Originally Posted by
shantiseeker
I am at a crossroads. I've looked at Hinduism. (I'm a westerner). I still practice yoga and believe there is something to the chakra energy centers. I like the Gita.
But I do know that I'm not destined to become a "true" Hindu. I greatly like many of the principles, but I don't think Hinduism can be my only path, but part of it. Yes, I come from the US, but was not raised going to church, so it's not like Christianity was "forced" and "emblazoned" on me. I chose a Christian path for a while as it seemed the logical thing to do, since the generic Xmas and other "Christian" holidays were always observed in my house in the generic sense. Chrisitanity and the whole Jesus is the only way and you'll burn in hell if you don't believe that and accept him, etc is not anything I accepted even when I identified myself as "Chrisitian". I surely don't think it now. I believe he was a man who was a messenger and had compassion, and yes, like many in that time, was crucified.
I will keep elements of Hinduism probably as part of me, but I know I can't go any further than that, and I'm not about to be fake. Some people do this as a phase. I never really revealed to anyone but my spouse that I was looking at Hinduism. I still like the mantras and find them God inspired. I just know I can't ever truly be a Hindu.
And getting to the point the OP was making, yes, there are divisions and debates in every religion. This is why I am pursuing a free course as I've tried to do, and I doubt I'll ever "sign off" again to an official religious body unless it truly embodies what works for me. I remain a seeker of peace still.