What's in a word? A lot actually. English words like idol, god, and sacrifice are often used—without careful consideration—to translate Sanskrit words common in Hindu Dharmas. In doing so, quite a bit gets lost in translation.

So what can we do about it? Educate!

And HAF's Samir Kalra, Esq., and Dr. Vijay Satnarine, our Director of Education, are doing just that in our podcast, "What's in a Word?" In this series, Samir and Vijay dive into the meanings and histories behind some of these questionable translations.

In Episode 5, we talk about “sacrifice" and the extremely negative connotations that come it.

So, what's a better alternative? Listen and find out!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's in a word? A lot actually. English words like idol, god, and sacrifice are often used—without careful consideration—to translate Sanskrit words common in Hindu Dharmas. In doing so, quite a bit gets lost in translation.

So what can we do about it? Educate!

And HAF's Samir Kalra, Esq., and Dr. Vijay Satnarine, our Director of Education, are doing just that in our podcast, "What's in a Word?" In this series, Samir and Vijay dive into the meanings and histories behind some of these questionable translations.

In Episode 4, we talk about “gods” as a plural term. Don't Hindus worship multiple "gods?" The answer, and using the term, isn't quite as simple as it seems.

So, what's a better alternative? Listen and find out!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's in a word? A lot actually. English words like idol, god, and sacrifice are often used—without careful consideration—to translate Sanskrit words common in Hindu Dharmas. In doing so, quite a bit gets lost in translation.

So what can we do about it? Educate!

And HAF's Samir Kalra, Esq., and Dr. Vijay Satnarine, our Director of Education, are doing just that in our newest podcast, "What's in a Word?" In this series, Samir and Vijay dive into the meanings and histories behind some of these questionable translations.

HAF's Samir Kalra and Dr. Vijay Satnarine explore the origins of the term "God." Originally from the old Germanic "got," it evolved from a neutral term meaning "something that receives offerings" into a singular, masculine creator concept influenced by Christian beliefs. This definition contrasts with Hindu views, where divinity is represented by Ishwara (a Supreme Being) and Brahman (the Ultimate Reality), neither confined to a single creator figure.

So, what's a better alternative? Listen and find out!

At HAF, we're changing the way we talk about Hindu Dharmas. Stay tuned as we tackle more everyday words in upcoming episodes!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's in a word? A lot actually. English words like idol, god, and sacrifice are often used—without careful consideration—to translate Sanskrit words common in Hindu Dharmas. In doing so, quite a bit gets lost in translation.

So what can we do about it? Educate!

And HAF's Samir Kalra, Esq., and Dr. Vijay Satnarine, our Director of Education, are doing just that in our newest podcast, "What's in a Word?" In this series, Samir and Vijay dive into the meanings and histories behind some of these questionable translations.

In this next episode of "What's in a Word?", we’re breaking down misconceptions! Samir and Dr. Vijay explore the complex history of the term "IDOL" and why it fails to capture the true essence of Hindu icons like murti and vigraha. Historically, "idol" has been used negatively, often fueling stereotypes and misunderstanding.

So, what's a better alternative? Listen and find out!

At HAF, we're changing the way we talk about Hindu Dharmas. Stay tuned as we tackle more everyday words like "idol," "sacrifice," and "gods" in upcoming episodes!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's in a word? A lot actually. English words like idol, god, and sacrifice are often used—without careful consideration—to translate Sanskrit words common in Hindu Dharmas. In doing so, quite a bit gets lost in translation.

So what can we do about it? Educate!

And HAF's Samir Kalra, Esq., and Dr. Vijay Satnarine, our Director of Education, are doing just that in our newest podcast, "What's in a Word?" In this series, Samir and Vijay dive into the meanings and histories behind some of these questionable translations.

In this first episode, we’re exploring the word WORSHIP and why it may not fully capture the essence of Puja or Archana in Hindu tradition. Discover the fascinating origins of these terms and the importance of choosing a language that honors the depth of Hindu practices.

At HAF, we're changing the way we talk about Hindu Dharmas. Stay tuned as we tackle more everyday words like "idol," "sacrifice," and "gods" in upcoming episodes!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.