HAF's What's in a Word? cover art

HAF's What's in a Word?

HAF's What's in a Word?

By: Hindu American Foundation
Listen for free

About this listen

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.

Hindu American Foundation
Hinduism Personal Development Personal Success Spirituality
Episodes
  • Hindu teachings ≠ Scripture
    Jul 28 2025

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Spiritual traditions ≠ Religion
    Jul 22 2025

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Hindu lore ≠ Mythology
    Jul 15 2025

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.