HAF's What's in a Word?

In Episode 10 of our What's in a Word series, we talk about “scripture." Often we use "scripture" to describe our ancient texts. But that doesn't necessarily translate quite well. So what's a translation for it? Watch the episode to find out!   ************************* What's in a word? A lot actually. English words like idol, god, and sacrifice are often used—without careful consideration—t...

Does this English term truly capture the depth and diversity of Dharma? Many use “religion” as a catch-all, but is it the right fit for Hindu traditions? Watch the episode to uncover the nuances! What’s in a word? A lot more than you think. Words like religion, faith, and spirituality are often used without fully understanding their roots—especially when applied to Hindu Dharma. This can blur the...

In Episode 8 of our What's in a Word series, we talk about the usage of the word “mythology" when describing stories from Hindu Dharma traditions. It's a word that gets used commonly equating it to tales of lost civilizations (like ancient Greece)—tales that have ultimately been deemed as false. Hindu Dharma traditions, however, are not lost in time. Our stories remain. Yet our stories are still d...

In Episode 7 of our What's in a Word series, we talk about “sin." Is there a proper translation for it? Many translate papa to be sin but is that really the best use? Watch the episode to find out!  ************************* 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 Dha...

In Episode 6 of our What's in a Word series, we talk about “soul." How well does it translate to the Hindu concept of "atman?" ** SPOILER: NOT WELL. ** In fact, "soul" is quite different from "atman." The word "soul" comes from the Abrahamic concept of God breathing life into a body. However "atman" has a more eternal principle to it.  So what's a translation for atman? Watch the episode to f...

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?"...

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?"...

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...

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...

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...