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Reply to Raymond Crawford's Comments on Linkage between Geeta and Mahabharat
Reply to Raymond Crawford's Comments on Linkage Between Geeta &
Mahabharat
Let me express my sincere apologies to Raymond Crawford for not
explaining my statement adequately. His comments do indicate that
he has misunderstood my statement. I want to reassure him that I
do not imply any of the negative connotations stated by him.
Careful analysis of the following three statements are necessary to
eliminate the misunderstanding.
1. No language in earth can explain the beauty of this TREE!
2. Words in english can't describe my GRIEF!
3. Full comprehension of GEETA can't be translated!
These are figurative expressions and they emphasize the beauty of
the tree, the magnitude of grief and the greatness of Geeta.
They should not be interpreted to imply that - all languages in
earth are ill suited - all words in english are deficient and
translation of Geeta is impossible.
Raymond should be able to recognize that I had no intention
whatsoever to offend or insult him or any one else. I have left
India twenty years back and I do not know Sanskrit. Ignorance of
Sanskrit was never a barrier for me to learn Hindu Religion. I
started reading the Hindu scriptures in English after coming to
USA. I read Geeta only through English translations and I can
never claim that I have full comprehension of the English language.
How can I ever say that English language is incapable of expressing
the full comprehension of Geeta? Let me express my thanks to
Raymond for pointing out the dangers in using figurative
expressions!
Hindus believe that Geeta is a revelation from Lord Krishna and as
such full comprehension is possible only with His grace. Each
individual has the freedom to choose the level of comprehension as
desired. I have never claimed that I have full comprehension of
Geeta! I am fully aware that I know very little of Geeta! It is
my personal experience that I was able to understand Geeta better
after reading the scriptures. I was able to understand the context
and appreciate the content! Hindu Religion has greatly benefitted
from great European scholars such as Sir. William Jones and Max
Muller. I have great respect for these unselfish writers who have
dedicated their life-time to translate Hindu scriptures into
European languages. How can I forget the outstanding contributions
by the people outside India to Hindu religion, culture and
philosophy. I am neither a believer nor a supporter of Hindu
Fundamentalism. I strongly advocate tolerance toward other
religious and cultural viewpoints. Language can never a barrier
for Personal Spiritual Experience!
" Have a Good Day "
"Truth is a pathless land, and you cannot approach it by any path
whatsoever, by any religion, by any sect. Truth, being limitless,
unconditioned, unapproachable by any path whatsoever, cannot be
organized; nor should any organisation be formed to lead or to
coerce people along any particular path." J. Krishnamoorthy
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| Ram V. Chandran || email: chandra2%ers.bitnet@vtbit.cc.vt.edu |
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