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FOOL!
That is a 200 year old translation of a British Christian named Wilson who declared his aim was conversion of Hindus.
The word Nāstika DOES NOT even occur in the Rigveda
The words used in original, अराव्णः and अदेवयुम् DO NOT mean an "atheist". Rather an evil doer https://twitter.com/ImtiazMadmood/status/1281908670121611265
That is a 200 year old translation of a British Christian named Wilson who declared his aim was conversion of Hindus.
The word Nāstika DOES NOT even occur in the Rigveda
The words used in original, अराव्णः and अदेवयुम् DO NOT mean an "atheist". Rather an evil doer https://twitter.com/ImtiazMadmood/status/1281908670121611265
There is no exact parallel to the word "atheist" in Hinduism.
Although Nāstika could come close, Nāstika was defined as the one who rejected authority of Veda rather than belief in "God".
Nirīśvara was the one who rejected existence of īśvara.
Both words are ABSENT in Rgveda
Although Nāstika could come close, Nāstika was defined as the one who rejected authority of Veda rather than belief in "God".
Nirīśvara was the one who rejected existence of īśvara.
Both words are ABSENT in Rgveda
The word 'Atheist' comes from the Greek word "Atheos"="without Gods".
The word was originally used for Abrahamic people like Jews and Christians who denied the existence of "ancient Gods"
To the Non Abrahamics, worshipers of "just one abstract God" seemed like extreme atheists
The word was originally used for Abrahamic people like Jews and Christians who denied the existence of "ancient Gods"
To the Non Abrahamics, worshipers of "just one abstract God" seemed like extreme atheists
With rise of Christianity, the word was appropriated & its originally meaning drastically subverted
"Atheist" in English become one who was NOT a christian. He was the Christian "other", a heretic.
Heresy invited capital punishment in Christian middle ages & during inquisition
"Atheist" in English become one who was NOT a christian. He was the Christian "other", a heretic.
Heresy invited capital punishment in Christian middle ages & during inquisition
Take the case of Lucilio Vanini.
He was a scientist. An astronomer. A doctor. And a philosopher.
His book showed signs of pantheism.
Although he vehemently denied the charge, he was accused of being an "Atheist". His tongue was cut out and he was burnt alive.
In 17th century!
He was a scientist. An astronomer. A doctor. And a philosopher.
His book showed signs of pantheism.
Although he vehemently denied the charge, he was accused of being an "Atheist". His tongue was cut out and he was burnt alive.
In 17th century!
Now, can anyone name a single person who was killed in Ancient India/ Hindu India for his philosophical views?
Even ONE?
Even people who denied the efficacy of "witchcraft" were labeled "Atheist". As such, Atheist is an extremely loaded word with no exact parallel in Sanskrit.
Even ONE?
Even people who denied the efficacy of "witchcraft" were labeled "Atheist". As such, Atheist is an extremely loaded word with no exact parallel in Sanskrit.
Going back to the Sukta (Rgveda 9.13.9), अराव्णः is the accusative plural of अरावन् = non giver/non-liberal/hostile.
Even Sāyaṇācārya reads it as अदानानयजमानान्
Translating this word as "those who worship not" or "atheist" shows how horrible these Christian translations are
Even Sāyaṇācārya reads it as अदानानयजमानान्
Translating this word as "those who worship not" or "atheist" shows how horrible these Christian translations are
