BIRTH CENTENARY CELEBRATION OF FAMOUS VEDIC SCHOLAR
LATE SRI. OMC NARAYANAN NAMBOOTHIRIPPAD
Palakkad : The centenary celebration function of famous Vedic scholar and Malayalam translator of Rigveda bhashyam late Sri. OMC Narayanan Namboothirippad is being held at Olappamanna Mana in Vellinezhi on 26 and 27 Feb 2010.
The function will start at 9 AM on 26 Feb 2010 with the Vedic prayer. There will be a seminar on Veda and Sanskrit. Dr. CM Neelakantan, Dr. PV Raman Kutty, Dr. P Bhaskaran Nair etc will take part in the seminar. Kothamangalm Vasudevan Namboothiri will lead the Veda prayogam (Reciting Vedas in traditional way). There will also be a seminar on traditional arts at 2 PM. Dr. KJ Paulose, KB Raj Anand, Dr. NP Vijaya Krishnan etc. will take classes. There will be a Kathakali Cholliyattam and Narippatta Narayanan Namboothiri will speak on this subject.
The OMC Anusmarana Sammelanam will be inaugurated at 4 PM on 27 Feb 2010 by poet Sri. KV Ramakrishnan. Prof.PA Vasudevan will preside over the function. This year’s annual awards of Devi Prasadam Trut will be distributed to the winners. The award winners of this year are Sri.Puliyannur Jayanthan Namboothirippad (Vedam), Sadanam Krishnan Kutty (Kathakali), Vaidyalinga Sharma (Sanskrit), KB Sreedevi (Sahithyam). At 7.30 pm, Padmashree Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar will present a Thayambaka. Kottakkal PSV Natya Sangham will present the ‘Sree Guruvayurappan Attakkatha’ written by late OMC Namboothirippad at 9.30 PM.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
RISHI BODHOTSAV - 12th FEBRUARY 2010
MAHARSHI DAYANAND - MAN AND HIS MISSION
Maharshi Dayanand Saraswathi (1824-1883) was one of the greatest leaders of Hindu renaissance and the founder of the Arya Samaj, the Socio-Religious Movement established in 1875. He was a renowned Vedic scholar who believed in the infallible authority of the Vedas.
Mool Shankar (which was his childhood name) was born at Tankara in Kathiavar province of Gujarat as the son of a Tax Collector, Pandit Krishnaji Tiwari. A few incidents such as, happened to see a mouse eating the offerings in the Shiva temple on Shivrathri night before Shiva's idol and untimely deaths of his sister and uncle, etc provoked him a great desire to search the real Shiva (God) and truth of life. He left home in this search and travelled all over India right from the caves of Vindhyachal to Himalayan peaks. On his way, he met several Yogis and highly literate people. It took him a long 15 tiring years to finally meet an old monk (sanyasi) at Mathura (Uttar Pradesh) who satisfied his desire and quenched his thirst. The old enlightened monk Swami Virajanand who was blind taught Mool Shankar for about two and a half years. Mool Shankar learnt the Vedic Traditions, the deeper meaning of Vedas, and the real meaning of truth of life from him. Now Mool Shankar was an enlightened person and was named Rishi Dayanand by his Guru Swami Virajanand. Rishi Dayanand with the blessings of his Guru traveled again all over India to spread the ideals of Vedas and real meaning of truth of life. He briskly started reforming the society and preached the people through three weapons i.e. Speech, Discourse and Writings. He went through villages, towns and cities and delivered the message of Vedas and truth. He debated (Shasthrarth) with different religious scholars and in presence of thousands of people made them speechless. He wrote many books. Some of his famous works are Sathyarth Prakash (The Light of Truth), Rigvedadi Bhashya Bhoomica (Introduction to the commentary on Vedas), Rig-Veda & Yajurveda Bhashyas. In his book ‘Sanskar Vidhi’ Rishi Dayanand has explained the sixteen different rituals (Shodasa kriyas) to be performed by all with its meanings according to Vedic traditions.
Maharshi Dayanand founded Arya Samaj in 1875 at Mumbai to make an organized movement for Vedic propagation. The orthodox people were against the liberal ideology of Maharshi Dayanand and they feared that with the spread of his strong views they will loose their prominence. Eventually through consistent assaults he was killed by a deadly poison on Diwali Day on 30th October 1883.
Among Swami Dayananda's immense contributions is his championing of the equal rights of women - such as their right to education and reading of Indian scriptures - and his translation of the Vedas from Sanskrit to Hindi so that the common man may be able to read the Vedas. The Arya Samaj is rare in Hinduism in its acceptance of women as leaders in prayer meetings and preaching. Considering his contributions to the reformation and revival of Hinduism, all Hindus are indebted to this great soul forever.
He was also the first to proclaim India for Indians. His revolutionary book SATHYARTH PRAKASH much contributed to the freedom struggle by inspiring the freedom fighters. On the basis of these facts Sri. Pattabhi Sitharamayya has rightly said that Swami Dayanand deserves to be called as Grand Father of the Indian Nation. The ‘Shivrathri’ day is observed as ‘Rishi Bodhotsav’ through out the world by Arya Samaj. Let us also salute this great Rishi and get inspiration from him for ‘veda prachar’
Om krinvantho vishwamaryam!
Maharshi Dayanand Saraswathi (1824-1883) was one of the greatest leaders of Hindu renaissance and the founder of the Arya Samaj, the Socio-Religious Movement established in 1875. He was a renowned Vedic scholar who believed in the infallible authority of the Vedas.
Mool Shankar (which was his childhood name) was born at Tankara in Kathiavar province of Gujarat as the son of a Tax Collector, Pandit Krishnaji Tiwari. A few incidents such as, happened to see a mouse eating the offerings in the Shiva temple on Shivrathri night before Shiva's idol and untimely deaths of his sister and uncle, etc provoked him a great desire to search the real Shiva (God) and truth of life. He left home in this search and travelled all over India right from the caves of Vindhyachal to Himalayan peaks. On his way, he met several Yogis and highly literate people. It took him a long 15 tiring years to finally meet an old monk (sanyasi) at Mathura (Uttar Pradesh) who satisfied his desire and quenched his thirst. The old enlightened monk Swami Virajanand who was blind taught Mool Shankar for about two and a half years. Mool Shankar learnt the Vedic Traditions, the deeper meaning of Vedas, and the real meaning of truth of life from him. Now Mool Shankar was an enlightened person and was named Rishi Dayanand by his Guru Swami Virajanand. Rishi Dayanand with the blessings of his Guru traveled again all over India to spread the ideals of Vedas and real meaning of truth of life. He briskly started reforming the society and preached the people through three weapons i.e. Speech, Discourse and Writings. He went through villages, towns and cities and delivered the message of Vedas and truth. He debated (Shasthrarth) with different religious scholars and in presence of thousands of people made them speechless. He wrote many books. Some of his famous works are Sathyarth Prakash (The Light of Truth), Rigvedadi Bhashya Bhoomica (Introduction to the commentary on Vedas), Rig-Veda & Yajurveda Bhashyas. In his book ‘Sanskar Vidhi’ Rishi Dayanand has explained the sixteen different rituals (Shodasa kriyas) to be performed by all with its meanings according to Vedic traditions.
Maharshi Dayanand founded Arya Samaj in 1875 at Mumbai to make an organized movement for Vedic propagation. The orthodox people were against the liberal ideology of Maharshi Dayanand and they feared that with the spread of his strong views they will loose their prominence. Eventually through consistent assaults he was killed by a deadly poison on Diwali Day on 30th October 1883.
Among Swami Dayananda's immense contributions is his championing of the equal rights of women - such as their right to education and reading of Indian scriptures - and his translation of the Vedas from Sanskrit to Hindi so that the common man may be able to read the Vedas. The Arya Samaj is rare in Hinduism in its acceptance of women as leaders in prayer meetings and preaching. Considering his contributions to the reformation and revival of Hinduism, all Hindus are indebted to this great soul forever.
He was also the first to proclaim India for Indians. His revolutionary book SATHYARTH PRAKASH much contributed to the freedom struggle by inspiring the freedom fighters. On the basis of these facts Sri. Pattabhi Sitharamayya has rightly said that Swami Dayanand deserves to be called as Grand Father of the Indian Nation. The ‘Shivrathri’ day is observed as ‘Rishi Bodhotsav’ through out the world by Arya Samaj. Let us also salute this great Rishi and get inspiration from him for ‘veda prachar’
Om krinvantho vishwamaryam!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
PAY HOMAGE TO PUNJAB KESARI LALA LAJPAT RAI ON HIS 145th BIRTH DAY
Lala Lajpat Rai was born on 28 Jan 1865 at a village in Faridkot district of Punjab.
While studying at Government College in Lahore, Lajpat Rai came in contact with the socio-religious movement Arya Samaj. With the inspiration of Lala Saidas he became a member of Arya Samaj. The great Arya Missionaries like Lala Hans Raj and Pt Gurudath Vidyarthi were his class mates in this college time. He took a leading role in the establishment of Dayananda Anglo-Vedic College in Lahore (DAV College). He along with his college students actively participated in the relief works conducted by Arya Samaj in 1899 famine in Northern India. He got admitted the orphan children of famine affected areas to ‘Arya Anadhalay’ of Firozpur. The Christian missionaries were ready to take them to their orphanage and later do conversion. Lala Lajpat Rai’s missionary action helped these children to remain in Vedic Religion. He participated in the 1905 earth quake evacuation mission in Kangda and led the Arya Samaj volunteers for doing relief works in 1909 famine at Orissa and Madhya Pradesh also. He took active part in the movement against the British Rule. The Lal-Bal-Pal (Lala Lajpat Rai, Bala Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal) group were very famous in our freedom struggle. In May 1907, the British Govt deported Lajpat Rai to Mandalay, Burma (Myanmar), without trial. But he could return in November as the authorities could not prove any evidence against him. The vibrant nationalist members in Congress Party wished that Lajpat Rai get elected as President in the Surat Session of Indian National Congress held at 1907. But due to the pressure from British loyalists in the Congress Party, he was not succeeded.
After returning from his foreign visits in 1920 he supported the Non Cooperation Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi. He was elected as the President of Calcutta Session of Congress in 1920. He formed the Swaraj Party in 1924 and become a member of Central Legislative Assembly. Like Swamy Shradhanand and Pt Madan Mohan Malavya, he was also not happy with the minority appeasement policy of Congress Party. So he associated with the activities of Hindu Mahasabha. He was the Sabhapathi of Calcutta session of Hindu Maha Sabha in 1925. In 1928, the British Govt send the Simon Commission to analyse the political situation in India. Congress has given a call for boycotting Simon Commission. There were wide protests against the Commission in through out India wherever they visited. 30 October 1928, the Commission visited Lahore. Lala Lajpat Rai led the protest march in Lahore and was severely injured in police Lathi Charge. This great leader known as Lion of Punjab succumbed to the injury and died on 17 November 1928 at Lahore.
Lajpat Rai is the author of many books apart from his Auto Biography. The Story of My Deportation (1908), Arya Samaj (1915), The United States of America: A Hindu’s Impression (1916), Unhappy India (1928), Chhathrapathi Shivaji, Munivar Gurudath Vidyarthi, Yugapravarthak Swamy Dayanand etc.
Let us pay homage to this great leader on his 145th Birth day.
Om Krinvantho Vishwamaryam!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
VEDA SWADHYAYA SIBIRAM!
Pathanamthitta : The Arya Samaj has conducted a three days free training camp named `Veda Swadhyaya Sibiram’ from 25 to 27 December 2009 at Swamy Shradhanand Nagar (Amrita Vidyalayam) in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. Renowned Arya Scholars Sri. Arya Bhaskar ji,, Raju Poonjar, Gopalakrishna Vaidik, AV Radhakrishna Vaidik, Anand Raj etc. took classes on Agnihothram, meaning and recitations of Veda manthras used for performing yagyas and various vedic topics. A commemorative function on the occasion of Swamy Shradhanand balidan divas was held on 25 Dec 2009. On behalf of Kerala Arya Prathinidhi Sabha, KM Rajan paid rich tributes to the immortal Arya Missionary Swamy Shradhand and motivated the participants to take inspiration from that great leader for propagation of vedic ideals. The official web site of Kerala Arya Prathinidhi Sabha was inaugurated by its President Sri. Raju Poonjar on 25 Dec 2009. Trainees which includes girls were initiated to upanayanam and given the sacred thread (Yagyopaveetham) and gayathri upadesh by Acharyas. Sri. TR Balachandran Nair, Vice President of Kerala Arya Prathinidhi Sabha was in charge of the camp administration and co-ordination of various functions. In the concluding session, Sri. G Sasi Kumar, Secretary of Arya Samaj Pathanamthitta expressed the gratitude to all for attending the camp and supporting the organizers for making it as a grand success.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
FAQ on Vedas
1. What is meant by the word VEDA?
2. Do you mean VEDAS are some books?
3. What are these 4 VEDA Samhitas?
4. What are mantras? How are they different from Shlokas of Sanskrit?
5. What is the purpose of so much emphasis on pronunciation?
6. What was the need for VEDAS?
7. How were the VEDAS revealed?
8. How did the Rishis understand the language of VEDAS?
9. Why were these 4 Rishis chosen for accepting the VEDAS?
10. But initially only Adam and Eve came. Now you talk of 4 Rishis?
11. Are the VEDAS available today? How do we know they are authentic? Even Bible
and Quran are not proven to be completely authentic.
12. How can a layman understand VEDAS? Should we read translation available?
13. VEDAS were good for beginning of civlization. But why we need them today?
14. What do the 4 Vedas contain?
15. Why do VEDAS contain worship of so many Gods?
16. Then what about the 33 crore Gods of Hinduism?
17. If I am a good person, but do not study VEDAS, what is the loss?
18. Why do VEDAS focus on Yajnas and animal sacrifice?
19. How can you claim VEDAS to be revealed scriptures? Why not Bible and Quran etc?
20. Why did God deny VEDAS to Shudras and Women?
21. Do VEDAS also talk of practical science and technology?
22. What is Vedic concept of God and Soul?
23. Do VEDAS permit alcohol or Soma Ras?
24. Why do VEDAS contain hatred against Dasyus and Anarya – the natives of India?
25. Are Shudras not Anarya? Why are they called Daas or slaves then?
26. What about idol worship?
27. Why do VEDAS permit polygamy?
28. Why did Hindus practice polygamy then?
29. Will learning Vedic mantras lead me to ultimate bliss?
30. Why do not everyone embrace VEDAS when everything is so logical?
31. I have another question. What do I do?
32. I want to formally embrace VEDIC way of life? Is there a ritual like in Islam and Christianity?
Question: What is meant by the word VEDA?
Answer:
The meaning of the word ‘VEDA’ is knowledge. It is derived from the root ‘vid’ which means ‘to know’. By VEDA we imply the eternal knowledge of the Omnipresent and Omniscient God which is provided to humans at beginning of human creation.
Question: Do you mean VEDAS are some books?
Answer:
VEDAS represent the eternal knowledge. But if you convert them into auditory senses, they represents certain sounds. When you convert them into visual sense, they represent certain mantras that can be compiled in form of books.
As an analogy, when a person has to be represented through hearing, his voice is his representation. And if he has to be represented in a 2D image, his photograph is an accurate representation. Same is the case of VEDAS. They are the eternal knowledge and if we have to represent them as per the senses that humans can perceive, they turn into 4 Ved Samhitas.
Question: What are these 4 VEDA Samhitas?
Answer:
These are compilation of mantras divided into 4 parts namely Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda.
Question: What are mantras? How are they different from Shlokas of Sanskrit?
Answer:
The Hymns or stanzas of VEDAS are called Mantras. The hymns of other Sanskrit texts are Shlokas. The Mantras are unchangeable not only in content but even pronunciation.
Thus while common persons may speak VEDIC Mantras without specific focus on pronunciation, each mantra has a specific method of pronunciation for each syllable in it. These are normally indicated by certain lines and symbols over and under Vedic Mantras.
Question: What is the purpose of so much emphasis on pronunciation?
Answer:
1. This has helped preserve VEDAS in exactly the same form as they first came.
2. The meaning of the Mantra changes as per change in pronunciation. This is like, what we do in real life also. The same words said in two different tones may mean completely opposite.
3. All VEDIC Mantras have several meanings. Further, the depth of meaning for each Mantra is also virtually infinite. To a beginner, certain meaning of a Mantra would be more obvious. But if she focuses on pronunciation pattern as well, further depths and news insights are revealed.
Question: What was the need for VEDAS?
Answer:
God has provided us all a capability to analyze and reach truth=bliss. However the same is blurred by ignorance. Please read the FAQ on Theory of Karma for more on this.
Thus, typically, it is impossible for humans to learn everything without being taught. We all are trained since birth for a significant period of time, and only then are we able to use our analytical faculties to learn more. And even then, most of the learning we do is through training. Analytical ability only acts as a tool to make it more efficient.
Similarly, it would have been impossible for humans to make so much of progress without any training support. Even a simple faculty like language, which forms the foundation of human civilization is impossible to learn without training.
The supporters of early-man theory are still at a loss to explain the emergence of language and the fact that language of earlier times were much more complex than those known today.
Thus VEDAS were provided as an operating manual to live in this world. It contains the seed knowledge for all fields and sufficient material to start the process of civilization. Without this, human civilization would have been impossible.
Question: How were the VEDAS revealed?
Answer:
Tradition says that the VEDAS were first revealed in heart of 4 Rishis or seers during inception of the civilization. These were having the best traits as per previous Karma or actions, and most eligible to understand the expain this knowledge. The knowledge of VEDAS revealed from them in a manner similar to way inspiration for doing noble things emerge in hearts of noble men.
Traditions say that Agni received Rig Veda, Vayu – Yajur Veda, Aditya – Sama Veda and Angira – Atharva Veda. Then these 4 Rishis trained other people on basis of these Vedas.
The scholars among these other people contemplated on specific mantras of Vedas and were called Rishis because they researched into meanings of these Mantras which were useful for entire humanity then. Civilization and knowledge flourished henceforth.
Question: How did the Rishis understand the language of VEDAS?
Answer:
The VEDAS were first revealed to the Rishis as complete package – meaning as well as mantras and their pronunciation. These appear different to us because of our limited knowledge.
But in state of perfection, language, knowledge and pronunciation no more remain different but become one and same.
A simile would be when the child utters ‘Maa’ to call its mother. The language, meaning and pronunciation of ‘Ma’ all together mean the same ‘Mother’ along with all the emotions it implies.
Similarly, when mind is complete devoid of all negative traits and fluctuations, and focused on God, the language, pronunciation and meaning of God’s knowledge all are felt as one integrated package. The 4 Rishis who were inspired with VEDAS had such exalted state.
Now from the knowledge and pronunciation, they developed the first rules of the language through which they trained others.
Thus language also has its origin in the VEDAS?
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Question: Why were these 4 Rishis chosen for accepting the VEDAS?
Answer:
Refer to Concept of God and Theory of Karma. Creation and destruction continue in beginning-less and unending cycles. Thus whenever a new creation happens, the souls who are best equipped to accept and propagate this knowledge are chosen to be among the first humans in the civilization.
Question: But initially only Adam and Eve came. Now you talk of 4 Rishis?
Answer:
Adam-Eve theory is a good story for entertainment of children. That has no rational basis except showing fear of Hell and lure of Heaven.
As per Vedic belief, right from initiation of creation of the universe up to inception of humans, changes happened gradually as per definite laws of Ishwar. Scientists have discovered many of these aspects recently. And when creation was over, humans emerged not as a couple, but in multiple.
The first humans are supposed to have emerged as youths and neither children nor old ones. No intermediate species between humans and next-intelligent species are found in any form. So evolution of humans from apes or ape-likes is ruled out. Even the current theories of ‘apes are our ancestors’ are too vague and inconclusive, and full of big unexplainable gaps.
The alternative model is that multiple humans emerged from earth, with different genetic makeup, without sexual reproduction. Modern science also does ot rule out possibility of this happening. These young humans had basic knowledge of survival just as animals have. And then 4 among them got the knowledge and trained others.
Because they had different genetic makeup, they could then devise rules of inter-marrying through something similar to Gotra system which is prevalent even till today. This ensures that marriage between close relatives do not happen and hence prevent genetic disorders. VEDAS have specific mantras to prohibit such marriages.
Question: Are the VEDAS available today? How do we know they are authentic? Even Bible and Quran are not proven to be completely authentic.
Answer:
The 4 VEDAS are available to us exactly in same way, as it was presented first. The God, who devised the universe to help us reach ultimate bliss and support us in all ways possible, ensured that VEDAS are never lost from humanity.
The mechanism was through memorizing 10 different ways of reciting VEDIC mantras in different permutations. They are called ‘Paatha Vidhi’. Thus different words of the mantra would be spoken in different orders. The different Paatha of VEDAS were memorized by different humans. They then taught these Paatha Vidhi to next generation. Whenever a doubt would come, that would be sorted out by checking out the different Paatha pronuciations. This way it was ensured that not even a syllable could be altered. Thus, if you even change a high pitch to low pitch, that would be caught.
Later, these VEDAS were written down. But oral traditions continued and still remain existent in India. And while Northern India was under a lot of turmoil in history due to invasions, South India was relatively peaceful. And hence the tradition continued uninterrupted.
No other book had such a rigorous way of protection. And hence no other book in world can claim such authenticity.
Even the skeptic Western indologists who explored VEDAS to propagate Christianity, could not help admitting this to be a great wonder of human civilization. Max Muller was one such researcher who commented thus.
Today, the 4 VEDAS are available as print format.
Question: How can a layman understand VEDAS? Should we read translation available?
Answer:
To read VEDAS, one needs to master the language of VEDAS – Sanskrit. In its absence, one can study the translations. However study of translations without a framework would be of little help. Further the translations by western scholars are to be rejected outrightly.
To understand VEDAS, not only language is necessary, one needs to also master certain other subjects. But even more important is an analytical bent of mind and a Yogic approach. What is meant by Yogic approach is mastery over senses and mind.
Since the concepts of VEDAS are very subtle, a disturbed mind or a mind indulged in petty issues and enjoyments of the world can make neither head or tail out of it.
This is same as we would say that it is useless for an uneducated drunkard to try to read Einstein’s Theory of Relativity.
Thus, simultaneous practice of mind discipline and an analytical attitude are necessary to start exploring the VEDAS.
Beyond that, availability of an expert teacher is extremely useful. But in absence of that as well, one can start with study of Satyarth Prakash (LIght of Truth) and Introduction to Vedas by Swami Dayanand Saraswati to understand the basic framework. In today’s context, they would be very critical to start exploration of VEDAS.
However, as said earlier, these too should be read with a Yogic and analytical bent of mind. This is not very difficult or esoteric. It simply means shutting oneself off from distractions and studying with open-minded focus – the way we study any serious subject.
Question: VEDAS were good for beginning of civlization. But why we need them today?
Answer:
Definitely, VEDAS were indispensable during beginning of human civilization. All the great ideals that we all believe in today, and good aspects of all the cultures, all have source in Vedas. But unfortunately, we lost track of the source in this long journey. Thus we often get distracted and get ourselves in trouble.
VEDAS serve as essential guide to do this course-correction. in absence of VEDAS, we have divided ourselves into so many cults, religions, groups, castes, races etc and keep fighting. In name of progress, we have ruined the environment. We try to adjust objectivity with irrationality and keep failing miserably.
On one hand, we would agree that we should reject wrong and false. But we still agree to propagation of smoking which is proven injurious for smoker, others and environment. Modern Science is still fighting with Spiritualism because it assumes that God is what Bible or Quran tell us. And we try to squeeze a middle path which is impossible.
A typical human is confused over what this life is and what is its direction. it fears death but has no solution. In confusion, it keeps wasting time and escaping from this fear through nonsense activities..and then dies.
VEDAS have solutions to these problems and provide tips on making our individual, social and global life more blissful.
Today we need VEDAS for same reason that a doctor refers back to medical text books throughout his life.
Question: What do the 4 Vedas contain?
Answer:
Rig Vedas focuses on knowledge of all material and spiritual objects. Yajur Veda deals mainly with recommended actions for humans. Sama Veda deals with devotion and contemplation and Atharva Veda contains applications deriving essence from all three Vedas and their themes (knowledge, action and contemplation)
Question: Why do VEDAS contain worship of so many Gods?
Answer:
This is a popular myth without any basis. VEDAS unequivocally declare that there is only one God – Ishwar and He is unparalleled.
It calls this Omnipotent God through various adjectives. People without an unbiased Yogic disposition took these names as that of different Gods.
But several mantras of VEDAS clarify this and state that He is One and Only one. For example Rig Veda 6.45.13, Atharva Veda 2.21, Rig Veda, 1.164.46, Rig Veda 10.114.5, Rig Veda 10.82.3 etc
Question: Then what about the 33 crore Gods of Hinduism?
Answer:
The exact term is 33 Koti Devata which people translate into 33 crore Gods.
Now let us understand that Koti also means ‘type’. And in VEDAS, 33 Devatas are indeed referred but comprehensively summarized in Shatpath Brahman, which is a commentary on VEDAS.
Now Devata does not mean Ishwar or Omnipotent God. It originates from root ‘Divu’ and refers to anything that benefits us. It has same origin as that of word ‘Daan’ which means charity. There are several other meanings of ‘Divu’ like conquer, pursuit, brilliancy, praise, knowledge, motion etc.
In the parlance of 33 Koti Devata, they refer to 33 non-living objects which benefit us namely: 8 Vasus – Fire, Earth, Air, Sky, Super-Terrestrial Space, Sun, Moon, Stars, Ten Life Forces, Soul, and 12 Months.
Further VEDAS proclaim in 10.121 that Ishwar/God provides us with all Devatas
Question: If I am a good person, but do not study VEDAS, what is the loss?
Answer:
If you are a good person, you will achieve higher levels of Bliss as per your Karma/Actions/Thoughts. But there would be a ceiling due to limited knowledge. Because higher bliss demands further knowledge.
This is similar to study of medicines. One can explore a lot about health science through her own discovery and analysis. But to master further, she will need to study the medical text books and do the necessary laboratory work.
Often we assume that spiritual knowledge is simple and can be obtained by self. We assume that only knowledge of various skills is what requires external training. This is a misconception. While seeds for all kinds of knowledge is there within us, we require more specialized training for those knowledge that have more serious implications and cover so many fields.
The same knowledge becomes simpler with expert guidance.
Question: Why do VEDAS focus on Yajnas and animal sacrifice?
Answer:
VEDAS believe in non-violence and prohibit all forms of animal killing for esoteric purpose. It all prohibits killing of animals for food and appeals for compassion for all living beings. You can review “No Beef in Vedas” article to know more about it. It is available in this site at http://agniveer.com/vedas/no-beef-in-vedas/
Yajna has three meanings – Respect for God and good people, Good company and Charitable Acts that benefit all. Thus in VEDAS, Yajna has a very comprehensive meaning.
The normal Yajna we associate with the word Yajna is called Agnihotra and is a routine to purify environment and minds of pollution. It has its own medical and spiritual benefits. But it has nothing to do with animal sacrifice. Nor Yajna in VEDAS has to be taken in this restrictive sense.
Question: How can you claim VEDAS to be revealed scriptures? Why not Bible and Quran etc?
Answer:
VEDAS are not revealed in the sense we understand. There is nothing magical about its emergence. Its a permanent eternal knowledge that got manifested in same natural manner as creation happened. What makes VEDAS different from BIble and Quran are:
1. It appeared at origin of creation and not intermittently. Thus the knowledge is same for all humans since then. But knowledge of Bible and Quran came much later, and hence those who were born before they came were at major loss.
2. If God has to revise His own message, it means God is imperfect. Thus accepting any later day message as God’s is insult to God.
3. There is no science in Quran or Bible which Vedas do not cover.
4. Nothing in VEDAS is opposed to Science and Reason. It does not talk of miracles which only happen in stories but do not happen in real world.
5. VEDAS cover all branches of knowledge. It is 3 times the size of Quran and covers all possible fields in seed form.
6. It does not contain history, geography or stories.
7. The VEDAS are applicable to all human beings in all geographies. The message is quite generic in nature. It also does not differentiate between believers and non-believers and curse non-believers to eternal Hell.
Question: Why did God deny VEDAS to Shudras and Women?
Answer:
This is another baseless allegation on VEDAS. On contrary, VEDAS emphasize women education more than even men because women are first teachers of next generation. VEDAS clearly proclaim that no one should be denied of knowledge of Ishwar/God. Thus women have full rights to study Vedas.
Shudra does not refer to birth-based caste. It is a term to define uneducated person. Thus someone uneducated will automatically not have access to VEDAS. But one can attain education and learn VEDAS and he or she shall no more be a Shudra.
And regardless of one’s parentage, anyone can study and teach VEDAS based on his or her merits.
VEDAS refute birth-based discrimination of any kind.
Question: Do VEDAS also talk of practical science and technology?
Answer:
Yes. Vedas provide details on building ships and airplanes. They talk of basics of mathematics and decimal system. They refer to gravity and electricity.
However VEDAS do not get into those details which can be explored by humans themselves. Instead, VEDAS would proclaim humans to explore it further.
Thus, VEDAS do not spoon-feed because ultimate bliss demands efforts. But they give sufficient directions to ensure one is not misled. And that applies for all fields – physical, social, mental sciences.
Question: What is Vedic concept of God and Soul?
Answer:
Refer to FAQ on Concept of God.
In brief, VEDAS consider God, Soul and Matter/Energy duo to be eternal.
Question: Do VEDAS permit alcohol or Soma Ras?
Answer:
Soma Ras is not alcohol. It refers to exalted state of motivation. The kind of motivation that legendary people and freedom-fighters have.
In later era, people started calling alcohol Soma because from perspective of normal people, these exalted people appear insane or intoxicated with their passions.
On contrary, VEDAS completely discourage use of substance which numb senses or interferes with purity and clarity of thoughts. Refer Rig Veda 8.2.12 and Atharva veda 6.7.1
Question: Why do VEDAS contain hatred against Dasyus and Anarya – the natives of India?
Answer:
This is another crazy theory prevalent. We shall devote a thorough article to explode this myth.
When VEDAS are first texts of mankind, and no one has ever been able to trace its origin, there is no question of there being any natives when VEDAS first came!
The word Arya in VEDAS mean a civilized person. Anarya is opposite of Arya and means a criminal. Dasyu means looters.
Thus, if I ask, why does modern society have hatred against criminals and looters, what would you say?
VEDAS clearly define that criminals and looters should be dealt with iron hand.
In a VEDIC society, even someone not believing in VEDAS is allowed to live freely. Unlike Bible and Quran, there is no discrimination on this basis.
But criminals and nuisance creators are to be punished like in modern times.
Question: Are Shudras not Anarya? Why are they called Daas or slaves then?
Answer:
No, Shudra refers to one who did not complete education. Shudra can be in any family. Daas is another term for Anarya or criminals.
It was much later that owing to breakdown of VEDIC education, the 4 professions which were based on qualifications turned into birth-based systems. And then the uneducated ones had to suffer. Then Daas and Shudra became equivalent.
This is like current politics. Noe only children of politicians can become politicians. Others have a no-entry there. After few years, if this trend does not stop, we may have family background come up as an eligibility criteria. It is already so unofficially!
Question: What about idol worship?
Answer:
VEDAS condemn practice of restricting God in idol. That is neither true nor respectful to God. It instead explains a method of mind-control and skills enhancement to worship God. This leads to improved physical, mental and spiritual health and hence the devotee is able to put better efforts.
Question: Why do VEDAS permit polygamy?
Answer:
VEDAS, perhaps, are the only texts in world that clearly discourage Polygamy. It is so convinced of monogamy that all mantras relating to marriage are in dual voice. It further has several mantras that discourage polygamy.
Question: Why did Hindus practice polygamy then?
Answer:
Hindus have done several things against recommendations of VEDAS. And that is why they suffered so many upsets. VEDAS do not ban anything with fear of Hell. Instead they spell out their recommendations. This is like books on Medicine. They will explain effect of smoking on lungs. A wise man would understand from that. But a fool would still smoke. VEDAS are not targeted towards fools.
Society has on various times deviated from VEDIC teachings and has suffered loss in that aspect. For example Dashrath took 4 wives, or Pandavas played gambling. But neither is an example of VEDIC practice and both suffered setbacks for their stupidities.
Question: Will learning Vedic mantras lead me to ultimate bliss?
Answer:
Simply mugging up mantras would be a waste of time. VEDAS are a workbook. You need to practice the meaning in Knowledge, Action and Contemplation. Further, each mantra has deeper and deeper layers of meanings. This exploration is a life long but extremely enjoyable process. You need to submerge completely to get benefits and fun! Like in learning any sports or skills. Shortcuts are waste of time.
Often many people mug up mantras, standard speeches and dialogues and pose as experts. They may gain popularity, but are wasting their times. And making their future progress even more difficult due to layers of false ego that they have accumulated.
Question: Why do not everyone embrace VEDAS when everything is so logical?
Answer:
For exactly the same reasons that people find difficult to quit smoking even when they know that it is damaging. Past tendencies, false egos and lack of Will make it difficult.
Today, based on in which society we were born, or who influenced us first with charisma, who insulted us, we decide whether we are Hindu, Muslim, Atheist, Christian, Buddhist etc. Very few people are able to rise above these uncontrolled parameters and do an objective analysis and embrace truth. And this courage to embrace truth and reject false is first step to achieving Truth=Vedas=Bliss.
As I said, there is no scope for blind faith in VEDAS. Even those who believe in VEDAS without any reason or thorough analysis, merely due to above mentioned reasons, are simply wasting their times.
For true truth-warriors, nothing is more fun than embracing VEDAS.
Question: I have another question. What do I do?
Answer:
1. You can read Introduction to Vedas and Light of Truth by Dayanand Saraswasti and answer many more doubts.
2. You can visit http://satyavidya.org
3. You can post it on Vistor FAQ section at http://agniveer.com/faq/
4. You can share a comment here.
5. You can mail me at agniveer@agniveer.com
Question: I want to formally embrace VEDIC way of life? Is there a ritual like in Islam and Christianity?
Answer:
Rituals serve the purpose of self-discipline and installing a reference point to focus the mind. For truly Yogic, there is no need for any ritual.
Curtesy by Agniveer
2. Do you mean VEDAS are some books?
3. What are these 4 VEDA Samhitas?
4. What are mantras? How are they different from Shlokas of Sanskrit?
5. What is the purpose of so much emphasis on pronunciation?
6. What was the need for VEDAS?
7. How were the VEDAS revealed?
8. How did the Rishis understand the language of VEDAS?
9. Why were these 4 Rishis chosen for accepting the VEDAS?
10. But initially only Adam and Eve came. Now you talk of 4 Rishis?
11. Are the VEDAS available today? How do we know they are authentic? Even Bible
and Quran are not proven to be completely authentic.
12. How can a layman understand VEDAS? Should we read translation available?
13. VEDAS were good for beginning of civlization. But why we need them today?
14. What do the 4 Vedas contain?
15. Why do VEDAS contain worship of so many Gods?
16. Then what about the 33 crore Gods of Hinduism?
17. If I am a good person, but do not study VEDAS, what is the loss?
18. Why do VEDAS focus on Yajnas and animal sacrifice?
19. How can you claim VEDAS to be revealed scriptures? Why not Bible and Quran etc?
20. Why did God deny VEDAS to Shudras and Women?
21. Do VEDAS also talk of practical science and technology?
22. What is Vedic concept of God and Soul?
23. Do VEDAS permit alcohol or Soma Ras?
24. Why do VEDAS contain hatred against Dasyus and Anarya – the natives of India?
25. Are Shudras not Anarya? Why are they called Daas or slaves then?
26. What about idol worship?
27. Why do VEDAS permit polygamy?
28. Why did Hindus practice polygamy then?
29. Will learning Vedic mantras lead me to ultimate bliss?
30. Why do not everyone embrace VEDAS when everything is so logical?
31. I have another question. What do I do?
32. I want to formally embrace VEDIC way of life? Is there a ritual like in Islam and Christianity?
Question: What is meant by the word VEDA?
Answer:
The meaning of the word ‘VEDA’ is knowledge. It is derived from the root ‘vid’ which means ‘to know’. By VEDA we imply the eternal knowledge of the Omnipresent and Omniscient God which is provided to humans at beginning of human creation.
Question: Do you mean VEDAS are some books?
Answer:
VEDAS represent the eternal knowledge. But if you convert them into auditory senses, they represents certain sounds. When you convert them into visual sense, they represent certain mantras that can be compiled in form of books.
As an analogy, when a person has to be represented through hearing, his voice is his representation. And if he has to be represented in a 2D image, his photograph is an accurate representation. Same is the case of VEDAS. They are the eternal knowledge and if we have to represent them as per the senses that humans can perceive, they turn into 4 Ved Samhitas.
Question: What are these 4 VEDA Samhitas?
Answer:
These are compilation of mantras divided into 4 parts namely Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda.
Question: What are mantras? How are they different from Shlokas of Sanskrit?
Answer:
The Hymns or stanzas of VEDAS are called Mantras. The hymns of other Sanskrit texts are Shlokas. The Mantras are unchangeable not only in content but even pronunciation.
Thus while common persons may speak VEDIC Mantras without specific focus on pronunciation, each mantra has a specific method of pronunciation for each syllable in it. These are normally indicated by certain lines and symbols over and under Vedic Mantras.
Question: What is the purpose of so much emphasis on pronunciation?
Answer:
1. This has helped preserve VEDAS in exactly the same form as they first came.
2. The meaning of the Mantra changes as per change in pronunciation. This is like, what we do in real life also. The same words said in two different tones may mean completely opposite.
3. All VEDIC Mantras have several meanings. Further, the depth of meaning for each Mantra is also virtually infinite. To a beginner, certain meaning of a Mantra would be more obvious. But if she focuses on pronunciation pattern as well, further depths and news insights are revealed.
Question: What was the need for VEDAS?
Answer:
God has provided us all a capability to analyze and reach truth=bliss. However the same is blurred by ignorance. Please read the FAQ on Theory of Karma for more on this.
Thus, typically, it is impossible for humans to learn everything without being taught. We all are trained since birth for a significant period of time, and only then are we able to use our analytical faculties to learn more. And even then, most of the learning we do is through training. Analytical ability only acts as a tool to make it more efficient.
Similarly, it would have been impossible for humans to make so much of progress without any training support. Even a simple faculty like language, which forms the foundation of human civilization is impossible to learn without training.
The supporters of early-man theory are still at a loss to explain the emergence of language and the fact that language of earlier times were much more complex than those known today.
Thus VEDAS were provided as an operating manual to live in this world. It contains the seed knowledge for all fields and sufficient material to start the process of civilization. Without this, human civilization would have been impossible.
Question: How were the VEDAS revealed?
Answer:
Tradition says that the VEDAS were first revealed in heart of 4 Rishis or seers during inception of the civilization. These were having the best traits as per previous Karma or actions, and most eligible to understand the expain this knowledge. The knowledge of VEDAS revealed from them in a manner similar to way inspiration for doing noble things emerge in hearts of noble men.
Traditions say that Agni received Rig Veda, Vayu – Yajur Veda, Aditya – Sama Veda and Angira – Atharva Veda. Then these 4 Rishis trained other people on basis of these Vedas.
The scholars among these other people contemplated on specific mantras of Vedas and were called Rishis because they researched into meanings of these Mantras which were useful for entire humanity then. Civilization and knowledge flourished henceforth.
Question: How did the Rishis understand the language of VEDAS?
Answer:
The VEDAS were first revealed to the Rishis as complete package – meaning as well as mantras and their pronunciation. These appear different to us because of our limited knowledge.
But in state of perfection, language, knowledge and pronunciation no more remain different but become one and same.
A simile would be when the child utters ‘Maa’ to call its mother. The language, meaning and pronunciation of ‘Ma’ all together mean the same ‘Mother’ along with all the emotions it implies.
Similarly, when mind is complete devoid of all negative traits and fluctuations, and focused on God, the language, pronunciation and meaning of God’s knowledge all are felt as one integrated package. The 4 Rishis who were inspired with VEDAS had such exalted state.
Now from the knowledge and pronunciation, they developed the first rules of the language through which they trained others.
Thus language also has its origin in the VEDAS?
From
Question: Why were these 4 Rishis chosen for accepting the VEDAS?
Answer:
Refer to Concept of God and Theory of Karma. Creation and destruction continue in beginning-less and unending cycles. Thus whenever a new creation happens, the souls who are best equipped to accept and propagate this knowledge are chosen to be among the first humans in the civilization.
Question: But initially only Adam and Eve came. Now you talk of 4 Rishis?
Answer:
Adam-Eve theory is a good story for entertainment of children. That has no rational basis except showing fear of Hell and lure of Heaven.
As per Vedic belief, right from initiation of creation of the universe up to inception of humans, changes happened gradually as per definite laws of Ishwar. Scientists have discovered many of these aspects recently. And when creation was over, humans emerged not as a couple, but in multiple.
The first humans are supposed to have emerged as youths and neither children nor old ones. No intermediate species between humans and next-intelligent species are found in any form. So evolution of humans from apes or ape-likes is ruled out. Even the current theories of ‘apes are our ancestors’ are too vague and inconclusive, and full of big unexplainable gaps.
The alternative model is that multiple humans emerged from earth, with different genetic makeup, without sexual reproduction. Modern science also does ot rule out possibility of this happening. These young humans had basic knowledge of survival just as animals have. And then 4 among them got the knowledge and trained others.
Because they had different genetic makeup, they could then devise rules of inter-marrying through something similar to Gotra system which is prevalent even till today. This ensures that marriage between close relatives do not happen and hence prevent genetic disorders. VEDAS have specific mantras to prohibit such marriages.
Question: Are the VEDAS available today? How do we know they are authentic? Even Bible and Quran are not proven to be completely authentic.
Answer:
The 4 VEDAS are available to us exactly in same way, as it was presented first. The God, who devised the universe to help us reach ultimate bliss and support us in all ways possible, ensured that VEDAS are never lost from humanity.
The mechanism was through memorizing 10 different ways of reciting VEDIC mantras in different permutations. They are called ‘Paatha Vidhi’. Thus different words of the mantra would be spoken in different orders. The different Paatha of VEDAS were memorized by different humans. They then taught these Paatha Vidhi to next generation. Whenever a doubt would come, that would be sorted out by checking out the different Paatha pronuciations. This way it was ensured that not even a syllable could be altered. Thus, if you even change a high pitch to low pitch, that would be caught.
Later, these VEDAS were written down. But oral traditions continued and still remain existent in India. And while Northern India was under a lot of turmoil in history due to invasions, South India was relatively peaceful. And hence the tradition continued uninterrupted.
No other book had such a rigorous way of protection. And hence no other book in world can claim such authenticity.
Even the skeptic Western indologists who explored VEDAS to propagate Christianity, could not help admitting this to be a great wonder of human civilization. Max Muller was one such researcher who commented thus.
Today, the 4 VEDAS are available as print format.
Question: How can a layman understand VEDAS? Should we read translation available?
Answer:
To read VEDAS, one needs to master the language of VEDAS – Sanskrit. In its absence, one can study the translations. However study of translations without a framework would be of little help. Further the translations by western scholars are to be rejected outrightly.
To understand VEDAS, not only language is necessary, one needs to also master certain other subjects. But even more important is an analytical bent of mind and a Yogic approach. What is meant by Yogic approach is mastery over senses and mind.
Since the concepts of VEDAS are very subtle, a disturbed mind or a mind indulged in petty issues and enjoyments of the world can make neither head or tail out of it.
This is same as we would say that it is useless for an uneducated drunkard to try to read Einstein’s Theory of Relativity.
Thus, simultaneous practice of mind discipline and an analytical attitude are necessary to start exploring the VEDAS.
Beyond that, availability of an expert teacher is extremely useful. But in absence of that as well, one can start with study of Satyarth Prakash (LIght of Truth) and Introduction to Vedas by Swami Dayanand Saraswati to understand the basic framework. In today’s context, they would be very critical to start exploration of VEDAS.
However, as said earlier, these too should be read with a Yogic and analytical bent of mind. This is not very difficult or esoteric. It simply means shutting oneself off from distractions and studying with open-minded focus – the way we study any serious subject.
Question: VEDAS were good for beginning of civlization. But why we need them today?
Answer:
Definitely, VEDAS were indispensable during beginning of human civilization. All the great ideals that we all believe in today, and good aspects of all the cultures, all have source in Vedas. But unfortunately, we lost track of the source in this long journey. Thus we often get distracted and get ourselves in trouble.
VEDAS serve as essential guide to do this course-correction. in absence of VEDAS, we have divided ourselves into so many cults, religions, groups, castes, races etc and keep fighting. In name of progress, we have ruined the environment. We try to adjust objectivity with irrationality and keep failing miserably.
On one hand, we would agree that we should reject wrong and false. But we still agree to propagation of smoking which is proven injurious for smoker, others and environment. Modern Science is still fighting with Spiritualism because it assumes that God is what Bible or Quran tell us. And we try to squeeze a middle path which is impossible.
A typical human is confused over what this life is and what is its direction. it fears death but has no solution. In confusion, it keeps wasting time and escaping from this fear through nonsense activities..and then dies.
VEDAS have solutions to these problems and provide tips on making our individual, social and global life more blissful.
Today we need VEDAS for same reason that a doctor refers back to medical text books throughout his life.
Question: What do the 4 Vedas contain?
Answer:
Rig Vedas focuses on knowledge of all material and spiritual objects. Yajur Veda deals mainly with recommended actions for humans. Sama Veda deals with devotion and contemplation and Atharva Veda contains applications deriving essence from all three Vedas and their themes (knowledge, action and contemplation)
Question: Why do VEDAS contain worship of so many Gods?
Answer:
This is a popular myth without any basis. VEDAS unequivocally declare that there is only one God – Ishwar and He is unparalleled.
It calls this Omnipotent God through various adjectives. People without an unbiased Yogic disposition took these names as that of different Gods.
But several mantras of VEDAS clarify this and state that He is One and Only one. For example Rig Veda 6.45.13, Atharva Veda 2.21, Rig Veda, 1.164.46, Rig Veda 10.114.5, Rig Veda 10.82.3 etc
Question: Then what about the 33 crore Gods of Hinduism?
Answer:
The exact term is 33 Koti Devata which people translate into 33 crore Gods.
Now let us understand that Koti also means ‘type’. And in VEDAS, 33 Devatas are indeed referred but comprehensively summarized in Shatpath Brahman, which is a commentary on VEDAS.
Now Devata does not mean Ishwar or Omnipotent God. It originates from root ‘Divu’ and refers to anything that benefits us. It has same origin as that of word ‘Daan’ which means charity. There are several other meanings of ‘Divu’ like conquer, pursuit, brilliancy, praise, knowledge, motion etc.
In the parlance of 33 Koti Devata, they refer to 33 non-living objects which benefit us namely: 8 Vasus – Fire, Earth, Air, Sky, Super-Terrestrial Space, Sun, Moon, Stars, Ten Life Forces, Soul, and 12 Months.
Further VEDAS proclaim in 10.121 that Ishwar/God provides us with all Devatas
Question: If I am a good person, but do not study VEDAS, what is the loss?
Answer:
If you are a good person, you will achieve higher levels of Bliss as per your Karma/Actions/Thoughts. But there would be a ceiling due to limited knowledge. Because higher bliss demands further knowledge.
This is similar to study of medicines. One can explore a lot about health science through her own discovery and analysis. But to master further, she will need to study the medical text books and do the necessary laboratory work.
Often we assume that spiritual knowledge is simple and can be obtained by self. We assume that only knowledge of various skills is what requires external training. This is a misconception. While seeds for all kinds of knowledge is there within us, we require more specialized training for those knowledge that have more serious implications and cover so many fields.
The same knowledge becomes simpler with expert guidance.
Question: Why do VEDAS focus on Yajnas and animal sacrifice?
Answer:
VEDAS believe in non-violence and prohibit all forms of animal killing for esoteric purpose. It all prohibits killing of animals for food and appeals for compassion for all living beings. You can review “No Beef in Vedas” article to know more about it. It is available in this site at http://agniveer.com/vedas/no-beef-in-vedas/
Yajna has three meanings – Respect for God and good people, Good company and Charitable Acts that benefit all. Thus in VEDAS, Yajna has a very comprehensive meaning.
The normal Yajna we associate with the word Yajna is called Agnihotra and is a routine to purify environment and minds of pollution. It has its own medical and spiritual benefits. But it has nothing to do with animal sacrifice. Nor Yajna in VEDAS has to be taken in this restrictive sense.
Question: How can you claim VEDAS to be revealed scriptures? Why not Bible and Quran etc?
Answer:
VEDAS are not revealed in the sense we understand. There is nothing magical about its emergence. Its a permanent eternal knowledge that got manifested in same natural manner as creation happened. What makes VEDAS different from BIble and Quran are:
1. It appeared at origin of creation and not intermittently. Thus the knowledge is same for all humans since then. But knowledge of Bible and Quran came much later, and hence those who were born before they came were at major loss.
2. If God has to revise His own message, it means God is imperfect. Thus accepting any later day message as God’s is insult to God.
3. There is no science in Quran or Bible which Vedas do not cover.
4. Nothing in VEDAS is opposed to Science and Reason. It does not talk of miracles which only happen in stories but do not happen in real world.
5. VEDAS cover all branches of knowledge. It is 3 times the size of Quran and covers all possible fields in seed form.
6. It does not contain history, geography or stories.
7. The VEDAS are applicable to all human beings in all geographies. The message is quite generic in nature. It also does not differentiate between believers and non-believers and curse non-believers to eternal Hell.
Question: Why did God deny VEDAS to Shudras and Women?
Answer:
This is another baseless allegation on VEDAS. On contrary, VEDAS emphasize women education more than even men because women are first teachers of next generation. VEDAS clearly proclaim that no one should be denied of knowledge of Ishwar/God. Thus women have full rights to study Vedas.
Shudra does not refer to birth-based caste. It is a term to define uneducated person. Thus someone uneducated will automatically not have access to VEDAS. But one can attain education and learn VEDAS and he or she shall no more be a Shudra.
And regardless of one’s parentage, anyone can study and teach VEDAS based on his or her merits.
VEDAS refute birth-based discrimination of any kind.
Question: Do VEDAS also talk of practical science and technology?
Answer:
Yes. Vedas provide details on building ships and airplanes. They talk of basics of mathematics and decimal system. They refer to gravity and electricity.
However VEDAS do not get into those details which can be explored by humans themselves. Instead, VEDAS would proclaim humans to explore it further.
Thus, VEDAS do not spoon-feed because ultimate bliss demands efforts. But they give sufficient directions to ensure one is not misled. And that applies for all fields – physical, social, mental sciences.
Question: What is Vedic concept of God and Soul?
Answer:
Refer to FAQ on Concept of God.
In brief, VEDAS consider God, Soul and Matter/Energy duo to be eternal.
Question: Do VEDAS permit alcohol or Soma Ras?
Answer:
Soma Ras is not alcohol. It refers to exalted state of motivation. The kind of motivation that legendary people and freedom-fighters have.
In later era, people started calling alcohol Soma because from perspective of normal people, these exalted people appear insane or intoxicated with their passions.
On contrary, VEDAS completely discourage use of substance which numb senses or interferes with purity and clarity of thoughts. Refer Rig Veda 8.2.12 and Atharva veda 6.7.1
Question: Why do VEDAS contain hatred against Dasyus and Anarya – the natives of India?
Answer:
This is another crazy theory prevalent. We shall devote a thorough article to explode this myth.
When VEDAS are first texts of mankind, and no one has ever been able to trace its origin, there is no question of there being any natives when VEDAS first came!
The word Arya in VEDAS mean a civilized person. Anarya is opposite of Arya and means a criminal. Dasyu means looters.
Thus, if I ask, why does modern society have hatred against criminals and looters, what would you say?
VEDAS clearly define that criminals and looters should be dealt with iron hand.
In a VEDIC society, even someone not believing in VEDAS is allowed to live freely. Unlike Bible and Quran, there is no discrimination on this basis.
But criminals and nuisance creators are to be punished like in modern times.
Question: Are Shudras not Anarya? Why are they called Daas or slaves then?
Answer:
No, Shudra refers to one who did not complete education. Shudra can be in any family. Daas is another term for Anarya or criminals.
It was much later that owing to breakdown of VEDIC education, the 4 professions which were based on qualifications turned into birth-based systems. And then the uneducated ones had to suffer. Then Daas and Shudra became equivalent.
This is like current politics. Noe only children of politicians can become politicians. Others have a no-entry there. After few years, if this trend does not stop, we may have family background come up as an eligibility criteria. It is already so unofficially!
Question: What about idol worship?
Answer:
VEDAS condemn practice of restricting God in idol. That is neither true nor respectful to God. It instead explains a method of mind-control and skills enhancement to worship God. This leads to improved physical, mental and spiritual health and hence the devotee is able to put better efforts.
Question: Why do VEDAS permit polygamy?
Answer:
VEDAS, perhaps, are the only texts in world that clearly discourage Polygamy. It is so convinced of monogamy that all mantras relating to marriage are in dual voice. It further has several mantras that discourage polygamy.
Question: Why did Hindus practice polygamy then?
Answer:
Hindus have done several things against recommendations of VEDAS. And that is why they suffered so many upsets. VEDAS do not ban anything with fear of Hell. Instead they spell out their recommendations. This is like books on Medicine. They will explain effect of smoking on lungs. A wise man would understand from that. But a fool would still smoke. VEDAS are not targeted towards fools.
Society has on various times deviated from VEDIC teachings and has suffered loss in that aspect. For example Dashrath took 4 wives, or Pandavas played gambling. But neither is an example of VEDIC practice and both suffered setbacks for their stupidities.
Question: Will learning Vedic mantras lead me to ultimate bliss?
Answer:
Simply mugging up mantras would be a waste of time. VEDAS are a workbook. You need to practice the meaning in Knowledge, Action and Contemplation. Further, each mantra has deeper and deeper layers of meanings. This exploration is a life long but extremely enjoyable process. You need to submerge completely to get benefits and fun! Like in learning any sports or skills. Shortcuts are waste of time.
Often many people mug up mantras, standard speeches and dialogues and pose as experts. They may gain popularity, but are wasting their times. And making their future progress even more difficult due to layers of false ego that they have accumulated.
Question: Why do not everyone embrace VEDAS when everything is so logical?
Answer:
For exactly the same reasons that people find difficult to quit smoking even when they know that it is damaging. Past tendencies, false egos and lack of Will make it difficult.
Today, based on in which society we were born, or who influenced us first with charisma, who insulted us, we decide whether we are Hindu, Muslim, Atheist, Christian, Buddhist etc. Very few people are able to rise above these uncontrolled parameters and do an objective analysis and embrace truth. And this courage to embrace truth and reject false is first step to achieving Truth=Vedas=Bliss.
As I said, there is no scope for blind faith in VEDAS. Even those who believe in VEDAS without any reason or thorough analysis, merely due to above mentioned reasons, are simply wasting their times.
For true truth-warriors, nothing is more fun than embracing VEDAS.
Question: I have another question. What do I do?
Answer:
1. You can read Introduction to Vedas and Light of Truth by Dayanand Saraswasti and answer many more doubts.
2. You can visit http://satyavidya.org
3. You can post it on Vistor FAQ section at http://agniveer.com/faq/
4. You can share a comment here.
5. You can mail me at agniveer@agniveer.com
Question: I want to formally embrace VEDIC way of life? Is there a ritual like in Islam and Christianity?
Answer:
Rituals serve the purpose of self-discipline and installing a reference point to focus the mind. For truly Yogic, there is no need for any ritual.
Curtesy by Agniveer
Friday, December 18, 2009
Pay homage to Arya Missionary Swamy Shradhanand on his Martyrdom day!
Mahatma Munshi Ram was born at Talwan Village in Jalandhar (Punjab) on February 2, 1856. The magic of great social reformer and vedic scholar, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswathi totally changed a spoiled young Munshiram (later Swamy Shradhanand) into an Arya Missionary and a national leader. He actively participated in freedom struggle and motivated many revolutionaries to fight against the alien rulers. He was the Chairman of reception committee of Amritsar Congress session in 1919 just after Jalyanwala Bagh massacre and successfully conducted this session. He established Gurukul Kangri with one teacher (himself) and two students (his two sons) which is now a famous university. He was the first non muslim to deliver sermon from the rampart of Jama Masjid of Delhi. Above all he was a preacher of vedic dharma. He spearheaded the shudhi movement and brought back thousands of converted Hindus to vedic religion. During the 1921 Malabar rebellion he came to Kerala for rescue works and brought back thousands of forcible converted hindus to their parent religion. He also actively participated in Vaikkom Sathyagrah. He founded Bharatheeya Hindu Shudhi Sabha in 1923. He succumbed to the stabbing by a fanatic Muslim named Abdul Rasheed on 23rd Dec 1926. Let us pay homage to this immortal Arya Missionary and dedicate ourselves for the cause of propagation of vedic dharma! Om krinvantho vishwamaryam!
Friday, November 27, 2009
VANDE MATARAM
Vande Mataram had indeed worked like a Ved mantra. This is what the author and poet, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyaya had prophesied in answer to the criticism that the words used in the song were too difficult to pronounce. He said to his critics “I may not live to see its popularity, but this song will be sung by every Indian like a Ved mantra”. How true his words were. The history of the Indian freedom struggle bears a testimony to it. Vande Mataram has spontaneity and emotional appeal to arouse patriotism even in a slavish heart. The song has the capability to transcend barriers of caste, creed, region and religion. It was sung with gusto by patriotic Indians throughout the length and breadth of Bharat. When the song was sung , with the fading notes of the last stanza, the emotionally surcharged crowd of men and women would raise the slogan : Bharat Mata Ki Jai. The sound and the echo shook the mighty British Empire to its foundation.
Bankim babu wrote Vande Mataram in one sitting in his native village, Naihati, just a few miles away from the metropolis, Calcutta..It was Akshay Naomi which fell on a Sunday on 7 November 1875 and Bankim babu, a Deputy Collector of the British Raj was relaxing in his ancestral home. His mind and heart were in turmoil. The English masters were forcing their own national anthem, God Save the Queen, down the throat of all Indians. Bankim babu felt the divine inspiration and words came pouring out of his heart and on to his pen. An immortal song, Vande Mataram, stood composed. It was seven years later that Vande Mataram was incorporated in the famous novel of the author, Anand Math, dealing with the history of the Sanyasi uprising in Dacca, North Bengal and other places from 1763 to 1780. The Dharm Yudh was against the foreign domination. The English and their collaborators were targeted. The saints uprising has inspired the youth of Bengal ever since. Indeed, it was a never fading source of inspiration for the patriots all over Bharat
No less a person than Gurudev Ravindra Nath Tagore lent his voice to Vande Mataram when he sang it in the session of the Indian National Congress in Calcutta in 1896. It was a stirring moment, although the tempo was rather slow compared to that of the rendering of Vande Mataram by Lata Mangeshkar in the movie, Anand Math. Nevertheless, Vande Mataram had come out of the rural landscape to play its all important role on the national stage. Bengal loved the song and the rest of India was not far behind. Vande Mataram was sung in many tunes, in many languages by many men and women voluntarily. North, South, East and West of India were equally involved.
1905 was the high noon of the national fervour that Vande Mataram generated. Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy, passed a decree dividing Bengal into two parts, east and west. The British are at their best when they play the game called, Divide and Rule. However, it was rather unfortunate for the rulers that the Bang Bhang united India as a whole. Men and women of all faiths walked the streets of towns and talukas of Bengal singing Vande Mataram with religious fervour. It was a sight to be seen to be believed. The decree of Curzon was rescinded. But the British were back to their game of dividing the united people. They made some elements believe that singing Vande Mataram was a sign of Hindu domination. Their trick worked. The bogey of religion took its toll. The Muslim League was born. No one was happier than the British masters.
The Indian National Congress, at its Varanasi session , adopted Vande Mataram as the national song on 7th September 1905. The cohesive spirit that the song generated could not be lost sight of by the national leaders. The momentous decision was taken unanimously a century ago. Since then the national song is sung at all sessions not only of the Congress but also the Bhartiya Janata Party and some others. It is sung in the closing session of the parliament too. Truly national in word and deed.
Vande Mataram has all along been a song of patriotism and unification. Gandhi and Jinnah sang it together on the Congress platform till the latter quit the Congress as he was a non-believer in the principle of Swaraj. Of course, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Shri Purshottam Das Tandon, born rivals, were in the forefront in singing Vande Mataram at the beginning of the session everywhere. Shri Rafi Ahmad Kidwai , out and out a nationalist, never had a second thought about singing Vande Mataram. Nevertheless, the divisive forces were working overtime at the behest of their British masters to upset the applecart. How sad, the mischief mongers had their way. The rest is history. Is history repeating itsef ? Time alone will tell.
Singing Vande Mataram the Indian people had waged the war of Independence non-violently. The song was all along the National Anthem to the rank and file of freedom fighters. A committee comprising Nehru, Azad, Subhash Bose and Narendra Dev had said that the first two stanzas of the song had no reference to any religion and should be our anthem. It came as a rude shock when the controversial decision to make Jana Gana Mana the national anthem was announced on 24 January 1950. However, the words of Dr Rajendra Prasad, President of the Constituent Assembly, came as a soothing balm. He said, “…the song Vande Mataram , which has played a historic part in the struggle for Indian freedom, shall be honoured equally with Jana Gana mana and shall have equal status with it.”
Taking a look at the English translation of Vande Mataram, done by Shree Aurobindo, one may safely surmise that the storm in a tea cup brewing at the behest of separatists will blow away and patriotism will prevail. The stanzas of the song are given below :
Mother, I bow to Thee !
Rich with thy hurrying streams
Bright with orchard gleams.
Cool with thy winds of delight
Green fields waving Mother of might,
Mother free.
Glory of moonlight dreams,
Over thy branches and lordly streams,
Clad in thy blossoming trees,
Mother, giver of ease
Laughing low and sweet!
Mother I kiss thy feet,
Speaker sweet and low!
Mother, to thee I bow
Indeed the original song in Bangala with a rich dose of Sanskrit words is soul stirring. Although the British government in India had banned the national song Vande Mataram, it surfaced and resurfaced. The British failed in suppressing the spirit of independence. The Indians won their freedom. Let us now all sing in unison the song of the People,
VANDE MATARAM.
By Brig Chitranjan Sawant,VSM
Bankim babu wrote Vande Mataram in one sitting in his native village, Naihati, just a few miles away from the metropolis, Calcutta..It was Akshay Naomi which fell on a Sunday on 7 November 1875 and Bankim babu, a Deputy Collector of the British Raj was relaxing in his ancestral home. His mind and heart were in turmoil. The English masters were forcing their own national anthem, God Save the Queen, down the throat of all Indians. Bankim babu felt the divine inspiration and words came pouring out of his heart and on to his pen. An immortal song, Vande Mataram, stood composed. It was seven years later that Vande Mataram was incorporated in the famous novel of the author, Anand Math, dealing with the history of the Sanyasi uprising in Dacca, North Bengal and other places from 1763 to 1780. The Dharm Yudh was against the foreign domination. The English and their collaborators were targeted. The saints uprising has inspired the youth of Bengal ever since. Indeed, it was a never fading source of inspiration for the patriots all over Bharat
No less a person than Gurudev Ravindra Nath Tagore lent his voice to Vande Mataram when he sang it in the session of the Indian National Congress in Calcutta in 1896. It was a stirring moment, although the tempo was rather slow compared to that of the rendering of Vande Mataram by Lata Mangeshkar in the movie, Anand Math. Nevertheless, Vande Mataram had come out of the rural landscape to play its all important role on the national stage. Bengal loved the song and the rest of India was not far behind. Vande Mataram was sung in many tunes, in many languages by many men and women voluntarily. North, South, East and West of India were equally involved.
1905 was the high noon of the national fervour that Vande Mataram generated. Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy, passed a decree dividing Bengal into two parts, east and west. The British are at their best when they play the game called, Divide and Rule. However, it was rather unfortunate for the rulers that the Bang Bhang united India as a whole. Men and women of all faiths walked the streets of towns and talukas of Bengal singing Vande Mataram with religious fervour. It was a sight to be seen to be believed. The decree of Curzon was rescinded. But the British were back to their game of dividing the united people. They made some elements believe that singing Vande Mataram was a sign of Hindu domination. Their trick worked. The bogey of religion took its toll. The Muslim League was born. No one was happier than the British masters.
The Indian National Congress, at its Varanasi session , adopted Vande Mataram as the national song on 7th September 1905. The cohesive spirit that the song generated could not be lost sight of by the national leaders. The momentous decision was taken unanimously a century ago. Since then the national song is sung at all sessions not only of the Congress but also the Bhartiya Janata Party and some others. It is sung in the closing session of the parliament too. Truly national in word and deed.
Vande Mataram has all along been a song of patriotism and unification. Gandhi and Jinnah sang it together on the Congress platform till the latter quit the Congress as he was a non-believer in the principle of Swaraj. Of course, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Shri Purshottam Das Tandon, born rivals, were in the forefront in singing Vande Mataram at the beginning of the session everywhere. Shri Rafi Ahmad Kidwai , out and out a nationalist, never had a second thought about singing Vande Mataram. Nevertheless, the divisive forces were working overtime at the behest of their British masters to upset the applecart. How sad, the mischief mongers had their way. The rest is history. Is history repeating itsef ? Time alone will tell.
Singing Vande Mataram the Indian people had waged the war of Independence non-violently. The song was all along the National Anthem to the rank and file of freedom fighters. A committee comprising Nehru, Azad, Subhash Bose and Narendra Dev had said that the first two stanzas of the song had no reference to any religion and should be our anthem. It came as a rude shock when the controversial decision to make Jana Gana Mana the national anthem was announced on 24 January 1950. However, the words of Dr Rajendra Prasad, President of the Constituent Assembly, came as a soothing balm. He said, “…the song Vande Mataram , which has played a historic part in the struggle for Indian freedom, shall be honoured equally with Jana Gana mana and shall have equal status with it.”
Taking a look at the English translation of Vande Mataram, done by Shree Aurobindo, one may safely surmise that the storm in a tea cup brewing at the behest of separatists will blow away and patriotism will prevail. The stanzas of the song are given below :
Mother, I bow to Thee !
Rich with thy hurrying streams
Bright with orchard gleams.
Cool with thy winds of delight
Green fields waving Mother of might,
Mother free.
Glory of moonlight dreams,
Over thy branches and lordly streams,
Clad in thy blossoming trees,
Mother, giver of ease
Laughing low and sweet!
Mother I kiss thy feet,
Speaker sweet and low!
Mother, to thee I bow
Indeed the original song in Bangala with a rich dose of Sanskrit words is soul stirring. Although the British government in India had banned the national song Vande Mataram, it surfaced and resurfaced. The British failed in suppressing the spirit of independence. The Indians won their freedom. Let us now all sing in unison the song of the People,
VANDE MATARAM.
By Brig Chitranjan Sawant,VSM
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