In 1991 Dr. Vashta raised the idea that I formally become a Hindu. I thought, Why not? I have been following this tradition for twenty years and working with it had become my main spiritual path and career dedication. I thought about the many Hindus that have become Christians following the allure of the affluent West. The example of a Christian becoming a Hindu would be good for many Hindus and would encourage confidence in their own traditions.

Why shouldn’t I express my appreciation and make a more formal connection with Hindu Dharma? Personally, I am not much for formality and generally avoid ceremony or any kind of outer displays. But it didn’t take much forethought to go ahead with this important project. It was also a way to create a new identity for myself that reflected the changes that I had gone through internally.

Dr. Vashta told me that I was already a Hindu inwardly and so an outward ceremony wasn’t necessary, but that the gesture would be appreciated by the community. I understood. The ceremony was called Shuddhi, which means purification. It was short and simple, a ritual puja, a kumbha abhishekam.