METODE INTERPRETASI VEDA SEBAGAI SOLUSI PROLEMATIKA PENERJEMAHAN PUSTAKA SUCI DI INDONESIA

Abstract

The Vedas are the earliest texts known to mankind. As an ancient text, it is naturally very difficult to understand, especially using archaic diction, symbols and parables. Thus there is a wide gap in the meaning of the Vedas as understood by the Vedic Seers and humanity.  Meanwhile, in the modern century, Western scholars research and translate the Vedas without understanding their significance as the Rishis did. This is a problem in trying to understand the words of the Vedas. Therefore, the translation of the sacred literature should reduce this gap and not lose the significance of the words. In Hinduism the method of translation and interpretation was pioneered by yāska, sāyaṇa and Sri Aurobindo. Therefore, it is important to understand and have the skills of these three figures. Our contemporary Sri Aurobindo (who died in 1950) provided more practical and understandable guidance for this century. His method of Vedic interpretation is a combination of language skills as taught in the Nirukta, an understanding of symbols and the power of psychology so that the words of the Vedas continue to have a real impact on people's lives.