I would have no problem telling 75% of converts to bugger of, the other 25% can prove themselves through agni pariksha.
Just kidding, of course. Some questions I'd consider before considering someone to be sincere:
-Do they bring their old religious baggage to Hinduism.
-Do they belief that all religions lead to the same goal and Hinduism is just one valid path out of many.
-Do they baptise any saint or religious figure, foreign or Indian, as one of the avatars of "Brahman."
-Do they have true faith in Hinduism or are they coming to Hinduism with a lot of scepticism.
-Are they practising Hindus or only showing academic, theoretical or historical interest.
-Is their interest genuine or just a passing curiosity.
-Are they truly interested in learning what the Hindu traditions and scriptures teach or are they just happy swallowing any information about Hinduism that makes them feel better.
-Is their largest source of information about Hinduism the teachings of some neo Hindu guru(s).
-Do they heavily psychologise religion which is a symptom of post enlightenment rationalism. In other words, do they think religion is just a method people have created over time to deal with their mental problems and all religious practices and beliefs are nothing but forms of psychotherapy.
-Do they make up their own deities, rituals, practices and ideologies.
-Do they use Hindu knowledge, and eastern knowledge in general, only to supplement their belief in western occult, esoteric, new thought, new age, self help or pagan worldviews.
-Do they think they are Hindu, because 1) they can stand on their head and twist sidewards, 2) give their partners candle light massages or 3) believe they are the reincarnation of Queen Elizabeth the first.
-Are they financially motivated to teach or practice Hinduism.
-Are they proponents of extreme non violence and do they criticize Hindus for any form of assertiveness against terrorism, Islamic or otherwise.
-Do they constantly complain about Hindu social issues like the caste system.
-When they read the Ramayana for example, does their heart fill with devotion or do they become angry at Rama or Valmiki, because the scripture doesn't fit their own utopian ideals of social justice.
-Do they show reverence towards Hindu symbols and representations of deities or do they wear pictures of Lakshmi, Kali and Krishna on their panties, slippers and toilet seats. Do they step on Hindu murtis or do they try to french kiss Buddha statues in or around temples.
Bookmarks