HAF's What's in a Word?

Hindu American Foundation

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

07/28/2025

Hindu teachings ≠ Scripture

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—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 video series, "What's in a Word?" In this series, Samir and Vijay dive into the meanings and histories behind some of these questionable translations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7 min
07/22/2025

Spiritual traditions ≠ Religion

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 rich meanings and practices embedded in our traditions. So how do we bridge this gap? By educating ourselves and others! Join HAF’s Samir Kalra, Esq., and Dr. Vijay Satnarine, our Director of Education, as they unpack these complex terms in our What’s in a Word? video series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11 min
07/15/2025

Hindu lore ≠ Mythology

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 described as mythological... something false. So what's a better 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 video series, "What's in a Word?" In this series, Samir and Vijay dive into the meanings and histories behind some of these questionable translations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5 min
07/08/2025

Papa ≠ Sin

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 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 video series, "What's in a Word?" In this series, Samir and Vijay dive into the meanings and histories behind some of these questionable translations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6 min
07/01/2025

Atman ≠ Soul

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 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 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 video series, "What's in a Word?" In this series, Samir and Vijay dive into the meanings and histories behind some of these questionable translations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8 min
04/01/2025

Yajna ≠ Sacrifice

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.

11 min
03/25/2025

Devas ≠ Gods

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.

10 min
03/18/2025

Ishvara ≠ God

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.

10 min
03/11/2025

Murti ≠ Idol

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.

8 min
03/04/2025

Puja ≠ Worship

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.

6 min

10 Episodes

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

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Hindu American Foundation
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2K
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10
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Clean
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HAF's What's in a Word?