Editorial and Sourcing Policy
Last updated: August 1, 2026
Purpose and scope
This policy explains how HinduClarity selects topics, researches claims, handles differences among Hindu traditions, uses editorial tools, and updates published material. It applies to educational articles, guides, definitions, and related editorial pages.
Editorial principles
- Clarity: explain unfamiliar terms without oversimplifying them
- Accuracy: support material claims with sources suited to the topic
- Respect: describe deities, texts, rituals, and communities without ridicule or sensationalism
- Context: distinguish scripture, interpretation, regional practice, later tradition, and modern opinion
- Plurality: acknowledge meaningful differences among sampradayas, schools, regions, and practitioners
- Independence: keep advertising and commercial considerations separate from editorial conclusions
Source hierarchy
Sources are selected according to the claim being made. Relevant sources may include:
- Primary Hindu texts, with the text, section, and translation identified where practical
- Reputable translations and commentaries, recognizing that translation choices can differ
- Peer-reviewed scholarship and books from established academic publishers
- Universities, museums, libraries, archives, and recognized reference works
- Established religious and cultural institutions for descriptions of their own teachings or practices
- Qualified specialists or practitioners, clearly identified, for tradition-specific perspectives
Anonymous content farms, unattributed quotations, circular citations, and AI-generated answers are not treated as authoritative sources. A popular retelling may illustrate reception or practice but is not presented as proof of an ancient textual claim.
Religious diversity and disputed interpretations
Hindu traditions are diverse. When reliable sources reflect more than one interpretation, an article should identify the difference and avoid implying that one tradition speaks for every Hindu. Sanskrit terms are transliterated consistently where useful, while familiar English spellings may also be provided for accessibility.
Standards for sensitive claims
Claims about history, scripture, medicine, mental health, supernatural effects, spiritual attainment, legal matters, or guaranteed outcomes receive heightened review. Devotional beliefs may be described as beliefs or teachings, but they are not converted into factual guarantees. Health or safety information does not substitute for qualified professional advice.
Authorship and review
Substantive articles receive editorial review for factual support, internal consistency, respectful language, links, and obvious errors. Where practical, articles identify authorship or editorial responsibility.
AI-assisted work
AI-assisted tools may support brainstorming, outlines, language editing, or source discovery. They are not cited as authorities. Quotations, scripture references, dates, names, medical claims, and other checkable facts are verified against reliable sources. AI-generated images are not represented as historical artifacts or documentary evidence.
Links, advertising, and commercial content
External links are selected for reader value and do not imply endorsement of every view on the linked site. Advertising does not buy favorable editorial treatment. Sponsored or affiliate content, if introduced, is labeled and subject to the same accuracy standards.
Updates, corrections, and feedback
Articles may be reviewed when reliable new information becomes available, a source link changes, or a reader raises a specific concern. Material errors are corrected promptly and transparently under the Corrections Policy. Minor spelling, formatting, or link repairs may be made without a correction note when they do not change meaning.
Questions about sourcing or editorial standards may be submitted through the Contact page. Include the page URL, exact passage, and a supporting source when possible.