training, and shouldn’t they know that they fit into the religious universe by way of the Hindu tradition? ¶Gurudeva’s provocative ideas have sparked a healthy debate within our community here in Australia, and I’m grateful to him for cogently calling attention to an important area of self-definition and concern for the next generation. Every Western yogi could profitably read this book.§
Sri Sri Swami Shankarananda, 55, heads the Shiva Ashram near Melbourne, Australia. He leads retreats and offers a course introducing the “Shiva Process,” a contemplative tool for living in the world. §
Whenever there arises a need to reeducate the masses, a great soul descends on this Earth and paves a path of divine inclination. Thousands of years ago such decension happened in the form of Maha Rishi Veda Vyasaji, who rewrote the knowledge of the Vedas as Bhagavat Maha Purana and paved a path to God Realization for all. About four hundred years ago, Tulasidas arrived on Earth to teach the path of Ramji (Ram-Ayan) to the bhaktas who had strayed from the true marga (path) of Sanatana Dharma. In the 20th century Gurudeva has graced this Earth to guide all divine souls to the Eternal Sanatana Dharma. ¶This great work by Gurudeva is a much needed book at the present time for the salvation of all those who have strayed from the true marga. I will call this book a true path of return for those who have adopted other religions by birth, or for those who are only half-Hindus, i.e., born in Hindu families but do not have firm beliefs in Hindu scripture. ¶Through case histories of renowned people and devotees, Gurudeva has placed signboards for weak devotees so that they may arrive safely at their true destination on this Earth. He has placed speed bumps for non-Hindus desirous to convert to Hindu Dharma, in the form of severance of all ties to their current religious practices. ¶This divine work should not only be in all the libraries on this Earth, but in all households—for Hindus to strengthen their beliefs and for non-Hindus to gain the true path of God Realization.§
Pandit Rajendra Sharma, Priest of the Hindu Worship Society, Houston, Texas, is a third generation Fijian-born Hindu, trained by Sri Jagdish Shukla of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai, India. §
In 1990 I had a unique opportunity to be a witness to the signing of certificates for the conversion of new followers of our Hindu faith at the Concord Palani Andavar Temple. Gurudeva converts his followers in the most correct manner, morally, spiritually and legally. ¶As a young boy growing up in Jaffna, I received my primary school education in a Christian school. The teacher impressed upon me in religious classes that the Hindu Gods were all evil devils. We were told when passing the Hindu temples to spit and swear at these evil images. Many times I followed my teacher’s instructions and indeed did these inappropriate deeds—until one day I spat at an image of Lord Ganesh and immediately fell to the ground and suffered a serious head wound. My cousin was studying in a Catholic convent with many other students who were born as Hindus. Every morning they were taken to the church for prayers. On the way the students passed a Hindu temple where they were told to spit and swear in the direction of the temple. This was a cruel and dishonest attempt at conversion to a different faith. Gurudeva only accepts converts if they are satisfied and accept his teachings. This indeed is the only ethical way to convert anybody to any faith. §
Pundit K.N. Navaratnam, M.A.F.A., F.A.A.; Jyotisha Shastri, Jyotisha Marthand and National Astrologer of Australia; close devotee of Satguru Siva Yogaswami; Director of the Sivathondan Center, Hallam, Australia§
I find that this is a book for the adoptive Hindu and the born Hindu. “How to remain a Hindu” may be added as a subtitle for this timely book. The rising tide of interest and enthusiasm for Indian thought, religions and philosophies was first confirmed to scholars who made the sudden discovery that Sanskrit was related to the Indo-European family of languages. With the advent of the modern printing press, Edwin Arnold’s, the Song Celestial and The Light of Asia hastened the interest of men and women in the West. ¶As stated by Gurudeva in his introduction, the arrival of Swami Vivekananda at Chicago for the first Parliament of World Religions, and his extended tour of the States, as well as the arrival of swamis of the Ramakrishna Mission who followed him, helped to create a new awareness in Vedantic thought and exercised the minds of American poets and philosophers, like Emerson and others. In recent decades, the arrival of Swami Bhaktivedanta captured the minds of American youth, who turned “Boston Brahmin.“ This gave birth to the Hare Krishna movement, which began to spread all over the world, giving new impetus to Vedantic views and spreading the teachings of the Gita. As a result Sanatana Dharma established a foothold on the American continent. Emigrant Hindus from India and Sri Lanka have increased the number of Hindu temples in the West. ¶This new trend—the movement from East to West—reverses the movement which brought Christian missionaries Eastward eager to save “pagans and infidels.“ Rudyard Kipling’s view that “East is east, West is west; never the twain will meet“ has been proven wrong. New scientific discoveries have brought the world closer and affirmed Tirumular’s concept, expressed two thousand years ago, that “Mankind is one family.“ The 21st century has witnessed the meeting of minds from East and West, North and South. Even the atomic scientist Oppenheimer was prompted to quote the words of the Gita, “I become as Death, the destroyer of worlds,” when he realized the terrible power he had placed in the hands of politicians, a power that could annihilate the world! ¶How to Become a Hindu gives a clear picture of the process necessary for becoming a Hindu for those wishing to adopt Sanatana Dharma as their self-chosen way of life to attain moksha. ¶Every born Hindu should read Sita Ram Goel’s account of his personal life and return to Sanatana Dharma in the chapter on personal encounters. I can tell you that there is many “a rootless intellectual” in Malaysia, as elsewhere, cut off from the language of their origin, alienated by a Western education, or converted to an alien religion at the point of the sword or for a “mess of pottagie,” or by their biological urges, to abandon their ancestral religion. The axe handles of Indian society, the ex-Hindus who come to convert Hindus, are to be feared among this group of Indians. ¶There is another group of rootless intellectuals who attribute to Hinduism the statement that all religions are alike, and therefore it does not matter what religion one chooses. This is a fallacy, but it persists. Nowhere does Hinduism state that all religions are the same. It merely states, “All paths lead to the same goal,” but each religion is distinct, with its own beliefs and basic characteristics. The late Saiva-periyar of Malaysia, K. Ramanathan Chettiar, who introduced me to Saiva Siddhanta, refuted this fallacy by saying, “Those who saw all religions as the same have no religion to speak of.“ He illustrated this further by stating, “All women are women, but only your wedded wife is your own.” Let Hindus learn to respect their own religion, without despising it or abandoning it for another. ¶Gurudeva has, therefore, given a summary account of all existing religions, both theistic and atheistic, that have moved the minds of men and women. This section on comparative religion gives the reader an opportunity to exercise his/her judgment and decide for himself what he/she chooses to be or become. The nine questions asked of every Hindu by a non-Hindu, and the answers given, need to be taken note of in order to be able to answer these nine questions. Those Hindus who need to renew their faith, as well as ex-Hindus who wish to retrace their steps and return to the Hindu fold, will find this section invaluable. ¶This new publication is therefore a book on how to become a Hindu for non-Hindus, as well as a book on how to remain a Hindu for Hindus who lack faith in themselves, a faith which is undermined by their ignorance and indifference. There is no better book to convince aspirants who wish to become Hindus, and to explain how to go about it. There is no better book available in English for the untutored Hindu wanting to remain a Hindu and for the ex-Hindu wishing to return to Sanatana Dharma. We have a duty to extend to them our hand of welcome. ¶As Hindu culture and civilization is inextricably linked with Hindu religion—language, music, dance, customs and practices—the concluding chapter, “Embracing Hindu Culture,” helps to depict the cultural traits and traditions expected of a Hindu, and practices which distinguish one as being a Hindu. We are all fortunate indeed that such a book has been conceived by Gurudeva to meet the needs of men and women of the new millennium.§
Dr. S.M. Ponniah, Professor, INTI College; Member of the National Commission on Moral Education; Advisor to the Malaysian Hindu Sangam; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia§
Gurudeva Sivaya Subramuniyaswami is doing a yeoman’s service to Hindus as a whole by reminding them of their ancient tradition through his books and lectures about the significance of the Hindu way of living. How to Become a Hindu is especially important for those who are living outside of India, immersed in various other traditions of the world, yet who want to understand and follow the Hindu lifestyle. This publication provides instruction on the basic values of Hindu society and will benefit both Hindus and those interested in adopting Hindu Dharma. §
Chakrapani Ullal is a renowned Jyotisha Shastri, named by the Indian Council of Astrological Sciences as Jyotisha Kovid and Jyotisha Vachaspati; Los Angeles, California.§
Hinduism does not believe in aggressive proselytizing, cultural invasion or spiritual colonialism. An inner, ethical conversion and a sincere and lasting commitment to the Hindu beliefs are the passports to embrace Hinduism. The inspiring real-life stories of nineteen ardent spiritual seekers belonging to different faiths and religious denominations, including Hinduism, illustrate in captivating detail the various steps of ethical conversion. The author then, with impressive thoroughness, takes the reader step by step to show how entrance into Hinduism means becoming a part of all its basic beliefs, traditions, culture, group-consciousness and spiritual unfoldment. The author then proceeds to discuss vital and burning questions like “Does Hinduism accept newcomers? What is that makes a person a Hindu? What are the beliefs of all the world’s religions?” with deep-seeing ethical judgment. ¶“The Six Steps of Conversion” gives the reader a fairly comprehensive picture of what adoptives and converts to Hinduism should fulfill to enter Hinduism, whose eternal truths are the heritage of humanity. The formal ceremonies, samskaras and traditional rituals required to be fulfilled to embrace Hinduism are exhaustively dealt with in this section. A study of this work will be a rewarding experience to all seekers of self-knowledge and spiritual enlightenment.§
Sri S. Harihara Sharma, Chief Priest, Sri Murugan Temple, Vancouver, Canada; Former Religious Program Producer, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation §
This is a book simple to the point of being straightforward yet significant to the point of being sensational, for it gives voice to a silent shift within modern Hinduism hitherto mentioned only sotto voce. “New occasions teach new duties. Time makes ancient good uncouth.“ In this respect this book is the ultimate “how to“ book in relation to Hinduism. It tells us how to convert to it and retrospectively negates Albiruni’s description of Hindus as a people who do not “receive anybody who does not belong to them, even if he wished to or was inclined to their religion.“ I do not consider it a mere coincidence that a book such as this should appear as we enter the new millennium, for it removes the dark shadow of hesitancy in respect to conversion to Hinduism lurking over the threshold as we cross it.§
Arvind Sharma, Ph.D., Department of Religion, McGill University, Montreal, Canada§
For many years Subramuniyaswami has taught Hinduism to Hindus and to seekers from all faiths. I was pleased and admiring at the recent contribution to the Hindu world by his esteemed illustration of How to Become a Hindu. The synopsis of different faiths brought out in this book and the letters of those who converted to Hinduism from other faiths carries a long way in his attempt. May the almighty Lord Siva give him all courage and long, healthy life to continue his worthy contribution.§
Brahma Sri Samy Visvanatha Kurukkal, Prathisda Sironmani, Kriya Kirama Jothy, Swanupoothy, Sivachariya Thurantharar, Colombo, Sri Lanka§
The world is heading towards doom under the guise of religion. It is very sad to note that some are instrumental in downgrading and also criticizing our respected Hindu philosophy, known as Sanatana Dharma, and are indulging in conversion to other religions, which they consider as their religious beliefs. We have fallen upon an age in which corruption is fairly universal. Hinduism is not a fanatic faith. It has a charity that is comprehensive. ¶This book will be a guide to all those who look at the Hindu religion with sarcasm. This Book cannot be described by mouth or by words. It can only be known by experiencing. The more you get sunk into the spiritual ocean created by this book, the more you get the priceless gems. All human beings should read this book and follow its teachings and experience its grace. The book inspires confidence and helps one to rise higher and higher in the spiritual ladder in the attempt to reach God. Learned scholar Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami was born on Earth to protect the Hindu religion and also to spread the Hindu philosophy to all and sundry. §
His Holiness Dr. Swami R.K. Murugesu, Founder-President, Sri Lankatheshwarar Deyana Mander, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka §
This book is not only an interesting literary novelty that clearly deals with the problem of conversion, providing interesting answers on this subject which definitely must be evaluated carefully for the future of Hinduism. We should all follow with great zeal the example of Satguru and be grateful to him for the superb work he is doing in defending that precious patrimony of humanity represented by Hindu religion. ¶It’s true that Hinduism does not proselytize. However, nothing keeps it from defending itself from the obsessing and devouring invasion of those religions that live under the flag of proselytism. A line of defense can be the correct popularization, as in this book, of how you can become a Hindu and profess your religious beliefs appropriately. Hinduism would certainly be more solid and of greater utility for humanity if every Hindu professed his own religious beliefs with pride, asserting his spiritual principles, cultivating them in his own family and becoming an example for society. Or still, if every organization or group of Hindu devotees in the world collaborated with one another, without egoism and exaggerated pride, to carry out a common task of spreading Hinduism, its spiritual traditions and culture, without superficiality. ¶The problem of spreading Hinduism is not only related to the aggressiveness of other religions, but that unfortunately in Hinduism itself there are weaknesses and superficialities on the part of religious leaders who defend their own powers, their own individualism, etc., at times becoming superficial divulgers of Indian culture. This attitude is widespread in Europe, where swamis or religious leaders belonging to important organizations come exclusively to spread yoga, presenting it as a discipline that aims essentially to psychophysical benefits colored by a vague spirituality, however far from a religious and ascetic practice. This is to betray the Hindu spirit and the spirit of yoga. In truth, yoga is a spiritual practice, the scope of which is the realization of the Self, and is deep rooted in Hinduism. It is part of Hinduism. It is the experimental aspect which can be found in every sampradaya. We must admit that it has immense psychophysical benefits, but we should remember that they are only “positive incidents” which can happen along the spiritual path. Yoga, like the Hindu medical, scientific and artistic arts, cannot be eradicated from its Hindu roots. To cut yoga from its spiritual roots out of fear of having fewer followers if it is presented in its wholeness—a discipline with a philosophy and theology deeply rooted in Hinduism—would be to make this discipline dry, like branches with no lymph. Maybe the swamis who do so want to seem liberal, to show that they welcome anyone. But is this not a subtle and servile form of proselytism which yields only personal advantages? ¶What we call conversion is also the freedom to choose one’s own spiritual language. Therefore, the Hindu has the duty of affirming his religious belief. He doesn’t have to convince anyone, but he must favor whoever sincerely and of his own free choice wishes to enter into the great family of Sanatana Dharma. This courage is always present in Sri Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami. ¶The book also deals with the assertion that “you cannot become a Hindu,” which prevents sincere but unaware devotees from assuming Hinduism as their religion. Satguru deals very clearly and gives precise answers on this subject. ¶I truly recommend this text, which can be a stimulating experience not only for Hindus but also for those who wish to go deeper into Hinduism. We thank Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami for his work and for the love he shows in upholding the cause of Hinduism. §
Sri Svami Yogananda Giri, Founder and Spiritual Head of Unione Induista Italiana, Sanatana Dharma Samgha, Gitananda Ashram, Carcare, Italy§
How to Become a Hindu is a simple and easy to understand manual to help guide those seeking to ratify their declared commitment to Hinduism in all its dimensions: spiritual, social, cultural, economic and educational. Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami is a divine being in the human form who inspires everyone through this book. Regardless of whether you are a Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jew or any other, you can understand the clear concepts expressed in this guide. Gurudeva is an ocean of mercy, compassion and divine knowledge. I highly recommend this book to each and every person to understand the clear concept of Hinduism.§
Swami Brahmavidyananda, a disciple of Paramahansa Satyananda, has taught Hinduism in India, the US, South and Central America. He directs Satyananda Ashram and Institute of Holistic Yoga in Miami, Florida.§
“Conversion” has engaged the attention of scholars and laity alike in recent decades. There are books devoted to the topic and there are conferences where it is debated by scholars. Religious heads are willing to discuss the topic, and magazines and newspapers are willing to engage in the issue. Thus a general awareness of conversion as an area of conflict has engaged the consciousness of people globally in recent decades. ¶The title can be misleading, for this book is not so much about the conversion into Hinduism (though it is used as the context for the discussion), but about helping those who feel uncomfortable in the religion they find themselves in and have no empathy for, while strongly attracted to the ways, lifestyle and philosophy of another religion. Though the author has himself adopted the Saiva Sampradaya of Hinduism, nowhere does the book advocate conversion to Saivism/Hinduism as one of the aims for which the book is written. The book has emerged out of a desire to help those who enter a new religion due to their liking for its way of practicing religion but who also seem to live in a limbo as far as religious identity is concerned. ¶Let us take for instance those Western swamis who don the sannyasin’s robe, follow the rules prescribed for a sannyasin and yet find themselves identified as belonging to their earlier religion and not to Hinduism as such. We are all aware of the number of intellectually converted Westerners that started with Swami Vivekananda’s historic 1893 speech at the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago and gathered momentum in the 1920s and 1930s and is still going on in one form or the other. Neither Swami Vivekananda nor the swamis coming after him have tried to integrate these “new entrants” completely into the Hindu fold. “Many hundreds of devotees are betwixt and between” (p. 124). As Gurudeva says, “My own personal observation is that without a complete and final severance from one’s former religion or philosophy it is not possible to practice Hinduism fully and receive full spiritual benefit, because of subconscious psychological confrontations that inevitably occur when the former belief and commitment make battle with the newly found ones” (p.105). And in line with the many innovations set in motion by Gurudeva (the magazine HINDUISM TODAY being one important one) he has come up with the unique tool of Ethical Conversion to serve devotees who are “betwixt and between.” ¶While some religions, like Islam and Christianity, do have a formalized code of conversion for new entrants into their religion, other religions like Hinduism have not paid much attention to this aspect. Thus a dichotomy of what one has truly become and what one cannot discard (due to lack of a structure by which to do it) has characterized a number of persons, particularly Western converts to Hinduism. If then one has truly chosen to convert to another religion, how should one complete the process begun and gain total identity as a person belonging to the chosen religion? This is the topic dealt with in different ways in the ten chapters of this book and which is termed "Ethical Self-Conversion.” ¶Of human interest is chapter one, where those who have followed this process of “ethical conversion” narrate their stories in the first person. Personally I found this chapter fascinating. Chapter 6 presents briefly the main tenets of the world religions and is highly informative. Chapter 10 is of particular significance in the Western context as it can benefit both Hindus who will know how to answer some basic questions put to them regarding Hinduism and also the Westerner who can come to an understanding of Hinduism in his own idiom and language. It is good to remember that not all Hindus are familiar with their own religion, though born into it. This chapter is thus useful for the Diaspora Hindus as well, who are scattered like seeds all over the globe and are the ones who are asked these questions. Unless they know what they are talking about how can they convey the sense to others? ¶This is a book written in a fascinating style, using a mixture of history and personal narrative. It grips you from the start and leaves you with the feeling that, “Here at last is a book which is taking care of some of the practical problems of those who sincerely want to change from one religion into another.” This is a book that tackles an issue of great interest and that can be read by anyone even remotely interested in the dynamics of inter-religious discourse. §
Dr. T.S. Rukmani, distinguished academician, appointed the first Hindu Chair in the world, University of Durban, South Africa; second person to be appointed the first Chair of Hindu Studies in N. America at Concordia University, Montreal.§
All these years during my travel around the world to spread the message of Lord Siva’s words in many places, I was worried to notice the practices that are followed which are against the Vedas and Agamas. But Sri Gurudeva has clearly mentioned in this book that to be a complete Hindu (not an ardha-Hindu) one has to believe in the Vedas and Agamas. This is very important because without the basement how can a building be constructed? The Vedas and Agamas are the base of this great Sanatana Dharma. ¶In his introduction Swamiji has clearly explained his own evolution as a complete Hindu with his guru’s blessings which many people around the world were eager to know. ¶The chapter which talks about encounters with Hinduism is a clear answer for the people who question whether Hinduism converts people. We do not believe in conversion through money or power, as do certain other religions, but we are obliged to accept the souls who would like to adopt our religion for the liberation of their souls. ¶Gurudeva has excellently explained the necessary steps that have to be followed to become a complete Hindu. This is useful not only for people from other religions, but it is also a very useful guide for the Hindus who are Hindus by just namesake (whom Gurudeva correctly defines as ardha-Hindu). ¶In the world, everything has to be fulfilled; nothing can be incomplete. Something incomplete cannot yield the full fruits of that faith. Can a person say that he is safe by crossing half the wall? How can an ardha-Hindu say that he belongs to the Sanatana Dharma? Just by displaying religious faith’s pictures and symbols, a person cannot be secular in feeling. He would be a phony. He should be ready in his heart and mind. This Gurudeva has clearly explained: how the vibrations differ by keeping a picture of Jesus with that of our Lords. I always stress this point around the world: I accept Jesus as a messenger of the Lord, but how can he be kept together with the Mahadevas? Is the protocol right? This has to be understood clearly. ¶This book of Sri Gurudeva’s is a must in all Hindu families and for the souls who are interested in following the Sanatana Dharma. This work is not a partial one in praise of the Hindu religion. The world will now know of Sri Gurudeva’s experience for the last fifty years as an acharya and his extensive study not only of Hindu Dharma but also his detailed knowledge about other religions and beliefs. His explaining about the steps for conversion is not a day’s work, but a life’s experience. Even the subtle things, such as taking the religious certificate to India during pilgrimage, are handled carefully. ¶I am very happy to say that Gurudeva is the spokesperson for our Sanatana Dharma at the international level because of his dedication, devotion, the satsang that he has been blessed with, and, above all, the guidance of Lord Nataraja. He is rightly called the Jagadacharya. All the great acharyas, aadheenams and our Sivachariars of our holy India and around the world are with him to spread this message of Sanatana Dharma for the peace and happiness of the world. §
Sivashri Dr. T.S. Sambamurthy Sivachariar, Head of the South India Archaka Sangam; Head Priest, Shree Kalikambal Kovil; Chennai, Tamil Nadu, South India§