Apostasy in Hinduism
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Apostates are rarely undermined in Hindu Dharma. According to the Hindu shastras (Hindu scriptures), no Hindu is to be considered an apostate as such. If any Hindu does not follow his Dharma, he is said to be a bhrasta (corrupted) and is taken back into the Hindu fold by conducting suitable purification rites for him. As such Hindus consider all those who have converted into Christianity and Islam as their lost brothers and welcome the returning of such people into the Hindu society.
All the Hindu saints and leaders declare that a Hindu is never an apostate. If he or she converts to another religion then he or she is held to be a bhrastha. This person is always welcome to re-convert to Hinduism by undergoing shuddhi or purification. Pejawar Mutt swamiji has given the slogan to all modern Hindus Na Hindu Patito Bhavet (A Hindu is never fallen).
