HAF's 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!
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- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 8 minutes
- Episodes
- 10
- Years Active
- 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 translat…
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…
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 t…
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!
*…
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." …
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 bi…
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 bi…
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 bi…
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 bi…
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 bi…