GOD: what 'god' actually means & why Hindus should NEVER use it | Jeffrey Armstrong | Vedic Vidya

Summary

In this insightful video, Jeffrey Armstrong and Kavindra Rishi from Vedic Vidya explore the etymological roots of the word 'God', tracing its origins back to Sanskrit. They reveal that 'God' originally meant 'smoke offering', a concept from pagan fire sacrifices, and highlight the linguistic journey from Sanskrit's 'hutam' to the English 'god'. The script delves into the significance of the Sanskrit term 'Bhagavan', which denotes the supreme being with six divine qualities, contrasting it with the limited meaning of 'god'. The discussion underscores the importance of understanding linguistic roots and definitions in cultural and spiritual contexts, especially as yoga and Indian philosophy gain global recognition.

Takeaways

• 📚 The English word 'god' has migrated from other languages and originally comes from Sanskrit, highlighting the interconnectedness of linguistic evolution.
• 🌍 The concept of 'god' in English lacks a precise definition and is often used to point to something beyond human understanding without a universally agreed meaning.
• 🔍 The word 'god' in English is derived from the Sanskrit 'hutam', which refers to the smoke carrying an offering in a fire sacrifice, showing a deep cultural and linguistic connection.
• 🔥 The term 'bhagavan' in Sanskrit is not synonymous with 'god' in English and has a specific meaning related to the ultimate being with six divine qualities.
• 🌬 The word 'deus', Latin for 'god', is also traced back to 'deva' in Sanskrit, indicating a migration of words and concepts across cultures and time.
• 🌐 Sanskrit, the classical language of India, is revealed to be the basis of German and has significantly influenced the development of European languages.
• 🌿 The practice of yoga and the spread of Indian culture globally is bringing attention to the origins and true meanings of words like 'god' and 'bhagavan'.
• 🌱 The concept of 'bhagavan' encompasses six qualities: beauty, wealth, strength, fame, knowledge, and generosity, offering a more nuanced understanding than the word 'god'.
• 🌌 The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the etymology and true meanings of words to avoid misinterpretation and cultural misunderstanding.
• 📖 Etymological dictionaries may not always reveal the full story of word origins, particularly if they have been influenced by colonial history or religious biases.
• 🚀 The technological revolution and global communication are uncovering hidden etymological connections, challenging traditional narratives and promoting a more accurate understanding of language and culture.

Q & A

What is the claim made by the speaker about the origin of the word 'god'?

The speaker claims that the word 'god' has its origins in Sanskrit, specifically from the word 'hutam', which refers to the smoke carrying the offering in a fire sacrifice.

How does the speaker describe the etymological journey of the word 'god'?

The speaker describes the journey as starting from Sanskrit 'hutam', migrating to German as 'gutam', then to Dutch as 'goot', and finally into English as 'god'.

What is the irony mentioned by the speaker regarding the word 'god'?

The irony is that the word 'god', used in Christianity, originates from a part of the pagan fire sacrifice that Christianity has historically sought to demonize and distance itself from.

What does the speaker suggest is the problem with the English language in terms of word origins?

The speaker suggests that English is a polyglot language with words coming from various sources, and this diversity often leads to a lack of understanding of the true origins and meanings of words.

How does the speaker connect the word 'deus' to Sanskrit?

The speaker connects 'deus', a Latin word for god, to 'deva' in Sanskrit, indicating that many English words related to divinity have migrated from Sanskrit.

What is the speaker's view on the importance of understanding word origins in the context of yoga and Indian culture?

The speaker believes that understanding word origins is crucial as yoga and Indian culture are spreading globally, and the Sanskrit language is becoming increasingly relevant to Western practitioners.

What does the speaker define as the six qualities of 'Bhagavan'?

The speaker defines the six qualities of 'Bhagavan' as beauty, wealth, strength, knowledge, fame, and generosity.

Why does the speaker argue that 'god' and 'Bhagavan' are not synonyms?

The speaker argues that 'god' and 'Bhagavan' are not synonyms because 'god' is a simplified term derived from a specific ritualistic context, whereas 'Bhagavan' has a precise definition in Sanskrit with six specific qualities.

What is the significance of the word 'hutam' in the context of the script?

In the context of the script, 'hutam' signifies the smoke from a fire offering in a Vedic ritual, which is the original meaning behind the English word 'god'.

How does the speaker relate the practice of etymology to the technological revolution?

The speaker relates etymology to the technological revolution by suggesting that understanding the origins and true meanings of words is part of a linguistic revolution that complements technological advancements, allowing for clearer communication and understanding in a globalized world.

What does the speaker imply about the importance of Sanskrit in the development of European languages?

The speaker implies that Sanskrit has been a significant influence on the development of European languages, and its study can provide insights into the origins and deeper meanings of many English words.

What is the purpose of the 'Vedic Vidya' program mentioned in the script?

The purpose of the 'Vedic Vidya' program is to shed light on the truth and origins of words and concepts, particularly those related to spirituality and divinity, and to educate about the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of India.