HAF's What's in a Word?

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Murti ≠ Idol

Episode 2

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 • Duration 07:43

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.

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Puja ≠ Worship

Episode 1

Tuesday, March 4, 2025 • Duration 05:55

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.

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Ishvara ≠ God

Episode 3

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 • Duration 09:58

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.

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Yajna ≠ Sacrifice

Episode 5

Tuesday, April 1, 2025 • Duration 11:19

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.

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Devas ≠ Gods

Episode 4

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 • Duration 09:35

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.

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Atman ≠ Soul

Episode 6

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 • Duration 08:18

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!

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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!

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.

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Papa ≠ Sin

Episode 7

Tuesday, July 8, 2025 • Duration 06:18

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!

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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!

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.

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Hindu lore ≠ Mythology

Episode 8

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 • Duration 04:47

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?

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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!

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.

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Spiritual traditions ≠ Religion

Episode 9

Tuesday, July 22, 2025 • Duration 10:36

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.

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Hindu teachings ≠ Scripture

Episode 10

Monday, July 28, 2025 • Duration 07:20

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.

Read moreCollapse

HAF's What's in a Word? – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

HAF's What's in a Word? – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify