If an American converts to Hinduism, are they ascribed a place in a caste? If so, which caste?
1. If an American converts to Hinduism, are they ascribed a place in a caste? If so, which caste? The scriptures did not talk about hereditary caste. In fact, in the epic Mahabharata, there was a conversation between King Yudhisthara and a Yaksha (celestial being) about these issues. There the king clearly reiterates that the distinctions are made on the character and professional skills of people rather than based on their birth. In the state of Kashmir, a few centuries ago, all of the Hindus got together and decided that they all belonged to the same class, namely brahmins. Therefore, among the Hindus of Kashmir, there is not but one caste. If a non-Hindu becomes a Hindu, then theoretically that person can claim to be a Brahmin, if he or she desires a caste assignment. 2. Can a Hindu be reincarnated into a non-Hindu body? If so, how does that affect one’s Dharma and karma? The principles enunciated in ancient scriptures did not designate Hindu and non-Hindu. They spoke about Humans.
