It is not
about conversion but about self-knowledge and about cosmic knowledge because who we are is
linked to the entire universe. Hinduism is not about joining a church but about developing
respect for all beings, not only humans but plants and animals as well. It is not about a
particular holy book but about understanding our own minds and hearts. It is not about a savior but about discovering the Divine presence within us. For
most people in the West becoming a Hindu resembles joining a tribal religion, a Native
American or Native African belief with many gods and strange rituals, rather than
converting to a creed or belief of an organized world religion.
Discovering Hinduism is something primeval, a contacting of the deeper
roots of nature, in which the spirit lies hidden not as an historical creed but as a
mysterious and unnamable power. It is not about taking on another monotheistic belief but
an entirely different connection with life and consciousness than our western religions
provide us.