{"id":6040,"date":"2016-06-02T06:50:29","date_gmt":"2016-06-02T06:50:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/globalpress.hinduismnow.org?p=6037&preview_id=6037"},"modified":"2016-06-02T06:50:29","modified_gmt":"2016-06-02T06:50:29","slug":"translating-ancient-hindu-texts-agenda-for-conversion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/globalpress-new.hinduismnow.org\/?p=6040","title":{"rendered":"Translating Ancient Hindu Texts (Agenda for conversion?) | HHR"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Aside from the Bhagavad Gita and a sampling of the vast compendium of Hindu dharmic teachings, relatively few important texts have a comprehensive and detailed modern translation.\u00a0 This is especially true for the Vedas.\u00a0 For insight and understanding in English of ancient texts, such as the Vedas, one must often rely upon translations dating back to the 1800s.This is somewhat problematic, as there is not only a potential bias (there is a demonstrated bias from this time period) as such translations could be the result of a plan or a creation of an unintended tool for missionary conversion.<\/p>\n

To examine this, one can immediately identify mistranslations of words such as moksha<\/em>, which has become commonly mistranslated as salvation<\/em> instead of liberation<\/em>; which is a sententious change in meaning.<\/p>\n

Terms such as p<\/em>\u0101pa<\/em> are commonly mistranslated as sin<\/em> with a plausible and sinister understanding that this translation will be aligned with a Christian definition of sin, which is again would be incorrect.\u00a0 Even terms such as dharma<\/em> simply do not translate well into English or other languages.\u00a0 While this issue is attributed to the late 1700s and 1800s, in reality, the same mistranslations are commonly used by scholars in the current age.<\/p>\n

1800s Translations<\/p>\n

It is difficult to say with certainty that all western translators of Vedic texts had a hidden missionary agenda.\u00a0 But it is clear that some had a clearly expressed a bias against Hinduism.\u00a0 This is evidenced by Monier Williams who was quoted as saying \u201890% of Indian population were demon worshipers\u2019[i]<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Additionally, there is evidence that these translations were eagerly embraced by Christian Missionaries for the purpose of conversion, as Baptist Missionary Magazine, vol. 80<\/em> (BMM) <\/em>contained an article entitled Life Among the Telugus<\/em>.\u00a0 This article directed missionaries to the work of Monier-Williams and Max Muller.<\/p>\n

The article continues to state \u2018It is difficult to say which of these forms of idolatry is the grossest, the most immoral and debasing.\u2019\u00a0 (BMM p. 592)\u00a0 This same article in speaking of Devas states that \u2018each demon has a limited range\u2026and so the names are countless.\u2019 (BMM p. 593)<\/p>\n

While it would be correct that some translators attempted to stay true to the commentaries of Sayana, it is highly suspect that an agenda was still to use the Vedas<\/em> as a tool for conversion, as missionary groups identified the Vedas<\/em> as an important obstacle to overcome.<\/p>\n

Sameer Thakkar goes as far as literally calling not only Max Muller but Griffith, Bloomfield and Wilson missionaries.[ii]<\/a>\u00a0 One might argue these are old translations are not relevant (which seems to be a scholarly retort); regrettably these translations remain the common standard among western scholars, and they continue to have a profound influence upon Indian academia, as I have observed numerous Indian academics translate moksha<\/em> as salvation<\/em>.<\/p>\n

This has led to the concept of the \u201cEuropeanization of the Vedas and Sanskrit\u201d[iii]<\/a> as suggested by David Frawley. The Europeanization of teachings from India has resulted in egocentric scholarly teachings that the \u2018Vedas originated in Europe or Central Asia\u2019.[iv]<\/a>\u00a0 Secondly, Frawley correctly points out that traditional Vedic teachings were rejected by western scholars.[v]<\/a>\u00a0 In fact, this problem has continued to the present.<\/p>\n

This speculation and ignoring of the traditional teachings birthed the Aryan Invasion Theory<\/em>, which has become somewhat laughable until one realizes it still permeates the Hindu mind and continues to appear globally in textbooks.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, scholars have continued onward to the equally absurd Aryan Migration Theory<\/em> (AMT) despite the fact that in 2011 Toomas Kivisilid et. al revealed that Ancestral North Indian and Ancestral South Indian predated any Aryan migration event by 9000 years.[vi]<\/a>\u00a0 Addition comments regarding a migration were provided by Dr. Lalji Singh, the former head of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology: \u201cThere is no genetic evidence that Indo-Aryans invaded or migrated to India. It is high time we re-write India\u2019s prehistory based on scientific evidence.\u201d[vii]<\/a> Yet, despite the contrary evidence, humanities scholars, religious scholars, and Indology scholars continue to insist that the Aryan migration is factual and claims against the Aryan migration is from the political rightwing groups or part of a Hindutva agenda.<\/p>\n

These academic pseudoscientific claims (Aryan migration) are present and well established in the modern academic world, as we shall see next.<\/p>\n

The biased translations and teachings become akin to self-perpetuating samskaras, once they become entrenched within the global mind.\u00a0 And as such, they are quite difficult to eradicate despite how many studies disprove or evidence to the contrary is presented.<\/p>\n

This was further evidenced when I personally observed an assistant professor make the bold claim that the Aryan Migration Theory is supported by \u2018solid evidence\u2019.\u00a0 When questioned about the evidence, no actual evidence was presented.<\/p>\n

Again this example illustrates how biased information becomes rooted, established and presented as a fact, despite evidence that contradicts the established rhetoric of the western scholar and academic position.\u00a0 Scholars often fail to recognize that their own samskaras when combined with pressures to publish papers influenced by the rhetoric of the time often results in poor scholarship, as we shall see next.<\/p>\n

Wendy Doniger goes as far as to assert that p<\/em>\u0101pa <\/em>is translated as evil; even suggesting that this is associated with the Rg Veda.[viii]<\/a> <\/em>\u00a0The problem with applying such western definitions to Sanskrit terms is that the superimposed foreign cultural term comes with a great deal of \u2018baggage\u2019 and often is subject to the samskaras<\/em> or mental impressions of the individual reader, forcing them to read through tinted glasses as opposed to removing the obstacles to clarity.<\/p>\n

Traditionally, the traditional systems have warned against this and place an importance upon Vivek <\/em>(discrimination\/discernment) for this reason.\u00a0 Ironically, western scholars such as Stephen Prothero have also noted this is a problematic approach with translations such as previously cited.[ix]<\/a>\u00a0 Strangely, in my questioning of several western academics, the majority appeared comfortable with incorrect translations of moksha <\/em>and p<\/em>\u0101pa,<\/em> one must wonder \u2018why?\u2019 Upon questioning these academics, often a religious bias has been revealed.<\/p>\n

Scholars often balk at the suggestion that their work has a conversion agenda or is commonly used for conversion.\u00a0 As noted earlier, many scholarly works from the 1800s have been used for conversion purposes, but does this exist in the modern age?\u00a0 As recently as 2008, a Bible was introduced in India with references to the Vedas and Upanishads included.[x]<\/a> This is used commonly to align Vedic teachings with Christian teachings\u2014for conversion.<\/p>\n

Yet, within the United States or Europe, for example, this would never be an accepted practice; as Catholic priests commonly refer to Hinduism or yoga as demonic.[xi]<\/a>\u00a0 One might argue that this is a Catholic position and Protestants are different; yet, Pastor Mark Driscoll is quoted as saying \u2018Yoga is demonic\u2019.[xii]<\/em><\/a> So it appears that these views are held by a broader cross-section than one might imagine.<\/p>\n

Scholars have argued that this is in the past, and a new level of scholarship has emerged divorced from the fallacies of the past.\u00a0 Yet, Vamsee Juluri found a textbook in use up to 2009 in the U.S. that noted Nazism, the Aryan Migration,<\/em> and Hinduism together (on the same page), by featuring this unsupported connection with Nazism and Hinduism and featuring it in the chapter on Hinduism.[xiii]<\/a>\u00a0 Not only is this a false association, it also feeds an emerging narrative that seeks to align Sanskrit with Nazism.[xiv]<\/a>\u00a0 Upon a simplistic examination, one can quickly determine that these concerns regarding scholars are not limited to Hinduism.<\/p>\n

An unrelated, but equally important event was the Texas textbook debacle where slaves were rewritten into history as \u2018workers\u2019; this was as recent as 2015.[xv]<\/a>\u00a0 These few examples clearly illustrate that manipulation of information is clearly a more common occurrence than scholars would have us believe.<\/p>\n

Therefore, it is difficult to ignore issues that continue to arise such as the California textbook issues that have just recently been settled, for the time being, in the U.S.\u00a0 But one should note that the same arguments are lining up in other states, and adversaries to Hinduism are preparing new arguments for other states textbooks.<\/p>\n

Conclusion.<\/p>\n

In reality, western scholars have often missed an excellent opportunity to examine and explore the depth of knowledge and information preserved within the traditions of Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma).\u00a0 Of course, if a hidden religious or conversion agenda is present among scholars, there is no need to honor the information within the tradition.<\/p>\n

One merely needs to declare oneself an expert of all things Hindu and begin to rewrite the information within the tradition targeted for conversion.\u00a0 It has happened before in history and will likely appear on the horizon again.<\/p>\n

As we sit several hundred years later, India, Hinduism, and scholarship are still digging out of the hole that was well-established by the late 1800s.\u00a0 Ironically, some new scholarly positions are in reality digging the hole deeper, with extreme examples being scholars becoming obstructionist to the traditional teachings relative to their own tradition! Or the relatively recent scholarly suggestion that Hinduism was created by the British.\u00a0 Such claims take one into the realm of the absurd.<\/p>\n

By Yogi Baba Prem<\/a> Th.D Yogacharya, Veda Visharada<\/p>\n

[i]<\/a> \u2018The Religions of Mankind\u2019, Edward Soper\u00a0\u00a0 Abington Press:1921<\/p>\n

[ii]<\/a> \u2018The Max Muller Syndrome: Deceiving Hindus Part 2\u2019 http:\/\/www.chakranews.com\/the-max-muller-syndrome-deceiving-hindus-part-2\/1408<\/a>\u00a0 Accessed 4\/28\/16<\/p>\n

[iii]<\/a> https:\/\/vedanet.com\/2012\/06\/14\/the-europeanization-of-the-vedas-and-its-distortions\/<\/p>\n

[iv]<\/a> Ibid<\/p>\n

[v]<\/a> Ibid<\/p>\n

[vi]<\/a> \u2018Indiana Jones and the troublesome Aryans\u2019 www.newslaundry.com Accessed 2\/28\/2016<\/p>\n

[vii]<\/a> http:\/\/indiatoday.intoday.in\/story\/indians-are-not-descendants-of-aryans-study\/1\/163645.html<\/a> Accessed 4\/28\/2016<\/p>\n

[viii]<\/a> \u2018The Origins of Evil in Hindu Mythology\u2019, Doniger, Wendy Page 6-7.\u00a0 University of California Press 1976<\/p>\n

[ix]<\/a> \u2018God is not One\u2019, Prothero, Stephen page 468 note 6. \u00a0Black Inc. 2010<\/p>\n

[x]<\/a> http:\/\/timesofindia.indiatimes.com\/india\/Desi-Bible-to-have-verses-from-Vedas-Upanishads\/articleshow\/3330936.cms<\/p>\n

[xi]<\/a> http:\/\/www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk\/news\/northern-ireland\/pope-francis-urged-to-discipline-catholic-priest-who-called-yoga-work-of-the-devil-31012562.html<\/p>\n

[xii]<\/a> http:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/friendlyatheist\/2011\/11\/03\/pastor-mark-driscoll-yoga-is-the-work-of-the-devil\/<\/p>\n

[xiii]<\/a> https:\/\/twitter.com\/VamseeJuluri\/status\/730126150236692480<\/p>\n

[xiv]<\/a> Malhotra, Rajiv \u201cThe Battle For Sanskrit\u201d India:Harper Collins 2016<\/p>\n

[xv]<\/a> http:\/\/www.npr.org\/sections\/ed\/2015\/10\/23\/450826208\/why-calling-slaves-workers-is-more-than-an-editing-error<\/p>\n

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Source: Translating Ancient Hindu Texts (Agenda for conversion?) | Hindu Human Rights Online News Magazine<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Aside from the Bhagavad Gita and a sampling of the vast compendium of Hindu dharmic teachings, relatively few important texts have a comprehensive and detailed modern translation.\u00a0 This is especially true for the Vedas.\u00a0 For insight and understanding in English of ancient texts, such as the Vedas, one must often rely upon translations dating back […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalpress-new.hinduismnow.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6040"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalpress-new.hinduismnow.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalpress-new.hinduismnow.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalpress-new.hinduismnow.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalpress-new.hinduismnow.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6040"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/globalpress-new.hinduismnow.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6040\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalpress-new.hinduismnow.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6040"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalpress-new.hinduismnow.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6040"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalpress-new.hinduismnow.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6040"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}