How many times have you heard any word or sentence being used in a foreign country, or a movie where you least expected? and you thought wait isn’t this we something use it back home? Chances are you have few times, or let us say at least once depending on how much you care about spoken words around you. Once you finish reading, I’m sure you will agree with the title of the article that “language has no boundaries”
This happens across the globe. However, we will be talking about a few words with Hindi, Sanskrit, or Arabic origin which become popular and were adopted in Europe and worldwide over a while. What is most fascinating is the different reasons for each word becoming popular and finding place in the global arena. It ranges from something picked up by the British during the colonial era, the best selling author using it taking it across borders and boundaries, or a musician using it in a song and how the majority of them have a spiritual or mythological connection. Let’s begin the journey in no particular order!
1. Maktub – Arabic for “It is written”, “meant to be” or simply fate or destiny. As per Islam Allah writes everyone’s destiny and whatever happens in our lives is simply something which is already decided, written, and meant to happen. Those who follow other religions may also relate to this since almost every religion talks about supreme power, higher being, or simply finding that light within oneself.
Although it’s origin is Arabic, renowned Brazilian author Paulo Coelho made this super popular. He first used the words multiple times in his book “The Alchemist” published in 1988, the theme of the book was destiny and it is still super popular among readers across countries. Incidentally, 4 years later he wrote a book titled “Maktub” Well if you more of a movie buff, a movie called Maktub is also available on Netflix (in Hebrew and English language options) This is a comedy-drama with good reviews. If you have not noticed till now then check the home page of this website it goes by the same word. Let’s move on to the next word now.
2. Avatar – Exact Hindi word अवतार, originated from Sanskrit which means the descent of a deity from heaven. God arriving on earth in human form to destroy the evil. Like Lord Rama is considered an avatar of Lord Vishnu and so is Lord Krishna. As per Hindu mythology, it is believed that he had 10 reincarnations. Another meaning of this now English word is an icon or figure representing a person in a video game or online internet forums. It’s like not using your picture or identity and sending your incarnation to make an appearance. So you are the God now. See you have to look within not outside.
Even if you are not a movie buff you must have heard about James Cameron’s Avatar the Hollywood Sci-fi/drama which released in 2009 and broke box office records to become a huge success. No wonder this word is used worldwide now keeping the actual essence and meaning intact. By the way, Indian cinema had already created a blockbuster by this same name with an extra “a” titled “Avtaar” in 1983. Nice emotional drama if you love movies. Seems like cinema also has no boundaries.
3. Guru – This one is super popular and used for a person who is a master in his field. The one who knows it all. Origin is again Sanskrit “guruh’ and Hindi “guru” “गुरुः” which means teacher or priest. I’ve been hearing it a lot and this must have traveled to Europe during British rule in India. It made its place in mainstream English language and dictionary. No wonder the English language is the most widely used language in the world it keeps absorbing the best from different cultures retains the actual meaning and hence keeps evolving. I believe there’s a message for all of us. Keep evolving by welcoming and embracing change. I will spare you with the movie trivia of this word but it’s similar to Avatar. Google will tell you that we have both Bollywood and Hollywood movies by this name.
4. Jungle –This word has Persian as well as Sanskrit origin. In Persian “Jangal” it means wilderness of forest, Sanskrit word “Jangala” means uncultivated land or desert. English version is used for dense forest or tropical forests. Its usage has fallen out gradually and now it’s also used simply for the forest, deserted places or more commonly as a dangerous or overcrowded place. The Jungle Book movie was made in Hollywood multiple times most recent version released in 2016 like the word it was based on an Indian story of evergreen and perhaps most loved characters by kids in India. Mowgli, Bagheera, Baloo, and Sher Khan. Original Jungle Book is a collection of stories by Rudyard Kipling which published more than a century ago in 1894.
5. Karma – Next on the list is Karma. It’s a Sanskrit word meaning results of your action as well as the action itself. In Hindu culture, it is believed anything which happens in our lives is due to our actions. If you do good you will get good, if you do bad, well you will get anything ranging from bad to worse. If Maktub talks about destiny, Karma beautifully ties it to action. This means you can shape your destiny by your actions or “Karma”. This is a powerful word and perhaps one of the most used words across the globe. Still behind the famous and life-changing word we use all the time which is “I”. We care about others so much, huh! The concept of Karma is popular due to Mahabharata, the epic battle between Kauravas and Pandavas, Where Lord Krishna talks about how one should do his/her duty (read “Karma”) and not worry about future of destiny. Karma takes care of everything. I have not read the holy book “Bhagwad Geeta“. If you have, you already know more than me.
6. Mantra – Origin Sanskrit, Hinduism, and Buddhism, it means sacred utterances which could be syllable, word, or verse possessing spiritual importance. A mantra may or may not have actual meaning but are considered to have profound spiritual effect and wisdom. The closest word similar to mantra are hymns, religious prayer, or songs. Those who are into meditation and yoga would relate to it. Similar to the guru, the word mantra is widely used in English vocabulary and it means the approach to achieve something. Ever heard someone asking a famous person. So, what is the mantra of your success, fitness, focus, and so on? The quintessential question in most celebrity interviews. Spirituality finding its space in the practical world.
7. Nirvana – means “enlightened” or state of achieving “enlightenment”. Originated from and used in Jainism, Hinduism, and Sanskrit. A transcendent state when a person rises above suffering, desire, or sense of self, and is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth. It is considered the ultimate goal in the earlier mentioned religions. Like Mantra this is also connected to meditation. Mantras are used during meditation and mediation is done to reach the enlightened state. It is also, referred to as “Moksha”. In modern and day to day usage, it’s still the same, Once you achieve the goal you have set for yourself, you consider achieving nirvana.
8. Yoga. – This perhaps completes the trilogy started from Mantra, Nirvana, and now Yoga It’s Sanskrit for join or to unite. It can also be described as a type of meditation. Yoga denotes the ancient spiritual practices, it goes back to 3000 BC. Yoga has various forms it can be physical, mental, and spiritual. It’s super popular in western countries now, primarily as a form of exercise consisting of different postures. In 2015, 177 nations agreed to celebrate 21st June as “International Day of Yoga” every year to spread awareness about the importance of Yoga on mental and physical health. Do I need to say more about how widely this word has traveled and evolved?
9. Maya – Suddenly I realized the list has become so spiritual that one can easily mistake this for some sort of preaching. However, it signifies how the humans across the planet are seeking for answers and end up common words. The world is a small place indeed. This word is different since it has an English origin, It means “Good Mother” or “Maia” in Greek. In Hebrew, it’s “Mayim” which means “Water”. The most common meaning of word Maya is Sanskrit and it means “Illusion” or combination of our memories, judgment, and biases which messes with reality. It may not be as popular as other words in our list, but it’s interesting how the word has a different meaning in different cultures.
10. Pundit –It has a similar meaning as Guru, A person who knows about a subject area and offers his commentary or opinion to the public. You must have heard it on television debates or sports commentary. This word originated from Sanskrit “Pandita” meaning skilled or learned Hindu, master, or teacher, especially well versed with Sanskrit language and Hindu rituals. It’s been used in English from the 16th century.
We traveled across time and cultures to find how language knows no boundaries. We are connected irrespective of where we live on this planet. Do you think of some words that should have found its place on this list and were missed? Please drop a comment and share your thoughts, experiences, stories. We can plan another journey to explore more words. Till then keep exploring!
“All I need is a sheet of paper and something to write with, and then I can turn the world upside down.” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche
Source :
- Wikipedia – https://www.wikipedia.org/
- Britannia – https://www.britannica.com/
- https://www.imdb.com/
- https://www.gutenberg.org/files/236/236-h/236-h.htm
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