How to Become a Hindu Print Version

Hinduism is presented in its widest spectrum. Subramuniyaswami outlines its four major traditions Saivism, Saktism, Vaishnaivism and Smarta and discusses each one’s characteristics and practises. The power of this text is its broadness. While certainly written by a Saivite, it offers an overview of Hinduism and discusses a conversion method which is valid for entry into any of the traditions. Subramuniyaswami emphasizes the importance of sustaining rather than diminishing divisions on the basis of sect. Not because of intolerance or a desire for division, but because of his deep and profound understanding of tradition. The uniqueness of the various schools of Hinduism is in their separateness, their own discrete ways of approaching the divine and fulfilling human need. Since all humans are unique then so too there must be many traditions to answer these needs. Accordingly, Subramuniyaswami emphasizes the importance of respecting and sustaining traditions and making formal entry into a specific Hindu sect. This respect for difference, this deep understanding of the role of tradition, sect and religion is at the heart of “How to Become a Hindu” and is powerful and profound. Indeed, the power of this vision coupled with the model of “ethical conversion” is so strong in its honesty and integrity that it could be rightfully applied to any world religion to the benefit to its members.