{"id":31,"date":"2019-09-02T08:52:13","date_gmt":"2019-09-02T08:52:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/icp05.epgpbooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/?post_type=chapter&p=31"},"modified":"2019-09-02T09:12:26","modified_gmt":"2019-09-02T09:12:26","slug":"a-panorama-of-vedas","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/icp05\/chapter\/a-panorama-of-vedas\/","title":{"rendered":"A Panorama of Vedas"},"content":{"raw":"
\"epgp<\/a>\r\n<\/span><\/div>\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n
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1. Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

Veda means a mass of knowledge and is considered as the most ancient literature known to humans. Unlike any other literature, the Vedic one is apauru\u1e63eya (non-human), i.e. not authored by human beings. Uninterrupted tradition tells us that Veda had emanated from Brahm\u0101 at the beginning of Creation. Since Creation repeats, Veda is considered as \"an\u0101di\" (beginningless) and \"ananta\" (endless) and as such it is indestructible.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

Veda can be divided into two major parts \u2013 the first one deals with Karma (rituals) and the second one with J\u00f1\u0101na (cognition). A careful survey of Veda leads us to believe that apart from the above two goals, Veda also offers - guidelines to protect the Elements, purification of mind, harmony in the society, personality development etc.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

The roots of Dharma can be traced to Veda.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

Until Vedavy\u0101sa, a sage, ventured to divide, there was a single mass of Veda. \u1e5agveda, Yajurveda, S\u0101maveda and Atharvaveda have emerged after the division. Originally \u1e5agveda had had 21 branches; Yajurveda, 100 branches; S\u0101maveda, 1000 branches; and Atharvaveda, 9 branches. Presently only 12 branches of all Vedas are available. \u1e5agveda contains \u1e5aks (hymns) that praise the deity. Yajurveda consists of Yajus (sentences) that explain the performance of rituals. S\u0101maveda is nothing but \u1e5agveda associated with music (S\u0101mag\u0101na). Atharvaveda consists of a blend of prose and poetry. Apart from spiritual matters, Atharvaveda deals with matters of mundane importance such as health, polity etc. also.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

2. Dichotomy of Veda<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

Broadly Veda can be put under two headings \u2013 Mantrabh\u0101ga and Br\u0101hma\u1e47abh\u0101ga. The term \"mantra\" literally means, \"the one that protects if recited with meditation\". Mantras are used in Yaj\u00f1as (sacrifices and rituals) and other Karmas (rites). Sa\u1e43hit\u0101 is a synonym of Mantrabh\u0101ga. Br\u0101hma\u1e47as explain the Mantras. \u0100ra\u1e47yakas and Upani\u1e63ads are also included in Br\u0101hma\u1e47as.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

3. Dichotomy of Purpose<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

Following the two kinds of purpose that is being served, Veda can be divided into two parts \u2013 the former that proposes Karmas (rites such as Yaj\u00f1a) that would help in attaining Svarga (heaven) and the latter that proposes J\u00f1\u0101na (cognition) that is required to attain Mok\u1e63a (union of individual soul with universal soul). According to Mu\u1e47\u1e0dakopani\u1e63at of Atharvaveda (1-1-4\u00a0<\/span>&\u00a0 5) the earlier parts of Vedas and Ved\u0101\u1e45gas is called Apar\u0101 vidy\u0101 whereas the Upani\u1e63ats are Par\u0101 vidy\u0101.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

4. Cultural Background<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

The Indian Culture stands on four pillars called Puru\u1e63\u0101rthas (purposes of human life) \u2013 Dharma, Artha (money matters), K\u0101ma (married life) and Mok\u1e63a. The term Dharma is pregnant with meaning, and hence is untranslatable.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

Some people offer the word \"religion\" for Dharma but it is bad translation as back translation fails \u2013 \"religion\" means \"matam\" (liked by one or a group of people). Dharma is universal \u2013 \"satyam vada\" (speak the truth), \"ahi\u1e43s\u0101 paramo dharma\u1e25\" (non-violence is the best Dharma) etc. are examples.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

5. Dharma as the base<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

The Vedic tradition firmly stands on a base called Dharma, i.e. one can attain Mok\u1e63a (by which the cycle of birth and death is arrested once and for all) only by following Dharma and one should see that both Artha and K\u0101ma are associated with Dharma. Dharma leads one to Svarga (heaven) and Mok\u1e63a, whereas Adharma (non-dharma) would cause Naraka (hell).<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

6. Theory of Karma<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

Further, any activity associated with Dharma would cause Sukham (all-round comfort) in the next birth whereas the one associated with Adharma causes Du\u1e25kham (misery) in the next birth. This is the essence of the Theory of Karma, or Karmasiddh\u0101nta.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

7. Threefold Karmas<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

The Karmas (rituals) to be performed by a human being as ordained by Veda are of three types \u2013\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

i. Nityakarma (regular rites): Sandhy\u0101vandanam (worship during dawn and dusk), Agnihotram (worship of fire), Sv\u0101dhy\u0101ya (reciting Veda) etc. are called Nityakarma, i.e. a Karma that is mandatory and regular.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

ii.Naimittikakarma\u00a0 (a\u00a0 rite\u00a0 caused\u00a0 by\u00a0 an\u00a0 event):\u00a0 \u0100bd\u012bkam\u00a0 (death\u00a0 ceremony),\u00a0<\/span>G\u1e5bhaprave\u015ba\u00a0 (entering\u00a0 a\u00a0 new\u00a0 house\u00a0 \/\u00a0 housewarming\u00a0 ceremony)\u00a0 etc.\u00a0 are\u00a0 called\u00a0<\/span>Naimittikakarma.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

iii. K\u0101myakarma (rite with a desire): Viv\u0101ha (marriage) is for children, Jyoti\u1e63\u1e6doma (a sacrifice) is done to attain Svarga (heaven) \u2013 such Karma is called K\u0101myakarma.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

While the first two, i.e. Nitya and Naimittika are meant for Citta\u015buddhi (cleansing the mind), K\u0101myakarma is to get the desired result. One may perform a K\u0101myakarma without desire and it, then, yields Citta\u015buddhi.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

8.\u00a0 <\/strong>The four \u0100\u015bramas <\/strong>(the four stages of life)<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

As per the Vedic tradition one would go through four stages of life:<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

i. Brahmacaryam (as a celibate involved in learning Veda, Ved\u0101\u1e45gas etc.)<\/span><\/p>\r\n

ii.G\u0101rhasthyam (as a house-holder, i.e. living with wife)<\/span><\/p>\r\n

iii. V\u0101naprastham (living in a forest with \/ without wife)<\/span><\/p>\r\n

iv.\u00a0 Sa\u1e43ny\u0101sam (life of a hermit)<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

People belonging to the first three \u0100\u015bramas would perform all the three kinds of Karmas mentioned earlier, whereas Nitya and Naimittika are mandatory even for a Sa\u1e43ny\u0101sin. The term Sa\u1e43ny\u0101sa literally means \"giving up K\u0101myakarmas\". On the other hand a Brahmac\u0101r\u012b may skip the second and third \u0100\u015bramas and prefer Sa\u1e43ny\u0101sa, if he so wishes.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

There are forty Sa\u1e43sk\u0101ras (rituals) that start with Garbh\u0101dh\u0101nam (impregnation) and end with Aparam (death related ritual) enumerated in Sm\u1e5btis. Sixteen of them are considered as important (\u1e62o\u1e0da\u015basa\u1e43sk\u0101r\u0101\u1e25). By and large, the very purpose of all Karmas is achieving Citta\u015buddhi (cleansing of mind), which in turn would help in attaining Mok\u1e63a through J\u00f1\u0101nam.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

The latter part of Veda, called Upani\u1e63ads or Ved\u0101nta (end part of Veda) advocates J\u00f1\u0101nam, which would directly lead to Mok\u1e63a.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

9. Veda\u015b\u0101khas named after \u1e5a\u1e63is<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

In Vedic literature we come across certain Branches named after sages \u2013 K\u0101\u1e6dhaka, K\u0101l\u0101paka etc. This does not mean that those sages, viz. Ka\u1e6dha, Kal\u0101pa etc. had authored those particular Vedic branches. Rather, it should be taken that those \u1e5a\u1e63is had specialized or propagated the branches named after them. One thing should be noted \u2013 \u015aabda is Nitya (immutable). So the\u00a0<\/span>Veda, in its full form, was recited and is there. After some time, only some branches were being learnt and the rest were not known to people. In such a situation, \u1e5a\u1e63is did perform Tapas (leading an ascetic life) and perceived certain portions of Veda. Then they, popularly called Mantradra\u1e63\u1e6d\u0101ra\u1e25 (who perceived Mantras), propagated those Mantras for the benefit of common people. Therefore, it is decided in M\u012bm\u0101\u1e43s\u0101, Vy\u0101kara\u1e47a etc. that Veda is Apauru\u1e63eya (non-human) and the names are that of specialists or propagators.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

10. Ved\u0101\u1e45gas<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

The Vedas, if recited with the knowledge of meaning, would be fruitful. The Vedic literature is supported by six Ved\u0101\u1e45gas and six Up\u0101\u1e45gas \/ Dar\u015banas, which are essential to have a first-hand knowledge of the content. The chart given in Appendix 1 shows the fourteen Vidy\u0101sth\u0101nas. The six Ved\u0101\u1e45gas (limbs of Veda personified \u2013 Vedapuru\u1e63a) are:<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

i. \u015aik\u1e63\u0101 (Phonetics): This is considered as the nose of Vedapuru\u1e63a and deals with impeccable pronunciation, Svaras (accents) etc.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

ii. Vy\u0101kara\u1e47am (Grammar): It is considered as the mouth of Vedapuru\u1e63a and deals with the form of \u015aabda. A \u015aabda is acceptable to Vy\u0101kara\u1e47am fetches Dharma.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

iii. Niruktam (Etymology): This is considered as the two ears of Vedapuru\u1e63a and discusses the meanings of Vaidika\u015babdas.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

iv. Chandas (Prosody): Chandas is the two feet of Vedapuru\u1e63a and explains the meter etc. of Vedic hymns.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

v. Jyoti\u1e63am (Astrology): Considered as the eyes of Vedapuru\u1e63a, Jyoti\u1e63am deals with movement of stars and planets, auspicious and inauspicious time etc., that is required to fix time for rites.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

vi. Kalpa\u1e25 (the practical part of Veda): Kalpa is the two hands of Vedapuru\u1e63a. It deals with the practical part of rites \u2013 how to do.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

11.\u00a0 <\/strong>Up\u0101\u1e45gas \/ Dar\u015banas <\/strong>(Systems of Indian Philosophy) The six Darsanas among the <\/span>Up\u0101\u1e45gas<\/strong> are important --<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

i. P\u016brvam\u012bm\u0101\u1e43s\u0101: The term M\u012bm\u0101\u1e43s\u0101 means discussion. P\u016brva means earlier. This system deals with the earlier part of Veda, i.e. related to Karma, leading to Svarga (heaven).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

ii. Uttaram\u012bm\u0101\u1e43s\u0101: Also called Ved\u0101nta. Uttara means \"latter\". This system deals with the latter part of Veda, called Upani\u1e63at, i.e. related to J\u00f1\u0101na, leading to Mok\u1e63a.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

iii. S\u0101\u1e45khyam: This system deals with the twenty-five entities and shows the way to Kaivalyam (Mok\u1e63a).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

iv.Yoga\u1e25: Yoga means \"arresting the behaviour of mind\". \"A\u1e63\u1e6d\u0101\u1e45gayoga\" is a means of achieving Kaivalyam through cleansing the mind.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

v. Ny\u0101ya: This system is popularly known as Logic. The noumenon of things can be known through Pram\u0101\u1e47as (means of knowledge) such as Pratyak\u1e63am (Perception), Anum\u0101nam (Inference) etc. and such a cognition would lead to Mok\u1e63a \u2013 says\u00a0<\/span>Ny\u0101yadar\u015banam.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

vi.Vai\u015be\u1e63ikam: This System discusses seven entities and advocates the theory of\u00a0<\/span>Atom. There are similarities between Ny\u0101ya and Vai\u015be\u1e63ika.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

12.\u00a0 <\/strong>Bhakti, Karma and J\u00f1\u0101nam <\/strong>(Devotion, Rituals and Cognition)\u00a0<\/span>Veda advocates three ways to achieve the final Puru\u1e63\u0101rtha (purpose of life), viz. Mok\u1e63a:<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

i. Bhakti (Devotion): This is meant for one who is not intelligent or one who cannot for some reason or the other, perform the rituals (Karmas), that require a lot of patience, health and sometimes even wealth. Total surrender to God and different kinds of worship are the hallmarks of Bhakti.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

ii. Karma (Rituals): Karma is meant for people who can sustain the complicated procedures of different Karmas ordained by Veda and Kalpa, following it.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

iii. J\u00f1\u0101nam (Cognition or spiritual knowledge): The path of J\u00f1\u0101na is for people with intellect. Learning Upani\u1e63adic texts, meditating and concentrating on the meaning of such texts would help one in attaining J\u00f1\u0101nam, which, in turn, would burn the accumulated Karma (sa\u1e43cita karma) and pave the way to Mok\u1e63a directly.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

It may be noted that Bhakti and Karma slowly cause Citta\u015buddhi (cleansing the mind) and generate J\u00f1\u0101nam. So, Bhakti and Karma cannot directly be instrumental in achieving Mok\u1e63a, but through J\u00f1\u0101nam. A J\u00f1\u0101ni can get his sa\u1e43citakarma (the karma accrued through earlier incarnations) burnt but has to undergo the Pr\u0101rabdhakarma (the Karma already started in this life). Here, the term Karma (Sa\u1e43cita \/ Pr\u0101rabdha) means \"the result of Karma\" and it can be good or bad, i.e. caused by Pu\u1e47yam or P\u0101pam (sin).<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

13. What is Veda?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

Veda is a device that provides non-mundane solutions for getting the desired things and averting the undesired ones.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

14.\u00a0 <\/strong>Y\u0101ga and Yaj\u00f1a <\/strong>(sacrifice \/ ritual)<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

Both the terms are synonyms. They are formed through the verbal root \"yaj\" (to worship). There are a number of Y\u0101gas described in Veda, such as Dar\u015bap\u016br\u1e47am\u0101sa (performed during new moon day and full moon day). One desirous of Svarga (heaven) should perform this Y\u0101ga \u2013<\/span>dar\u015bap\u016br\u1e47am\u0101s\u0101bhy\u0101\u1e43<\/em> svargak\u0101mo yajeta<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

Yaj\u00f1a, on the other hand, is a term used in the sense of Y\u0101ga and other kinds of worship as well \u2013 the Pa\u00f1camah\u0101yaj\u00f1as, enumerated in Taittir\u012by\u0101ra\u1e47yakam (2-10-1) are to be performed regularly:<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

\u092a\u091e\u094d\u091a \u0935\u093e \u090f\u0924\u0947\u092e\u0939\u093e\u092f\u091c\u094d\u091e\u093e\u0938\u094d\u0938\u0924\u0924\u0924 \u092a\u094d\u0930\u0924\u093e\u092f\u0928\u094d\u0924\u0947\u0938\u0924\u0924\u0924 \u0938\u0924\u0928\u094d\u0924\u0937\u094d\u0920\u0928\u094d\u0924\u0947\u0964\u0926\u0947\u0935\u092f\u091c\u094d\u091e\u0903\u0924\u092a\u0924\u0943\u092f\u091c\u094d\u091e\u094b\u092d\u0942\u0924\u092f\u091c\u094d\u091e\u094b \u092e\u0928\u0941\u0937\u094d\u092f\u092f\u091c\u094d\u091e\u094b\u092c\u094d\u0930\u0939\u094d\u092e\u092f\u091c\u094d\u091e \u0907\u0924\u0924\u0964 \u092f\u0926\u0917\u094d\u0928\u094c \u091c\u0941\u0939\u094b\u0924\u094d\u092f\u0924\u092a\u0938\u0924\u092e\u0927\u0902\u0924\u0926\u094d\u0926\u0947\u0935\u092f\u091c\u094d\u091e\u0938\u094d\u0938\u0924\u0928\u094d\u0924\u0937\u094d\u0920\u0924\u0947\u0964 \u092f\u0924\u0924\u094d\u092a\u0924\u0943\u092d\u094d\u092f\u0938\u094d\u0938\u094d\u0935\u0927\u093e\u0915\u0930\u094b\u0924\u094d\u092f\u092a\u094d\u092f\u092a\u0938\u094d\u0924\u0924\u0924\u094d\u092a\u0924\u0943-\u092f\u091c\u094d\u091e\u0938\u094d\u0938\u0924\u0928\u094d\u0924\u0937\u094d\u0920\u0924\u0947\u0964\u092f\u0926\u094d\u092d\u0942\u0924\u0947\u092d\u094d\u092f\u094b\u092c\u0932 \u0902\u0939\u0930\u0924\u0924 \u0924\u0926\u094d\u092d\u0942\u0924\u092f\u091c\u094d\u091e\u0938\u094d\u0938\u0924\u0928\u094d\u0924\u0937\u094d\u0920\u0924\u0947\u0964\u092f\u0926\u094d\u092c\u094d\u0930\u093e\u0939\u094d\u092e\u0923\u0947\u092d\u094d\u092f\u094b\u093d\u0928\u094d\u0928\u0902\u0926\u0926\u093e\u0924\u0924 \u0924\u0928\u094d\u092e\u0928\u0941\u0937\u094d\u092f-\u092f\u091c\u094d\u091e\u0938\u094d\u0938\u0924\u0928\u094d\u0924\u0937\u094d\u0920\u0924\u0947\u0964 \u092f\u0924\u094d\u0938\u094d\u0935\u093e\u0927\u094d\u092f\u093e\u092f\u092e\u0927\u0940\u092f\u0940\u0924\u0948\u0915\u093e\u092e\u092a\u094d\u092f\u0943\u091a\u0902\u092f\u091c\u0941\u0938\u094d\u0938\u093e\u092e\u0935\u093e \u0924\u0926\u094d\u092c\u094d\u0930\u0939\u094d\u092e\u092f\u091c\u094d\u091e\u0938\u094d\u0938\u0924\u0928\u094d\u0924\u0937\u094d\u0920\u0924\u0947\u0964. . . \u0965 \u0924\u0948\u0924\u093f\u0930\u0940\u092f\u093e\u0930\u0923\u094d\u092f\u0915\u092e\u094d, \u0968-\u0967\u0970-\u0967\u0965<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

pa\u00f1cav\u0101etemah\u0101yaj\u00f1\u0101ssatatiprat\u0101yantesatatisanti\u1e63\u1e6dhante.\u00a0<\/span>devayaj\u00f1a\u1e25pit\u1e5byaj\u00f1obh\u016btayaj\u00f1omanu\u1e63yayaj\u00f1obrahmayaj\u00f1aiti.<\/span>yadagnaujuhotyapisamidha\u1e43taddevayaj\u00f1assanti\u1e63\u1e6dhate.<\/span>yatpit\u1e5bbhyassvadh\u0101karotyapyapastat-pit\u1e5byaj\u00f1a ssanti\u1e63\u1e6dhate.\u00a0<\/span>yadbh\u016btebhyobali\u1e43haratitadbh\u016btayaj\u00f1assanti\u1e63\u1e6dhate.\u00a0<\/span>yadbr\u0101hma\u1e47ebhyo'nna\u1e43dad\u0101titanmanu\u1e63yayaj\u00f1assanti\u1e63\u1e6dhate. yatsv\u0101dhy\u0101yam-\u00a0<\/span>adh\u012by\u012btaik\u0101mapy\u1e5bca\u1e43yajuss\u0101mav\u0101tadbrahmayaj\u00f1assanti\u1e63\u1e6dhate. . . .\u0965<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

Taittir\u012by\u0101ra\u1e47yakam, 2-10-1 \u0965<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

These five, viz. Devayaj\u00f1a\u1e25, Pit\u1e5byaj\u00f1a\u1e25, Bh\u016btayaj\u00f1a\u1e25, Manu\u1e63yayaj\u00f1a\u1e25 and Brahmayaj\u00f1a\u1e25 are called Pa\u00f1camah\u0101yaj\u00f1as.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

i.Devayaj\u00f1a\u1e25 (Worship of Gods): At least one \"samit\" (small stick of specific trees) should be offered to Agni (Fire) and this is called Devayaj\u00f1a.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

ii.Pit\u1e5byaj\u00f1a\u1e25 (Worship of forefathers etc.): Tarpa\u1e47am (offering holy water) has to be performed to forefathers who passed away, viz. father, his father and the latter's father, mother, her mother-in-law and the latter's mother-in-law. This is called Pit\u1e5byaj\u00f1a or Pit\u1e5btarpa\u1e47am.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

iii.Bh\u016btayaj\u00f1a\u1e25 (Worship of beings): Offering food to beings is called\u00a0<\/span>Bh\u016btayaj\u00f1a.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

iv. Manu\u1e63yayaj\u00f1a\u1e25 (Worship of a Br\u0101hma\u1e47a): A Br\u0101hma\u1e47a ( Brahmaj\u00f1\u0101n\u012b ) has to be offered food and it is called Manu\u1e63yayaj\u00f1a. Depending on the financial status more than one Br\u0101hma\u1e47a can be worshipped.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

v. Brahmayaj\u00f1a\u1e25 (Worship of Veda): At least one \u1e5ak \/ Yajus \/ S\u0101ma has to be recited and it is called Brahmayaj\u00f1a. Some Mantras from all the four Vedas and some S\u016btras from Ved\u0101\u1e45gas are recited as per the tradition of Brahmayaj\u00f1a.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

15. Vedas are Multifaceted and Universal<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

If we conduct a careful survey of even the available Vedic literature we come across a number of issues concerning Creation, non-pollution of Elements, non-polluted mind, personality development, social unity, treatment of elders, conjugal relationship, polity, economic prosperity etc., which are not directly confined to spiritual life but are essential in maintaining universal peace, health, hygiene, prosperity and unity. Here are some S\u016bktas (chapters of good-sayings):<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

i. N\u0101sad\u012byas\u016bktam (\u1e5agveda 10-8-129)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

This S\u016bktam describes the situation before Creation. Since it starts with \"<\/span>n\u0101sad\u0101s\u012bt<\/em>\" (<\/span>na asat<\/em> \u0101s\u012bt<\/em>, before creation there was no \"asat\", i.e. the perishable mundane world) it is called so. There are two things \u2013 <\/span>Sat<\/em> and <\/span>Asat<\/em>. Literally \"Sat\" means \"the one that exists\" and \"Asat\" means \"the one that does not exist\",ie is not real. Both these words frequently occur in Vedas and Dar\u015banas (S\u0101\u1e45khya, Ved\u0101nta etc.). In other words, the term \"Sat\" is used to denote Brahman, which is the very cause of the universe and is immutable.The universe is referred to as \u201cAsat\u201d , as it is not real \/ immutable.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

Knowing \"Sat\" through J\u00f1\u0101nam and the subsequent merger of J\u012bv\u0101tm\u0101 (individual soul) with Param\u0101tm\u0101 (universal soul, i.e. Sat \/ Brahman) is called Mok\u1e63a. Here are the salient features of N\u0101sad\u012byas\u016bktam:<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

\u015a\u0101ntimantra (the mantra for peace) consists of several sentences and such a Mantra has to be recited at the beginning and end of respective chapter.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

The word \"Om\" called Pra\u1e47ava has to be prefixed to every Mantra.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

At the end of \u015a\u0101ntimantra, the term \"\u015b\u0101nti\u1e25\" has to be pronounced thrice \u2013 \"om \u015b\u0101nti\u1e25 \u015b\u0101nti\u1e25 \u015b\u0101nti\u1e25\". Here the first one is to have peace by averting the \u0100dhy\u0101tmikakle\u015bas, i.e. the difficulties related to mind and body. The second one is to ward off the \u0100dhibhautikakle\u015bas, i.e. the difficulties caused by other beings. The third one is to prevent the difficulties caused by natural calamities called \u0100dhidaivikakle\u015b\u0101\u1e25.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

Meaning of the \u015a\u0101ntimantra of N\u0101sad\u012byas\u016bktam - \"we pray to the one who provides comfort, we pray the Yaj\u00f1a (ritual) should finish well, we pray for those who perform the Yaj\u00f1a, should divine blessings fall on us, let there be safety to human beings, let the flora grow upwards, should the beings both two-feet and four-feet have comfort and prosperity.\"<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

1. Earlier to Creation there was neither Asat nor Sat. Neither earth nor sky. What is it that looks like an enclosure? Where is it? Who would experience the comfort and misery? Was this impassable and profound deluge then?<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

2.Then there was no death nor immortality. No sign of day or night. The Brahman that was without breath, breathed with the capacity within. Except that Brahman there was nothing beyond.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

3.Earlier to Creation, darkness was engulfed by darkness. It was a complete deluge and nothing can be identified. The Brahman, who got the universe embedded within himself, who was covered by vacuum and who was alone, got exhibited himself through his capacity of Tapas (ascetic way of life).<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

4. The first seed of mind, i.e. the desire, was born in the first place. The sages, who were searching through mind, discovered, through clairvoyance, the relation between Sat and Asat.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

ii.<\/strong>Puru\u1e63as\u016bktam <\/strong>(\u1e5agveda 10-90-1, S\u0101maveda 617, Atharvaveda 19-6-1, Taittir\u012by\u0101ra\u1e47yakam 3-12-1, \u015auklayajurveda (V\u0101jasaneyisa\u1e43hit\u0101) 30.1-22)<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

This S\u016bktam, which is related to Puru\u1e63a (the person that is the cause of universe), can be traced to all Vedas. It is also a combination of Mantra, Br\u0101hma\u1e47a and Upani\u1e63at parts. The \u015a\u0101ntimantra is the same as N\u0101sad\u012byas\u016bktam.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

1. The Puru\u1e63a (also called Vir\u0101\u1e6dpuru\u1e63a\u1e25) has got innumerable hands, eyes and feet, i.e. these limbs of all the beings in the universe (Brahm\u0101\u1e47\u1e0da) which are there in the Puru\u1e63a, are considered as that of the Puru\u1e63a. Such a Puru\u1e63a permeated the entire universe and stood beyond a length of ten inches, i.e. he is there spread outside the universe also.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

2. The universe - that is at present, that was there during the earlier creations and the one that will be there in the future, is nothing but Puru\u1e63a only. And he is the lord of immortality. Because he himself exhibits in the form of the perishable universe, i.e. he takes the form of the universe in order to see that the beings are made to face their Karma and therefore the universe should not be considered as his real form.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

3. Whatever universe, is there in the past, present and future, it is the capacity of Puru\u1e63a, but not his real form. The real Puru\u1e63a is much greater than the universe. The total number of beings of past, present and future are just one fourth of the Puru\u1e63a. Three fourth of his form, which is immortal and self-shining is there within.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

4. Such a three fourth Puru\u1e63a is above all this universe, i.e. not touched by the virtues or vices of the universe. The one fourth of his form rotates with creation and destruction. Then, having taken the form of universe, he permeated into living and non-living things, i.e. he spread by taking different forms of Gods, human beings, animals, birds, mountains, rivers etc.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

5.From that \u0100dipuru\u1e63a (first person) this universe (Vir\u0101\u1e6d) was born. From Vir\u0101\u1e6d one Puru\u1e63a was born, i.e. the Puru\u1e63a himself, through the capacity called M\u0101y\u0101, created\u00a0<\/span>the universe and became a J\u012bva (being). Such a Vir\u0101\u1e6d took the form of Gods, human beings, animals, birds etc. and then created the earth and the bodies of beings.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

6. Then the Gods, in order to continue the creation and since no material was available, used Puru\u1e63a himself as oblation and performed a mental Yaj\u00f1a. Spring was the ghee (clarified butter), Summer was the sacred stick, Autumn (Fall) was the oblation. (Puru\u1e63a was the general oblation and Fall was the specific oblation).<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

7. From that Yaj\u00f1a they got clarified butter, curd and other things. Forest animals like deer etc. and village animals like cow etc., which have got V\u0101yu (air) as their deity were also produced.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

8. \u1e5agveda, S\u0101maveda, Yajurveda and Chandas (prosody) like G\u0101yatr\u012b are born out of the\u00a0<\/span>Yaj\u00f1a.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

9.\u00a0 Horses, animals with two jaws, cows, goats and sheep were also born out of the Yaj\u00f1a.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

10. A\u00a0 Puru\u1e63a,\u00a0 called\u00a0 Vir\u0101\u1e6d\u00a0 was\u00a0 produced\u00a0 by\u00a0 Gods,\u00a0 who\u00a0 were\u00a0 the\u00a0 life\u00a0 of\u00a0 Praj\u0101pati\u00a0<\/span>(=Brahman). How was he produced? What was his face? What were his hands, thighs and feet?<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

11.\u00a0 Br\u0101hma\u1e47a was his face, i.e. Br\u0101hma\u1e47a was born out of the face of Praj\u0101pati. K\u1e63atriya was from the hands, Vai\u015bya from thighs and \u015a\u016bdra was from the feet. (There are four var\u1e47as (castes) in Indian society - Br\u0101hma\u1e47a (the priestly class), K\u1e63atriya (ruling class), Vai\u015bya (traders) and \u015a\u016bdras (who render service). All these, according to Veda are born out of the same Vir\u0101\u1e6dpuru\u1e63a and perform different duties in the society).<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

12.\u00a0 Moon was born from the mind of Praj\u0101pati, Sun from the eyes, Indra (king of Gods) and Agni (Fire) from the face and from the Pr\u0101\u1e47a (breath) the Air.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

13.\u00a0 From Praj\u0101pati's navel the sky was born, from head the heaven, and from the feet the earth, from ears the directions. Like that the Gods produced the world (universe).<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

iii.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Y\u0101j\u00f1avalkya-Maitrey\u012b-sa\u1e43v\u0101da\u1e25 <\/strong>(the discussion between Y\u0101j\u00f1avalkya and Maitrey\u012b)<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

The discussion is there in B\u1e5bhad\u0101ra\u1e47yakopani\u1e63at. Y\u0101j\u00f1avalkya is a great sage and Mumuk\u1e63u (who desires Mok\u1e63a). He tells Maitrey\u012b \u2013 \"just like me, if you also want Vair\u0101gyam (detachment) and Mumuk\u1e63utvam (the desire for Mok\u1e63a) then I shall explain the device called J\u00f1\u0101nam (cognition) for attaining Mok\u1e63a. Listen to me with concentration because it is pregnant with meaning\".<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

One small extract (2-4-5) is given below:<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

\u0938\u00a0 \u0939\u094b\u0935\u093e\u091a \u0928 \u0935\u093e \u0905\u0930\u0947\u092a\u0924\u094d\u092f\u0941\u0903\u0915\u093e\u092e\u093e\u092f \u092a\u0924\u0924\u0903 \u0924\u092a\u094d\u0930\u092f\u094b \u092d\u0935\u0924\u094d\u092f\u093e\u0924\u094d\u092e\u0928\u0938\u094d\u0924\u0941\u0915\u093e\u092e\u093e\u092f \u092a\u0924\u0924\u0903 \u0924\u092a\u094d\u0930\u092f\u094b \u092d\u0935\u0924\u0924 \u0964 \u0928 \u0935\u093e \u0905\u0930\u0947\u091c\u093e\u092f\u093e\u092f\u0948\u0915\u093e\u092e\u093e\u092f \u091c\u093e\u092f\u093e \u0924\u092a\u094d\u0930\u092f\u093e \u092d\u0935\u0924\u094d\u092f\u093e\u0924\u094d\u092e\u0928\u0938\u094d\u0924\u0941\u0915\u093e\u092e\u093e\u092f \u091c\u093e\u092f\u093e \u0924\u092a\u094d\u0930\u092f\u093e \u092d\u0935\u0924\u0924 \u0964 \u0928 \u0935\u093e\u00a0<\/span>\u0905\u0930\u0947\u092a\u0941\u0924\u094d\u0930\u093e\u0923\u093e\u0902\u0915\u093e\u092e\u093e\u092f \u092a\u0941\u0924\u094d\u0930\u093e\u0903\u0924\u092a\u094d\u0930\u092f\u093e \u092d\u0935\u0928\u094d\u0924\u094d\u092f\u093e\u0924\u094d\u092e\u0928\u0938\u094d\u0924\u0941\u0915\u093e\u092e\u093e\u092f \u092a\u0941\u0924\u094d\u0930\u093e\u0903\u0924\u092a\u094d\u0930\u092f\u093e \u092d\u0935\u0924\u0928\u094d\u0924 \u0964 \u0928 \u0935\u093e \u0905\u0930\u0947 \u0924\u0935\u093f\u0938\u094d\u092f \u0915\u093e\u092e\u093e\u092f \u0924\u0935\u093f\u0902\u0924\u092a\u094d\u0930\u092f\u0902\u092d\u0935\u0924\u094d\u092f\u093e\u0924\u094d\u092e\u0928\u0938\u094d\u0924\u0941\u0915\u093e\u092e\u093e\u092f \u0924\u0935\u093f\u0902\u0924\u092a\u094d\u0930\u092f\u0902\u092d\u0935\u0924\u0924 \u0964 \u0928 \u0935\u093e \u0905\u0930\u0947\u092c\u094d\u0930\u0939\u094d\u092e\u0923\u0903 \u0915\u093e\u092e\u093e\u092f \u092c\u094d\u0930\u0939\u094d\u092e \u0924\u092a\u094d\u0930\u092f\u0902\u092d\u0935\u0924\u094d\u092f\u093e\u0924\u094d\u092e\u0928\u0938\u094d\u0924\u0941\u0915\u093e\u092e\u093e\u092f \u092c\u094d\u0930\u0939\u094d\u092e \u0924\u092a\u094d\u0930\u092f\u0902\u092d\u0935\u0924\u0924 \u0964 . . . \u0906\u0924\u094d\u092e\u093e \u0935\u093e \u0905\u0930\u0947\u0926\u094d\u0930\u0937\u094d\u091f\u0935\u094d\u092f\u0903 \u0936\u094d\u0930\u094b\u0924\u0935\u094d\u092f\u094b \u092e\u0928\u094d\u0924\u0935\u094d\u092f\u094b \u0924\u0928\u0926\u0926\u0927\u094d\u092f\u093e\u0924\u0938\u0924\u0935\u094d\u092f\u094b \u092e\u0948\u0924\u094d\u0930\u0947\u092f\u0940 . . . \u0965 \u092c\u0943\u0939\u0926\u093e\u0930\u0923\u094d\u092f\u0915\u094b\u092a\u0924\u0928\u0937\u0926\u094d,\u0968-\u096a-\u096b \u0965<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

sahov\u0101canav\u0101 are<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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