PDA

View Full Version : New and searching



rlilsmiths
31 July 2012, 11:21 AM
My name is Amy and I come here in hopes of beginning a new journey. I was raised in a Christian home, and it has never 'fit' the way I wanted or needed it to. I have considered myself an atheist for some time, but frankly that doesnt fit either. For the last few months I have been researching different religions and faiths and I think that Hinduism may be the path for me. I desperately need to find some peace and have quiet within myself and I am wondering if this could be what I am seeking.

So here is my question for all of you. I have no idea where to begin. If I were seeking out the Christian faith I would visit a church and ask for guidance there, however we live in a small town in NY where cows outnumber people and there isnt a Temple anywhere close to me. So with that being said, do I start with reading? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you all for any help you can offer!!

Amy

Eastern Mind
01 August 2012, 08:01 AM
Vannakkam Amy: Welcome to HDF. :)

For the philosophy, the internet is a good place to start, I guess. You can find a lot of free information on line. We have a library here on this site, thanks to the work of one of our members. For the non-book side of things, I always encourage a visit to a Hindu temple, even if you have to do an overnight trip. There are more temples around than you might think. Besides New York (obviously), Albany and Rochester and probably more have them. For introductory books that give you an overview, there is 'Idiot's Guide to Hinduism', or 'What is Hinduism?" which is free on-line. Others may suggest specific scriptures, but personally, I'd recommend the over-all look first.

One really major difference between Hinduism and the faiths you grew up in is its vastness. If you ask questions on here, you're bound to get different answers. Really we're about 5 religions bundled under one name.

Aum Namasivaya

Believer
01 August 2012, 07:34 PM
Namaste Amy,

I am researching for an appropriate guidance tutorial.

Pranam.

dhyandev
02 August 2012, 08:49 AM
Start reading bhagwat gita as it is the first step in spiritual staircase.It will tell u about the sanatan dharma philosophy & will also help increase ur knowledge of the subtle world.
First read it just like a normal book,because there is a remote chance that u will have devotee mind in sanatan dharma so early.On the second reading u will have a devote intellect as there are concepts which can only be understood when u have full devotion.
Read Indian translators.Iskcon version is good .Avoid indologists

http://www.gitapress.org/BOOKS/GITA/455/455_Gita_Roman.pdf

http://www.bhagavad-gita.org/

rlilsmiths
03 August 2012, 02:54 PM
thank you all!!!! i am excited about this journey and hope to find what i need!!:D

vic01
12 November 2012, 02:33 AM
Namaste Amy
At i want to say welcome to "HINDU DHARMA FORUMS".
What every have any question regarding Hinduim and its culture you can ask here .... So may ppl here to answer ...