Guest guest Posted December 26, 2002 Report Share Posted December 26, 2002 Mukunda Datta Prabhu wrote: > "We do homage unto the tortoise whose body is reddened by the light > of rubies streaming forth from the crowns of multitudes of bowing gods. He > would rival a mountain of sparkling sapphires by the flooding embrace of > charming sunbeams from the sun of his body protrufding from its shell." > This verse is from the Bilvamangalastava (2.58), translated by Frances > Wilson (Leiden: E.J.Brill, 1973; pg.108). This translation by Frances Wilson Prabhu, clearly reinforces the point that is again and again stressed by Srila Prabhupada and other Gaudiya Acharyas, that we need to be careful when academic scholars cast their eyes on scriptures. I was told that in the translation of Vishnu Purana by Charles Wilkins, the word "Shwetadvipa" was translated to as "Great Britain". While many of us reject these translations outrightly, we are very much hesitant to do the same when the same academic scholars give their interpretation's to different scriptures in the dress of a devotee. Some of you who are in academics, may agree with me that, in the current day academics, word jugglery is the center piece. If some one can speak fluently and confidently, that is sufficient, either for getting a publication or a research grant. The depth of the subject matter is secondary, in majority of the cases. On the other hand, we Gaudiya Vaishnavas, know that the bench marks in devotion are another set of parameters, which for one who has spent long time in academics, may be difficult to understand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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