MIDAM
Foundation
Large Language Models for Metaphor Detection: Bhagavad Gita and Sermon on the Mount
Metaphors and literary devices play a key role in ancient religious and philosophical texts, conveying spiritual messages through symbolic references to common objects and situations. However, the structural and contextual complexity of religious metaphors makes sentiment analysis challenging, varying across different traditions. Comparative research is needed to understand how religions conceptualize experiences. Advances in deep learning have led to large language models (LLMs) capable of detecting metaphors. This study applies LLMs to identify metaphors in English translations of the Bhagavad Gita and the Sermon on the Mount from the Holy Bible. Our findings show that LLMs successfully recognized most metaphors across translations, and expert review confirmed consistency in metaphor detection despite vocabulary differences.
A review of our experiences in implementing the Vedic Chants intervention in children with Autism
A recent study in India found that 1 in 89 children aged 2-9 are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, there is a lack of awareness about therapies and a shortage of resources, making individualized therapy in special schools challenging. This highlights the need for innovative and effective interventions. Since 2012, we have collaborated with special schools and research institutions to explore the therapeutic potential of Vedic Chants for children with ASD. While studies exist on Vedic Chants, research on their therapeutic value for ASD is limited. This paper shares our experiences with the Vedic Chants Intervention Program (VCIP), highlighting its benefits and its potential to create job opportunities for Sanskrit scholars in special education.
An evaluation of Google Translate for Sanskrit to English translation via sentiment and semantic analysis
Google Translate is widely used for language translation, but its accuracy compared to expert translators remains underexplored. Sanskrit, added to Google Translate in 2022, is the root of many North Indian languages and is used in sacred Hindu texts like the Bhagavad Gita. This study evaluates Google Translate’s Sanskrit translation using the Bhagavad Gita, comparing it with expert translations. Using a BERT-based model for sentiment and semantic analysis, we found low similarity, with major inconsistencies in translating philosophical terms and metaphors. Google Translate struggles with Sanskrit’s poetic and contextual complexity, making it unsuitable for precise translation. Our framework provides a foundation for evaluating Google Translate’s performance in other languages.
Impact of Vedic Chants Intervention Programme on Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects behavior and social communication, and in India, limited awareness and a shortage of skilled professionals make management challenging. This highlights the need for alternative therapies like Group Therapy. A 44-bp polymorphism in the serotonin receptor gene (5-HTTLPR) affects serotonin levels, which may be altered in individuals with ASD. Previous studies suggest a link between this gene and autism. Emerging clinical and neuroscience research supports exploring yogic principles and meditation as potential interventions to help regulate serotonin and melatonin levels, potentially improving ASD symptoms.
VEDIC GODDESS SARASVATĪ AND THE FOUR POWERS OF THE MOTHER IN SRI AUROBINDO'S LIGHT
This document explores the spiritual and symbolic significance of the Vedic Goddess Sarasvatī and Sri Aurobindo's concept of the Four Powers of the Divine Mother. Drawing from The Secret of the Veda, it interprets Vedic hymns as profound spiritual formulas rather than mere rituals. Sarasvatī is portrayed as the embodiment of inspiration, wisdom, and consciousness. The essay traces her evolution and connects her to the broader spiritual framework. Sri Aurobindo’s Four Powers—Maheśvarī (Wisdom), Mahākālī (Force), Mahālakṣmī (Harmony), and Mahāsarasvatī (Perfection)—are explored for their role in spiritual and material transformation. The work advocates surrender to the Divine Mother’s forces, enabling integral transformation and the realization of a divine life on earth.
The Samskrit Academy, Madras, 90th Commemoration Volume, Rhythm of Mandukya Upanishad
The Mandukya Upanishad, the shortest of the principal Upanishads from the Atharvaveda, is highly significant among gnostic texts. It serves as a confluence of Hindu and Buddhist philosophies, offering a metaphysical and spiritual explanation of the root sound Om and the Self. According to the Muktika Upanishad, fully understanding this Upanishad leads to Mukti (liberation). This work presents the Mandukya Upanishad in rhymed form, inspired by Sri Aurobindo’s translation in Kena and Other Upanishads (Complete Works of Sri Aurobindo, Vol. 18).
COVID-19, Moral Injury and the Bhagvad Gita
During crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) face existential questions, experiencing guilt, helplessness, and moral distress. These feelings can lead to demoralization and moral injury. Spiritual guidance can help navigate ethical dilemmas when secular support is lacking. The Bhagavad Gita addresses similar distress through Arjuna’s moral crisis in the Kurukshetra war, with Lord Krishna’s counsel summarized in the four Ds—Detachment, Duty, Doer-ship, and Dhyana (meditation). This article explores how these principles can support HCWs in managing psychological and ethical challenges.
An evaluation of Google Translate for Sanskrit to English translation via sentiment and semantic analysis
Google Translate is widely used for language translation, but its accuracy compared to expert translators remains underexplored. Sanskrit, added to Google Translate in 2022, is the root of many North Indian languages and is used in sacred Hindu texts like the Bhagavad Gita. This study evaluates Google Translate’s Sanskrit translation using the Bhagavad Gita, comparing it with expert translations. Using a BERT-based model for sentiment and semantic analysis, we found low similarity, with major inconsistencies in translating philosophical terms and metaphors. Due to Sanskrit’s poetic and contextual complexity, Google Translate struggles with accurate translation. Our framework provides a foundation for evaluating its performance in other languages.
Sanskrit Vedic Chants Intervention is Associated with Beneficial Behavioral and Biological Changes in Children with Autistic Spectral Disorders
Background and Aim: Convexal subarachnoid haemorrhage (cSAH) represents an infrequent type of spontaneous, non-traumatic, and non-aneurysmal SAH distinguished by the bleeding into the convexities of the brain sulci without parenchymal involvement; the etiology varies. The aim of our study pertained to the analysis of the etiology and clinical manifestations observed in individuals who present with cSAH.