How to Become a Hindu

Rating:
Summary: An Awakening Reading experience.
Review: As a student of comparative religion it is inspiring and refreshing to drink the wisdom and clarity of this Hindu
sage.

The testimonials of those who have converted to Hinduism after their own spiritual searches is good to see. Every person herein seems to have stepped to a higher level of awareness.

upon reading these pages it becomes evident why serious persons have travelled to India not only on pilgrimmage, but to find true spiritual enlightenment and salvation. This tradition of seeking Hindu masters was done by many today, but really began way back in antiquity.
it was known long before Christs time that Indias Sanatana Dharma has always been in the forefront of spiritual renewal and wisdom.

Rating:
Summary: probably too extreme for most people
Review: Be cautious when reading this book. Be aware that it was written by a man (an American) who was himself a convert and spent most of his life as a monk. There is much useful information in this book, but his suggestions are pretty extreme and might turn some people off. For example, as a part of his suggested "ethical conversion" process, he says one should obtain letters of severance from one's former religious mentors. For example, if you were raised Catholic, a letter of excommunication should be requested. Also, he is very insistent that one should LEGALLY change one's name to a "Hindu" name--meaning driver's license, passport, and so forth. I think for most people, things can be much simpler. I have attended Hindu temples in the area and was warmly received. No one even questioned my presence there. I was not asked for my Hindu name, my membership card, or the secret handshake. I was just instantly accepted as another devotee. So if you really want to become a Hindu, first read a LOT so you're sure. Read "Am I a Hindu?" by Ed Viswanathan. Read the Bhagavad-Gita. Read about Vedanta philosophy. And just start attending puja services at a local temple (if possible). If not (or in addition to), set up your own home shrine using any pictures or statues of Hindu deities or gurus you feel drawn to. And finally, ask Indian Hindu friends what they think about all this. I bet they'll tell you to just do what your heart tells you to do and not worry about changing your name or any of that other stuff.

Rating:
Summary: Kooky
Review: Look, anyone in this day and age who arrogantly refers to him or herself as Satguru needs a zen spanking, THERE IS ONE SATGURU, AND HE-SHE-IT DOESN'T NEED TO ANNOUNCE HERSELF. This guy made it way too difficult, upheld nonsensical and outdated cultural biases, and ends up continuing the falsehood that experience of GOD relies on joining a club. IT'S ALL RIGHT HERE! HOW MUCH MORE SILLINESS DO WE HAVE TO HEAR???