Second Edition§
Copyright © 2000
by Himalayan Academy§
How to Become a Hindu, A Guide for Seekers and Born Hindus is published by Himālayan Academy. First published as Śaivite Names in 1989. All rights are reserved. This book may be used to share the Hindu Dharma with others on the spiritual path, but reproduced only with the publisher’s prior written consent. Designed, typeset and edited by the sannyāsin swāmīs of the Śaiva Siddhānta Yoga Order, 107 Kaholalele Road, Kapaa, Hawaii, 96746-9304, USA.§
Library of Congress Control Number 00-132420
978-1-934145-19-8§
Cover Art
Chennai artist S. Rajam depicts some of the typical steps a soul takes in adopting Hinduism (clockwise from upper left): confronting previous religious leaders to inform them of this change; Lord Śiva looks on; young aspirant studies the scriptures and philosophy of Sanātana Dharma; Western convert learns to wrap a sari as part of her cultural immersion; a Chinese seeker worships Lord Gaṇeśa; priests conduct the traditional homa rites for the final ceremony, the name giving sacrament, nāmakaraṇa saṁskāra.§