On this International Translation Day – a day meant to pay tribute to the work of language professionals – we remember the great and important work that so many dedicated and capable word-smiths undertook when bringing together the knowledge and wisdom of our sages and saints to create The Encyclopedia of Hinduism.
As HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji so beautifully explained, “The wisdom, truths, teachings and insights of Indian and Hindu culture are not limited to or applicable to only Hindus or Indians. Rather they belong to the world and can deeply benefit the world. It is, therefore, our aim that the richness of this ancient yet timeless culture and heritage should be made available to the entire world, in a way that is authentic, academic, comprehensive and illuminating.”
Hence, the need for linguists, who play such an important role in bringing nations together; facilitating dialogue, understanding and cooperation; contributing to development; and, strengthening world peace and security.
A nearly twenty-five year project of the India Heritage Research Foundation founded, guided and led by Pujya Swamiji, the Encyclopedia is the first time in history that the depth and breadth of India’s great spiritual culture has been made available in academic and scholastic form.
The Encyclopedia of Hinduism was created by more than 1000 esteemed scholars from around the world, and it totals 11-volumes and approximately 7000 entries. It is a compendium of thousands of years of history, science, art, architecture, polity, religion, philosophy and culture. The Encyclopedia is not limited to Hinduism as a religion, but rather provides thorough treatment of all of India’s indigenous faiths, including Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism, as well as coverage of the role of the Abrahamic faiths (Islam, Christianity and Judaism) in the culture, civilization, and history of India.
