Western people in Hinduism
By habibti320
@habibti320 (925)
United States
November 11, 2012 10:02am CST
I've been talking with friends about Diwali both on mylot and in "real" life and it has made me a remember a few things I am curious about in Hinduism.
A few years ago, I was invited to a ceremony before Dasara which was a puja. I wasn't expecting to participate, but several people kinda "pulled" me in so I sat as part of the circle, was handed flowers, waters, etc. to throw on the goddess's picture along with everyone else. I felt really honored to be participating in something like this, as it was a completely new experience for me. I don't personally have this belief system and my friends knew that.
I was okay with participating, but I know that for lower-caste Hindus there, they were not allowed to sit among the higher caste Hindus at the ceremony. I think some of them paid the priest some money in order to participate in a few other things.
As a foreigner, what is my status in the caste system? Am I caste-less?
If a non-Hindu becomes Hindu (which I know some people say is not even possible), what caste do they take?
I know that some people do not consider caste anymore, but at least for ceremonies, it seems like many do. Could someone please explain this to me or their understanding of it?
Thanks!
3 responses
@marguicha (223720)
• Chile
11 Nov 12
I found your post very interesting and I will wait for a reply of our friends in India. Many times I have found that guests are trested better than people who live in a certain place all year around. It puzzles me.
@rajeev661991 (5)
• India
11 Nov 12
well i m an indian...i would try to answer and eventually clearify somethings as well regarding ur post....'caste system' was designed on d basis of proffessions....it was a need of a functionally efficient society...just like every progressive nation compulsorily have division of different ministeries and forces(army,navy,air force) for the proper and efficient functioning of the country, in d same way education class,working class,defence system,etc were the requirements of a society to b functional...hence 'caste division' was made on d basis of professions...it should b noted that, all the people are still equal n had equal rights irrespective of the proffession they belong...it was nowhere mentioned that people belonging to the working class are inferior with respect to any other class...but with time,it was misinterpreted or rather negatively amended(off course by some anti-social elements of higher classes) to assume and follow the myth of 'heirarchy of castes'....no particular order of castes is anywhere mentioned in the authentic sources..:)
And regarding the conversion into hinduism, the convert will aquire the caste that suits his proffestion...:)
But to b factual,there is no formal procedure for conversion into hinduism...as the hinduism treats all religions to b equal...and says that all religions in one sense or other leads to god, the only difference is in the names...and hence the famous hindi song "sabko sanmati de bhagwan...ishwar, allah tero naam"...:)))
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32748)
• Calgary, Alberta
16 Nov 12
I want to know what is Julia Robert's caste, she is a very rich woman and she just converted. There is no way she will be an outcast as she is a very famous celebrity with loads of money. Anyway something I admire with Hindus, they can assimilate with people of other beliefs very well. They were one of the most tolerant people out there, I had seen a Hindu temple next to a Christian church and saw a Hindu temple next to a Mosque and there is no problem.
Another I respect about Hindus, While Vegans are attacking meat eaters for eating meat, calling them murderers and other names, You wont see Hindus attacking people who eats beef. They were one of the most respectful people I ever met.
@Dishari (687)
•
29 Apr 16
Well that's a difficult question to respond! I can assume that in such a case the person might be considered outcast because Hinduism states that 'you are born a Hindu, you can't convert to being a Hindu'. If that's the case then I am not sure if there is any provision of joining the religion if you aren't born to Hindu parents.
