'sacred' in sanskrit or tibetan

i am looking to get the word 'sacred' on my lower back written in Sanskrit or Tibetan if anyone could pls help to find a website or someone who could send it to me that would be great my email: [email removed]

they say a picture is worth a thousand words... you could get something powerful and sacred in tibet as a tattoo. There is some truely amazing art from that neck of the woods... here is a google image search.

There is no exact equivalent for "sacred" in Sanskrit or Tibetan. "Sacred" is a Western concept for which there is no direct translation in the East.

is there any equivalent in Sanskrit or Tibetan?

Nia, the short answer is if you dont know, then you certainly shouldn't be getting it tattooed. Why not get some inspiring Tibetan art that you really love tattooed on you, not only will it look better than words, but you wont have to worry about translation problems...

No there is no equivalent. The idea of "sacred" isn't found in the East hence there is no word in either language which means that. You would need to study Indian philosophy or Tibetan Buddhist philosophy to find the idea that you want and then look for the Sanskrit or Tibetan term. Translation is difficult. To give one example, the English idea of "compassion" has two or three Tibetan terms that could be used to translate it depending on the context (the same for Mandarin Chinese). You need to know exactly what idea you want and then consult someone knowledgeable to give you the best available term (if one exists), I second the suggestion that you go with some nice Tibetan art - there is plenty around on the internet.

What are you talking about!!! Of course there are words to translate ‘sacred’. More especially in Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism, where ‘sacred view’ is essential: dag snang in Tibetan, or simply dam pa, meaning superior, holy, sacred. Then if you are looking to get the word ‘sacred’ or similar in beautifully Tibetan calligraphy, suitable as a tattoo design, then check out www.inkessential.com The only service of its kind on-line . Dan

You can find words that might be translated as "sacred" but they aren't exact equivalents. This is because the idea "sacred" is a Western idea. You offer "dag snang" but that word has the sense of "pure outlook", "pure view", or "pure perception" - not exactly "sacred" as it is used in the West. Or, "dam pa" can be translated in a whole variety of ways like "excellent", "best," "superior", etc. - again not exactly "sacred". This is the difficulty.

in regards to "dag snang" and "dam pa" what would those look like in Sanskrit?

Ummmm I agree that there is not an EXACT translation of ‘sacred’ as the Western understanding and the use of the word ‘sacred’ is very broad. It would be fair to ask in what context is meant by ‘sacred’, which I have attempted to put into five main groups: 1. a sacred site or object: consecrated, blessed. 2. sacred songs: devotional, supplication. 3. sacred entity: supreme, venerated, holy. 4. sacred reputation: venerable, respected, protected. 5. sacred perception, pure view. All the above conclusions for the different contexts of ‘sacred’ can be translated directly into Tibetan, but agreed that there is no one word in Tibetan for ‘sacred’. Dan ;o)

Dan, yes, this is why translation is tricky business especially when dealing with disparate linguistic, cultural, and philosophical contexts. One must carefully consider what one wants to say or translate and make considered judgments about word choice. Anyone choosing to be tattooed in a language that they don't know must be VERY careful and certain about what they are doing - otherwise they might appear foolish or ignorant if they ever encounter a native speaker. Niacallender, "dag snang" and "dam pa" are Tibetan words not Sanskrit. If by "look like" you mean what would the actual characters be (in Tibetan) - I don't have the fonts required to show you. They might be found in a dictionary but the quality of font might be very poor and unattractive. You would want an aesthetically pleasing tattoo, I'm sure, which is why you need someone skilled in translation and in calligraphy. Hence again see www.inkessential.com .

thank you all so much for your replies many of you have suggested inkessential, however my mother is not willing to pay for it. this tattoo is a gift to me for my 16th b.day. are there any other alternatives?

IMHO, 16 is too young to be getting a tattoo no matter what your mother says. It's better to wait a few years when you have some more perspective on such a permanent decision. As well, you may then have the financial independence to be able to get exactly the tattoo you want.

pavitra means sacred or holy in sanskrit