I Appreciate The Defense

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 10:31 pm by Ambaa Choate

I Appreciate The Defense 2015-03-13T22:31:18-04:00 Ambaa Choate

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Every so often there is an article or some comment that calls into question the concept and legitimacy of a white Hindu convert.

Luckily it seems to me that every time something like this comes up, there are many people who are quick to disagree and who make eloquent arguments why they are wrong. It means a lot to me to see that. It’s hard to have your life called into question as mine sometimes is.

http://thehindublog.tumblr.com/post/65380890996/i-have-seen-many-things-on-tumblr-posted-that

I wanted to call attention to two blogs who have come out with defenses of non-Indian Hindu converts…

http://loveofallwisdom.com/blog/2012/11/in-defence-of-white-hindu-converts/

Could their claimed conversion be a way of expressing their belief that Vedānta traditions express reality better than any other available? Could it be the case that they have been searching for an adequate vision of divinity, found that Durgā expresses that more adequately than a Western model, and found identifying as “Hindu” the best way of expressing this vision? Could it be the case that their practice of modern haṭha yoga has seemed to them the best available technique to improve their lives, and they want to deepen their association with the tradition that has produced it?

http://thehindublog.tumblr.com/post/65380890996/i-have-seen-many-things-on-tumblr-posted-that

I have seen many things on Tumblr posted that denounce all non-Indians/Desis that claim to be Hindu simply cannot be due to scripture. There are claims that you cannot convert to Hinduism; you must be born into it, and it is not open to foreigners.

I would like to take this time to completely disclose that rumor and let everyone know from a strictly Hindu scripture-based view, coming from a devout Hindu, that this claim is utterly and completely false.

…And a word to those who are interested in Hinduism that may have been put off by others’ hateful or ignorant words: By all means, Hinduism is the all-incompassing religion and is available to anyone. It is the all-pervading way of life that is meant to enrich your body, mind and spiritual outlook on how you treat yourself, others around you and the Earth. Read the scriptures, go to mandirs, study the history, respect the meanings and utilize the Dharma to realize that we are all a part of God.

From a white Hindu convert who sometimes feels like she doesn’t belong anywhere, I thank you both for your posts.

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