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Thread: Namaste from Arizona

  1. #11

    Re: Namaste from Arizona

    Namaste Edward,

    Seems like what you are describing is one of the single hall temples. I have seen some of these in Texas (often in a strip mall type setting). In India temples were (and still are) a part of life. As such there were many large temples, but also a substantial number of small ones. You stop by a temple anytime you like, offer your prayers and then continue what you were planning on doing. You could offer a prayer through a pandit (if there was one around) or you just speak to your deity by yourself. This is one of the ways, Hinduism became more of a way of life rather than a strict religion.

    It seems to be that they are trying to use that approach (at least in Texas). It is also cost effective I believe.

    -Kumar

  2. #12
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    Re: Namaste from Arizona

    Quote Originally Posted by kumar_s View Post
    Namaste Edward,

    Seems like what you are describing is one of the single hall temples. I have seen some of these in Texas (often in a strip mall type setting). In India temples were (and still are) a part of life. As such there were many large temples, but also a substantial number of small ones. You stop by a temple anytime you like, offer your prayers and then continue what you were planning on doing. You could offer a prayer through a pandit (if there was one around) or you just speak to your deity by yourself. This is one of the ways, Hinduism became more of a way of life rather than a strict religion.

    It seems to be that they are trying to use that approach (at least in Texas). It is also cost effective I believe.

    -Kumar
    Namaste, Kumar.

    > Seems like what you are describing is one of the single hall temples.

    Yes.

    > It is also cost effective I believe.

    This makes sense.

    > You stop by a temple anytime you like, offer your prayers and
    > then continue what you were planning on doing. You could
    > offer a prayer through a pandit (if there was one around) or
    > you just speak to your deity by yourself. This is one of the ways,
    > Hinduism became more of a way of life rather than a strict religion.

    Thank you for sharing this. I like this attitude very much. A spiritual path is not separate from ordinary life. I'm going to try to visit temples several times a week and eventually visit the two advaita groups here that I know originated with authentic teachers (the Ramakrishna Vedanta Ashrama and the Chinmaya Mission). The more actions I take, the more Sanātana Dharma feels real to me and the more it becomes my path, not merely a collection of ideas in my head. This will also help me to find the Hindu community (and perhaps even the guru) that is right for me.

    One thing I haven't figured out is how someone might learn temple practices. As a book-lover, some things come naturally to me, such as studying texts and doctrines and memorizing traditional prayers. But I confess that the temple practices are intimidating to me right now. The temples here don't seem to have convert classes. I guess I'll meet devout Hindu friends in the community that I choose who will show me how the practices are to be done.

    praṇām
    śrīmate nārāyaṇāya namaḥ

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    Re: Namaste from Arizona

    Quote Originally Posted by anucarh View Post
    One thing I haven't figured out is how someone might learn temple practices.
    praṇām
    Vannakkam: There are general guidelines. Here's a link. http://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules...hp?itemid=5315 But generally, you learn by watching.

    Aum Namasivaya

  4. #14
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    Re: Namaste from Arizona

    Quote Originally Posted by Eastern Mind View Post
    Vannakkam: There are general guidelines. Here's a link. http://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules...hp?itemid=5315 But generally, you learn by watching.

    Aum Namasivaya
    Vannakkam, Eastern Mind.

    This article is very helpful, especially the sections discussing worship and offerings. I've saved it so that I can consult it often. Thank you for sharing it.

    praṇām
    śrīmate nārāyaṇāya namaḥ

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