Please help me understand.

[Singhi Kaya]

can you explain kula-kaya in the appropiate tantrik thread

[Arjuna]

can you explain kula-kaya in the appropiate tantrik thread

Plz put a question there and i will reply as get a mood to

[Kahala]

I have a question: Who is a real Guru for YOU ??

[MananAtma]

Quote:
Originally Posted by anjaylah
Does the Hindu accept newcomers? If so, how does one become Hindu?


Yes it does. In order to become a Hindu one has to go through prescribed rituals, samskaras. In a case of some sects this may be replaced by certain initiation.

Arjuna, please forgive my bringing up an old topic, but I'm new to the forum and browsing old posts to learn as much as I can.

When I asked a similiar question at the temple I attend, I was told by both teachers that "you are Hindu when you feel you are", and that there was no ritual or initiation. Being a Joseph Campbell fan, I recognize the value of initiations.

After going to temple a few times, I decided Hinduism was right for me, I told them so, they just smiled and encouraged me to join in. After that Punditji made a point of bringing Prasad halfway across the temple to me, explaining in his very bad english that I am welcome to join in.

Can you tell me where I might find more info on these rituals you mention? How would I describe them to Punditji? At this point, I'm not sure if the samskaras are needed, but it would be nice to know about them for those who may require more of a ceremonial accepteance into Hinduism.

Shanti,
Roy

[jaggin]

[quote=Arjuna]No. In a sense the Church plays the role of a "collective" Guru in Christianity.
Priest is "archaka", "pUjArI" and "purohita". AchArya is "teacher" or "leader", and Guru is the "master".[/quote]

There is no sense of master in Christianity. Theoretically anything is available to an initiate that is available to someone wel grounded in the faith because all things come by the Paraclete and don't depend on the person. There is a recognition that those who have walked in faith for a long time have a wealth of experience that can be beneficial to the initiate.

[sarabhanga]

Namaste,

The original scenario was:

1. Turiya = Tetragrammaton
2. Guru = Jesus
3. Shishya = Judas

Subsequently elaborated as:

1. Deva = Jehovah
2. Rishi = Jesus
3. Acharya = Pontiff
4. Guru = Priest
5. Shishya = Man

[jaggin]

Although the Roman Catholic and Epicopalian/Aglican churches use a preisthood probably imitating the Judaic priesthood, I am from the Baptist tradition which views the word as saying that there is a preisthood of believers. Any person who has accepted Jesus as Lord and savior is capable of acting as a priest.

[sarabhanga]

The original scenario was:

1. Turiya = Tetragrammaton
2. Guru = Jesus
3. Shishya = Judas

Subsequently elaborated as:

1. Deva = Jehovah
2. Rishi = Jesus
3. Acharya = Pontiff
4. Guru = Priest
5. Shishya = Man

And later reduced by the Protestant Reformation in 16th century Europe to:

1. Deva = Jesus
2. Guru = Bible
3. Shishya = Man

[yajvan]

Hari Om
~~~~~

Wow, the more I find out Hinduism the more I feel drawn to it. ...

Namaste Anjaylay,
You have asked good foundational questions in this Sanatana Dharma... I am not a fan of calling it Hinduism (again, this is just me). I also prefer the name of Arsa Dharma or the way of the rishi. Some Buddhists call it Rsi-mata or the doctrine of the rishi's.

That said, what do you think this great sanatana Dharma is? you have taken a course or two... think about what is moving you in your heart and in your mind to cocnsider this as a way of life/belief. From there then the most profound questions will arise for this asteemed group to assist you with. Sanatana Dharma is beyond ritual, yet is part of the respect we pay to the variouss ways this Brahman expresses itself in this universe. Ite is all inclusive, because the knowledge of Arsa Dharma knows that all 'this' that we see is an extention of HIM.
More on this as your questions permit the knowledge to manifest. It is by knowing your questions, one can throttle the right knowledge to you.

[sarabhanga]

�Hinduism� = indudharma = sindhudharma = sanAtanadharma = ArSadharma = ArSabhadharma !

And the way of the Rishis has long followed Nandi�s own path.