Access free online courses from the American Institute of Vedic Studies at https://www. vedanet. com/. Hindu Online also offers free courses in a variety of modern and ancient Hinduism topics and can be found at http://hinduonline. co/learnOnline. html.
Start with an online search for Hindu Temples or Mandirs. Once you find a nearby Temple, explore their website looking for ways you can get involved. Call the Temple or their education office, if they have one. Explain that you are a student of ancient Hinduism and would like to find out more about the philosophies. In most cases, they will be happy to offer assistance. [1] X Research source
This can be a professor, member of the Hindu temple, or anyone else who has more knowledge about ancient Hinduism than you do. [2] X Research source
Atman is the individual soul and Brahman is the universal soul that all souls seek to return to. Reincarnation and karma are concepts that describe how an individual soul is able to reunite with Brahman. By doing good deeds, the soul builds good karma, and it is reincarnated into progressively higher beings until it achieves union with Brahman. Moksha and samsara are the main goals of ancient Hinduism. Samsara is the best way to live and progress through the reincarnation cycle, and moksha is the ultimate freedom from this cycle. [3] X Research source To find out more about these and other main premises of ancient Hinduism, read more online or visit your library.
There are four Vedas, and they are available in multiple translations on the internet. One good translation is available here https://www. scribd. com/doc/17001079/Four-Vedas-English-Translation. You can also find commentaries on the Vedas online. A good place to start is with the Srimad-Bhagavatam. This is an analysis of the Vedas that is available free online at http://e-vedas. com/books/sb_set. htm.
The earliest evidence of Hinduism dates back to 5500 BCE. The Vedas were passed down orally and then in writing, and they offer the earliest insight into the faith. There is no known beginning date for Hinduism, as there were other versions of Hinduism practiced at this time that have been lost. The basis for ancient Hinduism was the idea that gurus, people whose souls had achieved a higher level, were able to see the best way to live and show it to their students. Thus, many people followed these gurus in an attempt to remove themselves form the endless cycle of reincarnation. [4] X Research source
One example would be thinking of how reincarnation and karma compares to the idea of Judeo-Christian heaven and hell. This can and should take months or years. It’s one of the methods of internalizing the teachings of Hinduism. [6] X Research source
Start by finding a quiet place. Sit comfortably. You don’t necessarily need to assume any specific pose. Breathe deeply and slowly in and out. Quiet your mind by repeating one of the mantras from the Vedas or any other repeated phrase you find meaningful. This can be done out loud or internally. Continue this process for any length of time you feel comfortable. You may not achieve any great revelations, but you’ll at least understand how the ancient Hindu people understood their religion. [7] X Research source
Today yoga is very popular, and you can easily find poses online or join a class at your gym. Practicing yoga is another way to internalize how the ancient Hindus practiced their faith. [8] X Research source
You can do this online. There are a number of online groups where you can talk about Hinduism with others who have more experience and better understanding. Visit your local temple. Talk to the people there, and learn more about those in your area who are currently practicing Hinduism. If you decide you’d like to continue studying and being involved with the Hindu community, talk to the leaders at the mandir about the conversion process. It includes reviewing your past religion to determine why you believe in Hinduism, and addressing your past faith leaders to sever ties with churches you’re a member of peacefully and respectfully. [9] X Research source
