Encounter with the BBC World Service

[Guest guest]

This morning the BBC world service came to our Hinduism class

in London to do some recording. The main aim of the programme

was to examine how teachings of Hinduism come across when

taught not in its mother language but in English.

 

When interviewed afterwards I told the presenter that in a way we lose

out on the subtlety when translating the poetic material of the ancient

teachings as seen in the Upanishads. (Which are defined as the most ancient

poetic metaphors examining the nature of reality). But there is

another side to this equation were we benefit in a big way. We gain

an ability to communicate these superb ideas with the rest of the world.

English opens up the doors of communication of these grand ideas,

with the rest of mankind........... For that, we thank English. : )

 

The presenter further asked: Is it not essential that without the use

of the esoteric language like Sanskrit you lose out some spirituality?

Response:- Spirituality means transcending. This in the final

instance would involve transcending language and words. The

tools that we use to make sense of the world at some stage will

fail in an essential way when dealing with spirituality. We have

always recognised this serious limitation. Spirituality is not a play of

words (thankfully) hence it is not - and cannot be - derailed in the

process of using this or that language.

 

We do not know when this programme will be transmitted

but were told that the listening figures for this programme

are about 15 million!

 

The presenter asked, How would you describe yourself?

Reply: " I am a devotee of Sri Ramakrishna. "

Our mentor may smile on : )

 

jay

Vivekananda Centre London