Source: The Sidney Morning Herald
http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/the-bible-takes-an-eastern-influence/2008/08/08/1218139078193.html
The words of the Bhagavadgita, the songs of a Hindu mystic and the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi have all found a place in a controversial Bible published in India.
An illustration in the new version depicts the Holy Family as poor Indian villagers - Mary wears a simple sari and has a bindi on her forehead alongside Joseph in a turban and loincloth. There is also a full-page portrait of Mother Teresa, the nun who served the destitute on the streets of Kolkata, above the words "pure and blameless religion lies in coming to help orphans and widows".
Promoters of the project, called the New Community Bible, claim it will help Indian readers understand the Bible by drawing on "the rich culture and religious heritage of our motherland".
A team of 30 Indian biblical scholars worked for more than 15 years on the new edition, which has been approved by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India and is published by the Society of St Paul.
"I am sure this Bible, made in India and for Indians, will bring the word of God closer to millions of our people, not only Christians," said Oswald Gracias, the Catholic Archbishop of Bombay.
A simple English translation of the whole Bible is accompanied by extensive commentary notes to assist readers interpret the verses.
This commentary draws on the Bhagavadgita, a Hindu holy book, as well as Indian epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata to help explain the Bible to an Indian audience.