Understanding Hindu Sects: Guide for Western Converts

As far as general spiritual traditions in the world are concerned, Hinduism is the most varied and democratic. Quite the contrary to many dogmatic faiths, an individual may choose between several sects that are simply his or her definition of spirituality. This guide is for westerners who want to become Hindus and want to understand the different sects, how to choose one, and whether families can share different sects and live in harmony with them.

According to a broad classification of Hinduism, it has four principal sects, each having particular characteristics from different religious tenets, philosophies, or gods of focus.
 

1. **Vaishnavism** (Worshippers of Vishnu)
   - **Main Deities**: Vishnu, Krishna, Rama, Lakshmi
   - **Beliefs**: Vaishnavas believe that bhakti to Vishnu and his avatars are the supreme path to liberation.
   - **Most Read Texts**: Bhagavad Gita, Vishnu Purana, Bhagavata Purana
   - **Prominent Traditions**: ISKCON (Hare Krishna Movement), Sri Vaishnavism, Gaudiya Vaishnavism
   - **Ideal for**: People who feel inclined towards devotion, creating a personal relationship with God, and singing or chanting the holy names (e.g., Hare Krishna mantra).
 

2. **Shaivism** (Worshippers of Shiva)
   - **Main Deities**: Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, Kartikeya, Nandi
   - **Beliefs**: Shaivites worship Shiva as the Supreme Being, the destroyer of ignorance and illusion.
   - **Most Read Texts**: Shiva Purana, Tirumurai (Tamil Shaivism), Vedas (Rudra Suktas)
   - **Prominent Traditions**: Kashmiri Shaivism, Tamil Shaivism (Shaiva Siddhanta), Nath Tradition
   - **Ideal for**: Those inclined toward meditation, self-discipline, mysticism, and renunciation.
 

3. **Shaktism** (Worshippers of the Divine Mother)
   - **Main Deities**: Durga, Kali, Parvati, Lakshmi, Saraswati
   - **Beliefs**: The Shaktas believe the Goddess (Shakti) is the ultimate power and the root of all creation.
   - **Most Popular Texts**: Devi Mahatmya, Devi Bhagavata Purana, Tantras
   - **Famous Traditions**: Sri Vidya, Tantric Worship, Kali Worship
   - **Ideal for**: Veneration of feminine divine energy and empowerment through devotion and rituals.
 

4. **Smartism** (Liberal & Philosophical Approach)
   - **Main Deities**: Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti, Ganesha, Surya, and Kartikeya (deities of equal importance)
   - **Beliefs**: Smartas have a broad philosophical approach regarding the different manifestations of the same Supreme Reality, Brahman.
   - **Most Popular Texts**: Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Advaita Vedanta teachings
   - **Famous Traditions**: Advaita Vedanta (founded by Adi Shankaracharya)
   - **Ideal for**: Those preferring a non-dogmatic, intellectual path that embraces multiple forms of divinity.

## Choosing a Sect as a Western Convert

1. **Identify Your Spiritual Inclinations**: Do you find yourself attracted toward devotion and singing (Vaishnavism), meditation and asceticism (Shaivism), the worship of the Divine Feminine (Shaktism), or more inclusiveness and an intellectual approach (Smartism)?

2. **Read the Scriptures**: Study the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, or other specific texts of the sects you feel inclined toward.

3. **Visit Temples or Hindu Groups**: If feasible, visit Hindu temples of different sects or participate in online communities, such as ISKCON, Shaiva centers, or Shakta forums.

4. **Practice and Reflect**: Practice different exercises, like chanting Hare Krishna (Vaishnavism), meditating on Shiva (Shaivism), or worshipping the Divine Mother (Shaktism), to see which one holds the most meaning for you.

5. **Seek Guidance**: Most sects have spiritual teachers (gurus), who guide seekers in their paths. You can listen to discourses online, or see whether there is a Hindu spiritual center around.

## Can Families Have Different Sects and Live Peacefully?

Yes! This is one of the great strengths of Hinduism: pluralism. So it is common within a Hindu household that a member follows a different sect and still worships together. For instance:
   - Dad might be a Shaivite, while mom might be a Vaishnavite, but their children could choose their own paths.
   - Some families stick to Shiva and Vishnu, placing idols or pictures of both gods on their home altars.
   - Most of the festivals, such as Diwali and Navaratri, are celebrated by all sects, clearly defining unity in diversity.

Multiple religions proclaim that different paths ultimately lead to one truth. So, harmonization among sects is not just possible but encouraged.

## Conclusion

Hinduism isn't monolithic but a rich and diverse spiritual tradition that allows one to explore different sects. As a Western convert to Hinduism, one can choose a sect resonating with one's beliefs and practices but still understand that every Hindu tradition is united in some manner. Thus, families can have different sects at home and still peacefully abide by the overarching principles of dharma (righteousness) and mutual respect.

By embracing this diversity, you will come to a spiritual home in Hinduism that indeed resonates to the utmost with your soul.