Opportunities abound to explore Hinduism at Yale

When I entered this entity we call Yale, leaving my high school routine behind, I encountered a new perspective on the way things fall into place. It is only natural for a person to question that which he has been spoon-fed for the past 18 years or so. Questions arise asking whether God exists, and if so, in what form, and finally, a new relationship is formed in the absence of rigid parents and the presence of other questioning intellectuals.

While I have these experiences in common with a majority of students at Yale, my experience as a practicing Hindu makes me somewhat different. Hinduism at Yale seems to be more introverted than other practiced religions. The South Asian Society celebrates Diwali and Holi, two Hindu holidays which have developed over time into national holidays celebrated throughout the subcontinent. However, the religious aspects of these holidays stems not from the celebrations, but from each individual. The South Asian Students organization provides access to religious services for Diwali and thus facilitates any form of desired practice.

There are currently two classes in the religious studies department which deal with Hinduism or its components. One is called Introduction to Hindu Religious Traditions and the other is a seminar on The Ramayana. Although I did not have the opportunity to take either of these classes this past year, it is comforting to know that such courses exist and offer different perspectives on Hinduism, which might differ greatly from those taught at home.

My experience with Hinduism at Yale may be unique since my experience before Yale consisted of praying mostly from my house. But for me, the move from the bedroom to the dorm room was a little harder than just changing the sheets and getting a new computer; it was a transition in thought, ideals, and belief.

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