I remember visiting India and being dropped off at a Hindu temple in heels, stockings, and a business suit. Of course, in the temple, you cannot wear shoes, and I could not exactly remove my stockings, and the floor was marble. They had some sort of guest for a religious ceremony..... so, I am the only non-Indian in the building, slipping and sliding all over the floor, hiding behind poles, and listening to a lengthy ceremony that involved food of some kind. I was offered things by the lovely people there and, of course, I ate, hoping I would not get an upset tummy. It was a unique experience, and one I will never forget. The Hindu temples and people are beautiful.
On the way home from this visit, I was asked to bring a copy of the Bhagavad Gita for one of the people in my office. (I worked for an Indian company.) The book was large and very heavy, and I had to bring it on board in my carry-on. I also had a sitar and a lot of company papers. The person behind the desk at the airport said that my carry-on was too heavy. I regretfully said I would have to leave the copy of the Bhagavad Gita. They hesitated and said 'no no no no no.... it is fine, you may take it all on board."
I was fortunate enough to visit India four or five times during the years I worked for Envision. They were some of the most magical experiences of my life.
So.... Ane, when you study the Hindu religion, study the people also. When you study a faith and you investigate the tenets of that faith, then you speak with a person of that faith, it brings a whole new perspective. It did for me, anyway.
