Anonymous
10/14/2016 14:00
Subject: Re:Getting ordained as a Hindu priest
Anonymous wrote:Ah, I missed this precious gem.
I've read some English translations of Sanskrit texts, and I've never come across them replacing individual gods with just the name "God." I'm not sure where you are experiencing this. Are you actually reading scholarly translations?
I've read Griffith and Muller's translations of the Vedas directly, as they are widely available. Griffith has only translated 928 hymns of the Rig Veda (there are 1017 in total). And Griffith's index has Griffith coming up with his own interpretation of "samudra", which should mean "cosmic ocean". Then there's Muller, who doesn't divide the verses, also left the hymns incomplete, also sometimes gives his own explanations without quoting, and came up with Aryan theories, so that's great. Both Muller and Griffith were Christian missionaries, and they do not untangle the metaphors and puns in the Vedas, and put an interpretation influenced by their worldview.
And the translations that reduce the Gods to "God" are the ones by Devi Chand, which are quite popular.
I love the PP's idea that "scholarly translations" are trustworthy just because they are written by academics.
Anonymous
10/14/2016 13:56
Subject: Getting ordained as a Hindu priest
Anonymous wrote:I don't know how this will work out, because as far as I know only Brahmins can be Hindu priests? It is not a matter of being modern or progressive, it is the nature of the profession that was tied with the caste.
Does becoming a priest makes you a Brahmin? That's an interesting thought. Maybe that is possible.
Since Hinduism has always accommodated all viewpoints, I know that any one from any caste or any religion can become a teacher or guru or start their own sect within Hinduism.
Best of luck to you though!
No, you are incorrect in that only Brahmins can be Hindu priests. Hinduism has no caste, this has been a later assimilated culturally. Hinduism has varna and jati. So yes, becoming a priest if that is what your calling and aptitude is would make one a Brahmin as it is their profession.
And that has nothing to do with progressiveness. Lord Krishna was a cow herder- a Vaishya. Lord Buddha was a prince- a Kshatriya. Rishi Vyasa was a Shudra, his immense knowledge of the Vedas changed his varna to Brahmin. In fact most of the most devoutly revered sages were born at a lower social status- Sage Vyasa, Sage Valmik, Sage Aiteytreya, Rishi Vashistha.
Lord Krishna stated "Birth is not the cause, my friend; it is virtues which are the cause of auspiciousness. Even a candala observing the vow is considered a brahmana by the gods."
And no, not anyone can just decide to become Guru and start their on sect in Hinduism. Are they people that do that? Yes. It it clearly sanctioned that this is okay to do in Hinduism? No.
There are 4 major sects of Hinduism. Nearly every Guru falls under one of those. A proper Guru falls under a lineage and will always clearly state from whom they have learned. This has always been the case which is why there was never any need for "seminaries". You follow the lineage to the original teacher, this is how you know that your teacher was taught the nuances of Hinduism properly and not by some quack that got an "Indology" degree from a smorgasbord of teachers with no connection to the source.
Anonymous
10/14/2016 13:56
Subject: Getting ordained as a Hindu priest
There are mistranslations in the Mahabharata as well, a lot of them. For example, Karna had only one wife, and he insists to Krishna that he doesn't want to marry Draupadi because he's in love with his wife, which is the Sanskrit word "bharya" (singular, wife.)
This gets mistranslated, in ALL of the Mahabharata editions, as "wives". When in fact Karna was a monogamist who only wanted one woman.
This gets mistranslated, in ALL of the Mahabharata editions, as "wives". When in fact Karna was a monogamist who only wanted one woman.
Anonymous
10/14/2016 13:46
Subject: Getting ordained as a Hindu priest
Anonymous wrote:I don't know how this will work out, because as far as I know only Brahmins can be Hindu priests? It is not a matter of being modern or progressive, it is the nature of the profession that was tied with the caste.
Does becoming a priest makes you a Brahmin? That's an interesting thought. Maybe that is possible.
Since Hinduism has always accommodated all viewpoints, I know that any one from any caste or any religion can become a teacher or guru or start their own sect within Hinduism.
Best of luck to you though!
OP here. Thank you for your good wishes!
Historically only boys of the Brahmin caste were initiated, though there is some evidence of priestesses in the Vedic era. There are a lot of non-Brahmin, women priests springing up in India as well. I think caste is slowly fading away, it's just that you have to adapt certain rituals to be applied outside of the caste system. I do have faith in the power of a thread ceremony, for example, I just don't think your birth decides whether or not you should receive the initiation.
Anonymous
10/14/2016 13:44
Subject: Getting ordained as a Hindu priest
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:OP here, thank you both SO much for these wonderful suggestions and all the information! I am going to find the phone number of email of the Georgetown Hindu chaplain, that's exciting that they hired one.
PP at 09:04 thank you for all the tips, I am looking up those programs right now. I am actually teaching myself Sanskrit grammar whenever I can, and part of that is because I want to read the Vedas in the original Sanskrit. The English translations are terrible - they are mostly made by Westerners who don't understand the spiritual nuances of Vedanta, or they're made by Indians who whitewash the text (like replacing individual deity names with just "God". I like honoring the many Gods of Hinduism, I like calling Varuna and Indra and Vayu and Surya by Their names and paying homage to Them, so it offends me when They are all reduced to one).
Huh? Why don't you enroll in an academic program to learn Sanskrit. That seems to be the place to start.
If you haven't read those texts in the original Sanskrit because you don't know Sanskrit, then how can you be so sure the English translations are terrible?
It sounds like you have some preconceived notions about what you want those texts to be, as opposed to being generally interested in them.
I've read some English translations of Sanskrit texts, and I've never come across them replacing individual gods with just the name "God." I'm not sure where you are experiencing this. Are you actually reading scholarly translations?
Why are you so concerned? OP is right in the way she is proceeding. As has already been mentioned, Hinduism is learned at home, at temple and with a Guru. This includes the understanding and deeper meanings of Sanskrit. The Sanskrit that is taught in universities by so called "Indologists" have no proper understanding, guidance or connection to
Hinduism.
Even learning just the grammar of Sanskrit is tied directly to Hinduism and that's not something an intro class at University will ever teach you.
.
Of letters I am a. Of compounds I am the dual.
I alone am unending time, the Founder facing every side.
Bhagavad Gita 10.33
OP here, yes thank you. That person's hostility was special.
Anonymous
10/14/2016 13:42
Subject: Re:Getting ordained as a Hindu priest
Ah, I missed this precious gem.
I've read Griffith and Muller's translations of the Vedas directly, as they are widely available. Griffith has only translated 928 hymns of the Rig Veda (there are 1017 in total). And Griffith's index has Griffith coming up with his own interpretation of "samudra", which should mean "cosmic ocean". Then there's Muller, who doesn't divide the verses, also left the hymns incomplete, also sometimes gives his own explanations without quoting, and came up with Aryan theories, so that's great. Both Muller and Griffith were Christian missionaries, and they do not untangle the metaphors and puns in the Vedas, and put an interpretation influenced by their worldview.
And the translations that reduce the Gods to "God" are the ones by Devi Chand, which are quite popular.
I've read some English translations of Sanskrit texts, and I've never come across them replacing individual gods with just the name "God." I'm not sure where you are experiencing this. Are you actually reading scholarly translations?
I've read Griffith and Muller's translations of the Vedas directly, as they are widely available. Griffith has only translated 928 hymns of the Rig Veda (there are 1017 in total). And Griffith's index has Griffith coming up with his own interpretation of "samudra", which should mean "cosmic ocean". Then there's Muller, who doesn't divide the verses, also left the hymns incomplete, also sometimes gives his own explanations without quoting, and came up with Aryan theories, so that's great. Both Muller and Griffith were Christian missionaries, and they do not untangle the metaphors and puns in the Vedas, and put an interpretation influenced by their worldview.
And the translations that reduce the Gods to "God" are the ones by Devi Chand, which are quite popular.
Anonymous
10/14/2016 13:34
Subject: Getting ordained as a Hindu priest
I don't know how this will work out, because as far as I know only Brahmins can be Hindu priests? It is not a matter of being modern or progressive, it is the nature of the profession that was tied with the caste.
Does becoming a priest makes you a Brahmin? That's an interesting thought. Maybe that is possible.
Since Hinduism has always accommodated all viewpoints, I know that any one from any caste or any religion can become a teacher or guru or start their own sect within Hinduism.
Best of luck to you though!
Does becoming a priest makes you a Brahmin? That's an interesting thought. Maybe that is possible.
Since Hinduism has always accommodated all viewpoints, I know that any one from any caste or any religion can become a teacher or guru or start their own sect within Hinduism.
Best of luck to you though!
Anonymous
10/14/2016 13:32
Subject: Getting ordained as a Hindu priest
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:OP here, thank you both SO much for these wonderful suggestions and all the information! I am going to find the phone number of email of the Georgetown Hindu chaplain, that's exciting that they hired one.
PP at 09:04 thank you for all the tips, I am looking up those programs right now. I am actually teaching myself Sanskrit grammar whenever I can, and part of that is because I want to read the Vedas in the original Sanskrit. The English translations are terrible - they are mostly made by Westerners who don't understand the spiritual nuances of Vedanta, or they're made by Indians who whitewash the text (like replacing individual deity names with just "God". I like honoring the many Gods of Hinduism, I like calling Varuna and Indra and Vayu and Surya by Their names and paying homage to Them, so it offends me when They are all reduced to one).
Huh? Why don't you enroll in an academic program to learn Sanskrit. That seems to be the place to start.
If you haven't read those texts in the original Sanskrit because you don't know Sanskrit, then how can you be so sure the English translations are terrible?
It sounds like you have some preconceived notions about what you want those texts to be, as opposed to being generally interested in them.
I've read some English translations of Sanskrit texts, and I've never come across them replacing individual gods with just the name "God." I'm not sure where you are experiencing this. Are you actually reading scholarly translations?
Why are you so concerned? OP is right in the way she is proceeding. As has already been mentioned, Hinduism is learned at home, at temple and with a Guru. This includes the understanding and deeper meanings of Sanskrit. The Sanskrit that is taught in universities by so called "Indologists" have no proper understanding, guidance or connection to
Hinduism.
Even learning just the grammar of Sanskrit is tied directly to Hinduism and that's not something an intro class at University will ever teach you.
.
Of letters I am a. Of compounds I am the dual.
I alone am unending time, the Founder facing every side.
Bhagavad Gita 10.33
Anonymous
10/14/2016 13:26
Subject: Re:Getting ordained as a Hindu priest
The quotes messed up on my reply, however, you'll find them on the inside of your quote tags.
Anonymous
10/14/2016 13:25
Subject: Getting ordained as a Hindu priest
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:OP here, thank you both SO much for these wonderful suggestions and all the information! I am going to find the phone number of email of the Georgetown Hindu chaplain, that's exciting that they hired one.
PP at 09:04 thank you for all the tips, I am looking up those programs right now. I am actually teaching myself Sanskrit grammar whenever I can, and part of that is because I want to read the Vedas in the original Sanskrit. The English translations are terrible - they are mostly made by Westerners who don't understand the spiritual nuances of Vedanta, or they're made by Indians who whitewash the text (like replacing individual deity names with just "God". I like honoring the many Gods of Hinduism, I like calling Varuna and Indra and Vayu and Surya by Their names and paying homage to Them, so it offends me when They are all reduced to one).
Huh? Why don't you enroll in an academic program to learn Sanskrit. That seems to be the place to start.
I work full time, so I can't attend classes. I have a great Sanskrit primer app on my phone that I listen to on the train, and when I go home I have Rosetta Stone.
If you haven't read those texts in the original Sanskrit because you don't know Sanskrit, then how can you be so sure the English translations are terrible?
Because I read reviews of books before buying them, have asked priests for advice, and talked to swamis. You know, it's called doing your research? You should try it some time before you attack others, it may make you look a little bit less ignorant and hostile.
It sounds like you have some preconceived notions about what you want those texts to be, as opposed to being generally interested in them.
It sounds like you are quick to make plenty pf preconceived notions of your own. What's your basis for being an authority on the Vedas or to criticize me for my approach to them?
I've read some English translations of Sanskrit texts, and I've never come across them replacing individual gods with just the name "God." I'm not sure where you are experiencing this. Are you actually reading scholarly translations?
Anonymous
10/14/2016 13:20
Subject: Getting ordained as a Hindu priest
Anonymous wrote:OP here, thank you both SO much for these wonderful suggestions and all the information! I am going to find the phone number of email of the Georgetown Hindu chaplain, that's exciting that they hired one.
PP at 09:04 thank you for all the tips, I am looking up those programs right now. I am actually teaching myself Sanskrit grammar whenever I can, and part of that is because I want to read the Vedas in the original Sanskrit. The English translations are terrible - they are mostly made by Westerners who don't understand the spiritual nuances of Vedanta, or they're made by Indians who whitewash the text (like replacing individual deity names with just "God". I like honoring the many Gods of Hinduism, I like calling Varuna and Indra and Vayu and Surya by Their names and paying homage to Them, so it offends me when They are all reduced to one).
Huh? Why don't you enroll in an academic program to learn Sanskrit. That seems to be the place to start.
If you haven't read those texts in the original Sanskrit because you don't know Sanskrit, then how can you be so sure the English translations are terrible?
It sounds like you have some preconceived notions about what you want those texts to be, as opposed to being generally interested in them.
I've read some English translations of Sanskrit texts, and I've never come across them replacing individual gods with just the name "God." I'm not sure where you are experiencing this. Are you actually reading scholarly translations?
Anonymous
10/14/2016 12:39
Subject: Getting ordained as a Hindu priest
OP here, thank you both SO much for these wonderful suggestions and all the information! I am going to find the phone number of email of the Georgetown Hindu chaplain, that's exciting that they hired one.
PP at 09:04 thank you for all the tips, I am looking up those programs right now. I am actually teaching myself Sanskrit grammar whenever I can, and part of that is because I want to read the Vedas in the original Sanskrit. The English translations are terrible - they are mostly made by Westerners who don't understand the spiritual nuances of Vedanta, or they're made by Indians who whitewash the text (like replacing individual deity names with just "God". I like honoring the many Gods of Hinduism, I like calling Varuna and Indra and Vayu and Surya by Their names and paying homage to Them, so it offends me when They are all reduced to one).
PP at 09:04 thank you for all the tips, I am looking up those programs right now. I am actually teaching myself Sanskrit grammar whenever I can, and part of that is because I want to read the Vedas in the original Sanskrit. The English translations are terrible - they are mostly made by Westerners who don't understand the spiritual nuances of Vedanta, or they're made by Indians who whitewash the text (like replacing individual deity names with just "God". I like honoring the many Gods of Hinduism, I like calling Varuna and Indra and Vayu and Surya by Their names and paying homage to Them, so it offends me when They are all reduced to one).
Anonymous
10/14/2016 09:04
Subject: Re:Getting ordained as a Hindu priest
I've looked into this previously. There are big differences in Western religions and Eastern religions when it comes to priesthood. It's very easy to become recognized universally as a 'professional' in Abrahamic religions. There are many Masters in Divinity courses and Seminaries.
In Hinduism, there aren't these "Master's" or "PhD" programs that give out a certificate of credentials. You must study and meditate on the scriptures for years and be highly proficient in Sanskrit and the numerous scriptures as well as the incredible number of prayers, shlokas, stotrams, etc. We generally do this at home, at the temple or under the guidance of a guru. There isn't a institutional style seminary equivalent in Hinduism.
You can become an Acharya or take Sannyasi but you won't have that signed letter from a university that provides some sort of authoritative distinction and there is traditionally no role that is equivalent to "chaplain" in Hinduism which is why there is such a gap in this area in America.
But it is definitely possible! Here are some links I bookmarked a while back, also try contacting HAF, they may have someone to direct you to-
Here's an article about one woman's journey-
http://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=3088
Here's another- about the woman that served as a Hindu chaplain for the Army and at Georgetown (not currently)
http://www.lassiwithlavina.com/features/people/meet-the-us-armys-first-hindu-chaplain/html
This woman took 2 years of Clinical Pastoral Education on her journey
https://shamamehta.com/tag/hindu-chaplain/
This one has a phone number- it's from several years back so don't know if it's still active
https://www.vhp-america.org/sites/vhpa/files/programs-projects/files/Hindu%20Chaplaincy%20Presentation.pdf
If you're interested in learning more about the 2 year Vedanta programs in India (also there is one in Trinidad), I know several people that have gone- young Indian Americans like yourself- and it was life changing for them, let me know. I can give you my email.
In Hinduism, there aren't these "Master's" or "PhD" programs that give out a certificate of credentials. You must study and meditate on the scriptures for years and be highly proficient in Sanskrit and the numerous scriptures as well as the incredible number of prayers, shlokas, stotrams, etc. We generally do this at home, at the temple or under the guidance of a guru. There isn't a institutional style seminary equivalent in Hinduism.
You can become an Acharya or take Sannyasi but you won't have that signed letter from a university that provides some sort of authoritative distinction and there is traditionally no role that is equivalent to "chaplain" in Hinduism which is why there is such a gap in this area in America.
But it is definitely possible! Here are some links I bookmarked a while back, also try contacting HAF, they may have someone to direct you to-
Here's an article about one woman's journey-
http://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=3088
Here's another- about the woman that served as a Hindu chaplain for the Army and at Georgetown (not currently)
http://www.lassiwithlavina.com/features/people/meet-the-us-armys-first-hindu-chaplain/html
This woman took 2 years of Clinical Pastoral Education on her journey
https://shamamehta.com/tag/hindu-chaplain/
This one has a phone number- it's from several years back so don't know if it's still active
https://www.vhp-america.org/sites/vhpa/files/programs-projects/files/Hindu%20Chaplaincy%20Presentation.pdf
If you're interested in learning more about the 2 year Vedanta programs in India (also there is one in Trinidad), I know several people that have gone- young Indian Americans like yourself- and it was life changing for them, let me know. I can give you my email.
Anonymous
10/14/2016 06:13
Subject: Getting ordained as a Hindu priest
Georgetown recently hired a Hindu chaplain who was raised in the U.K. Why don't you contact him and ask about this--I've heard that he is progressive and may have a more modern approach than the conservative temples you have consulted.
Not being born aBrahmin should be no bar to becoming a priest.
Not being born aBrahmin should be no bar to becoming a priest.
Anonymous
10/14/2016 00:56
Subject: Getting ordained as a Hindu priest
Do any Hindus here know of temples that will ordain you through a modern ministry program?
I'm a young Hindu-American in my 20s and I work a corporate job, but I've felt strongly called to the priesthood. I'm not a Brahmin. I've seen that a lot of modern Hindu ministries back in India are creating programs where your caste doesn't matter and they'll put you through two years of training in Sanskrit, the scriptures, and the rituals. The problem is that I don't live in India. How can I get ordained here? I was thinking of calling up some temples but all the temples in my area seem to have pretty conservative Brahmin priests, so I don't know who to ask. All I know is that this would be my life passion.
I'm a young Hindu-American in my 20s and I work a corporate job, but I've felt strongly called to the priesthood. I'm not a Brahmin. I've seen that a lot of modern Hindu ministries back in India are creating programs where your caste doesn't matter and they'll put you through two years of training in Sanskrit, the scriptures, and the rituals. The problem is that I don't live in India. How can I get ordained here? I was thinking of calling up some temples but all the temples in my area seem to have pretty conservative Brahmin priests, so I don't know who to ask. All I know is that this would be my life passion.