Originally Posted by
Eastern Mind
Vannakkam Vasa: I have no intention of guru bashing. I hope my earlier post didn't come across that way. Each person here is considered adult, and able to make their own decisions. It is a free country after all. (For younger explorers, my , or other peoples' comments may be harsher, as it is more of a warning, based on legitimate concerns, and love for that young seeker. I just don't want to see anyone duped, especially if I didn't send up some kind of signal.
But I think it is relevant to point out on a Hindu Forum that certain teachers and later organizations are some sort of amalgamation of East-West teachings, and may or may not be strictly Hindu, not just from the observer's views, but also from their own literature, or definition. If you ask directly, "Are you Hindu?" you will most likely get an indirect response. The term Hindu is often not found at all. I understand how this may be a stepping stone for some, a sort of stone in the stream between. If that is the case, then so be it. If syncretism works for you, then by all means go for it. Just please don't refer to it as traditional Hinduism.
The whole subject of initiation is, as I mentioned before, shall we say ... of a different approach.
I'm a bhaktar, was introduced to Lord Ganesha many years ago, and if He's not around somewhere, then it really won't work for me, but this is just my own personal POV.
Best wishes on a clear decision.
Aum Namasivaya