#73 Post: I
wish you all a very happy,
healthy, peaceful, prosperous,
successful New Year 2018.
As New Year approaches, many
people become curious to know, 'what
topic Swāmĩjĩ is going to
talk about?!' My answer is
definite: I cannot talk anything new!
And, I don't hope to do that also. Whatever I talk, you already know. I am taking this opportunity only to share
some thoughts from the scriptures, so that it is a loud remembrance of the teachings, together. That is my main intention. And incidentally, if
there are non-students who happen to hear these talks, they may get some
benefit and may be they will get inspired to study the scriptures. That
is my only intention. Today’s topic is: THE
GLORY OF SANĀTANA DHARMA.
Sanātana dharma is popularly known as Hinduism. sanātana dharma is a compound word, consisting of two words: sanātana
and dharma. And the word dharma is a significant word, with
many shades of meanings. And, I will refer to three meanings that are there is our tradition.
The first and formal definition of dharma given by the traditional ācāryā, Jaimini Mahaṛiṣhi in His pũrva mĩmāṃsa sũtrāṇi is,
"codana laksanah arthah dharmah" - anything
revealed by vedā is
called dharmaḥ. Arthaḥ means, the teachings or
message. Coming from which source? codanā
which means, Veda. Therefore dharmaḥ
means, Vedic teaching. Then,
the second and third meanings are
based on the benefit of following the
teachings of the Vedas.
If the humanity or society follows the Vedic
teachings, what are the benefits that we will get? One is, the benefit at the cosmic level, the
outer level. And the other is, the
benefit at the internal level. The benefit at external level is, maintenance
of harmony and peace at all levels - at individual level, family level, social level, national level,
international level - that which
preserves peace and harmony is called dharmaḥ. jagataḥ dhāraṇāt, dharmaḥ.
So the secondary meaning of dharma is,
that which maintains harmony. The third meaning of dharma is, not only it maintains peace and harmony outside; but, it maintains peace and harmony within
ourselves also. A dhārmic person
- the one who follows Vedic teachings
- can enjoy peace of mind, he can
enjoy a joyous life also, which is called dharmaḥ; otherwise called, puṇyam at the internal
level. All these three meanings are there for the word dharmaḥ or Hinduism. And, it is
called sanātana; because, we
believe that these teachings have been
given by the Lord Himself, through
the medium of Rishis –
yo
brahmāṇaṃ vidadhāti pũ̃rvaṃ yo vai vedāṃśca prahiṇoti tasmai II
tagṃ hadevaṃ ātmabuddhiprakāśaṃ ṃummukṣurvai saranamaham prapadye IIII [śvetāsvatara]
It
has originated from the Lord Himself.
Therefore, it does not have a beginning. And
since the Lord is the originator,
the Lord is the maintainer also of this
dharma. In the Bhagavad Gĩtā[11.18]
Arjunā says, "tvam avyayaḥ śāśvata dharmagoptā"
- you are the protector of this dharma. And since the Lord is
the protector, it will survive rest of
the time also! Therefore, even though sanātana dharma may face several challenges - throughout the history it has faced, even now it is facing - but, in spite of all this challenges this dharma will survive, eternally. It is beginning less and it will be endless also. And, being eternal it is called sanātanam.
The
second meaning of the word sanātanam is, that which is ever valid and therefore which never goes out of date.
It can never become obsolete at any time. It is always valid not only in this
generation; but, in the generations to come also it will remain valid!
Therefore, eternal and ever valid
teachings of the Vedas is sanātana
dharma or Hinduism.
And,
these teachings have been later elucidated, expanded and clarified by several
later secondary scriptures also. Like smṛti,
itihāsa, purāṇa etc. All those secondary
scriptures are also considered to be part of the Veda only. Therefore, when I say Vedic teachings, it
includes all the teachings of the supportive scriptures also. Now, the
question is, what is the glory of these
teachings? We have been learning the teachings of the scriptures for
years. Therefore, the teachings are endless. But, today, being auspicious New Year
day, (auspicious because, we have done a Puja) we will try to remember some of the salient teachings of the Vedas,
especially the ones I appreciate.
The
first and foremost teaching the
Veda gives us is this : this entire world or universe in which we are
born is the most wonderful infrastructure that any human being can conceive of. Not only it supports Life; but, it has got all the resources for our physical
growth, emotional growth,
intellectual growth, spiritual growth - for all of them provision is there in this
wonderful creation. Therefore, never
take this creation for granted. As human beings we have got the
intellectual resources to appreciate
the wonder called this universe! If
at all there is any ugliness in the creation, it is only within a small
negligible area where human beings are there. That means, ugliness is our contribution!
Otherwise, the cosmos, the universe is the most wonderful
infrastructure, governed by
countless principles, without
violation! Not only physical principles; but, the law of karma, called the moral principles also.
Whether you study at the
micro level or at the macro level, World
is the most wonderful infrastructure. manasāpy aciintya racanārupasya - which we cannot even remotely visualise! Whether you study it at
the micro level or at the macro level, it
is the most wonderful infrastructure. Therefore, the scriptures say
that, as intelligent human beings we should give time to appreciate the glory
of this creation. Therefore, Veda is
never tired of describing the wonders of the universe. We have been
seeing in taittirĩya upaniṣad first chapter - anuvāka
1.7.1 - several descriptions of
the universe -
pṛthivyantarikṣaṃdyaurdiśo''vāntaradiśaḥII agnirvāyurādityaścandramānakṣatrāṇi II āpa oṣadhayo vanaspataya ākāśa ātmāII ityadhibhutam II athādhyātmam II prāṇo vyāno''pāna udānaḥsamānaḥII cakṣuḥśrotraṃano vāk tvak II carma māgṃsagṃsnāvāsthi majjāetad adhividha??ya rṣ̣iravocat II - anything you take in the
external world; or, any organ you take in your own body, talk to the relevant
specialist, they are still studying every organ, dividing and dividing and
dividing, and every part of the organ requires life-long study and so they are
not able to complete!! The more we look
at the creation - outer or inner
- it is a wonder.
Therefore, may you - as an
intelligent human being - appreciate
this universe.
Not
only that. vela prescribes certain
regular activities, in which we acknowledge the contribution and express
our gratitude through a token offering of water, called tarpaṇam. One of the most popular - and, becoming unpopular - Vedic ritual is, nitya
sandhyāvandanam. In that, right from young age, we are only asked to appreciate the glory and the wonder of this creation,
which supports and nourishes us.
And the centre of the solar system being Lord sũryā Himself, daily sandhyāvandanam
is, the appreciation of the
contribution of the Sun. Without Sun, life is impossible. "ādityam tarpayāmi, somam tarpayāmi, ańgārakam tarpayāmi, budhaṃtarpayāmi" - planets we remember, the Sun we remember, water we
remember, fire we remember. Appreciate!
Acknowledge! Express gratitude! And, as even we appreciate this cosmos,
this infrastructure more & more, this
appreciation will get gradually converted in to admiration; and admiration to reverence. Not only
I talk about that; but, as even I talk about that, my hands will join in reverence!
namaḥsavitre jagadekacakṣuṣe II jagatprsauti sthiti nāśa hetave II trayĩ̃mayāya triguṇātma dhāriṇe II viriñci nārāyaṇa śań́karātmane II For me, Brahmā,
Vishnu and Shiva are none other than the pratyakṣa sũrya devatā. Appreciation to admiration to reverence.
This universe is not only a gift of
the Lord, this universe is the
very manifestation of the Lord Himself. Even in this Ganeśa pũjā, one of the words used is namo namo ganeśāya
namaste viśvarũpiṇe - this whole universe is the manifestation of
the Lord. Therefore, a Vedic person
is one, according to whom, the appreciation of GOD and the vision of GOD does
not require closing of the eyes but vision
of GOD is by opening of the eyes. Therefore, 'where do I see GOD?' if
you ask, a Hindu will say, 'where do I
not see GOD?!' This divinisation
of the world is the first and foremost lesson of the veda. Don't imagine
GOD is an extra-cosmic thing, existing somewhere exclusively; but, it is the
one available in & through in our every perception. This is the first lesson I like. sarvam viṣṇumayam jagat!
Then, the second lesson that the Veda gives is, this cosmic infrastructure has got an already inbuilt harmony in itself.
We need not create harmony. We need not harmonise the world. And
therefore, Veda tells the human
being, that what is requested of you
is (you can guess before I say) don't disturb this natural harmony. No new harmony is needed, it is
inbuilt. This request is uniquely given to human being only; because, the only living being who can abuse, exploit and destroy this very infrastructure,
the only living being who has the power
to do is, the human being!!
All the other living beings in the form of other animals and plants never
violate the harmony. They have got instinctive and inbuilt program by which
they live, grow and die, without disturbing the harmony. A vast forest will be
in absolute harmony, until we the
great ones enter! The vast ocean will be in wonderful harmony, until we enter. Badrinath, Kedaranath
- all those places will be in wonderful harmony, until we enter. Wherever
we go, we destroy the harmony;
we destroy all other living beings;
and in the process, we destroy ourselves!
And
therefore, Veda instructs, 'Oh human being may you be responsible!'
All the dharma śāstrams and instructions are given not
to the local buffalo; not to the cow or horse! All the instructions are given to the human beings only. And, all the values are reduced to two basic
principles. "sloka??rdhena
pravaksya??mi yadyuktam grantha kotibhih ppaarroopakāra puṇyāya,, pāpāya para pĩ̃ḍanam".
So, never hurt the infrastructure or
never disturb any living being which is part of this infrastructure. If
you can contribute positively wonderful; para upakāra puṇyāya. If you can, you do. Otherwise, at least follow ahimsā to the maximum extent. Take to
para upakāra, avoiding para apakāra. This is the foundation of all the values of life.
"ahimaa??paramo dharmaḥ̣".
Therefore, what is the second important
Vedic lesson? Be a responsible
member of this cosmic orchestra! The whole cosmos is a music, it is a rhythm, it is a harmony. This is a dhārmic life, which makes
a person a Hindu.
So,
what is the second lesson? Be responsible. What is the first lesson? Gratefully appreciate & acknowledge this creation. The third lesson is, since we are
drawing resources and support from this cosmic infrastructure, we will have to give back. As a taker
from the cosmos, I have to give back also. As they talk about Corporate Social
Responsibility. The humanity has the
responsibility to contribute to the structure. For this contribution
alone we have got a fantastic scheme,
called pañca mahāyajñāḥ, which I am never tired of talking about. Because, I consider it as the most glorious scheme.
These 5 yajñās are - deva
yajñaḥ - we start the day
contemplating upon the cosmic wonderful infrastructure you have, looking upon it as the very body of viśvarũpa ĩśvarā. In every mantra
that is said. As I have quoted,
laṃpṛthivyātmane gandha??n dha??rayāmi II haṃākāśātmane puṣpaiḥ̣ pũ̃jayāmi II yaṃvāyvātmane dhupaṃāghrāpayāmi II raṃagnyātmane dĩ̃paṃdarśayāmi II vaṃamṛtātmane amṛtaṃahānaivedyaṃnivedayāmii II saṃsarvātmane sarvopacārapujāṃsamarpayāmi
When we are doing various upacārā to the Lord, we are saying
this. 'Oh Lord I am offering candanam,
visualising you as the manifestation of pṛthivi. Similarly, every upacārā only reminds us that bhagavān is available in the form of the pañca mahābhũtāni and
their products. I gratefully
acknowledge this gift and make a prayer that everyone who is part of this universal infrastructure
are like my own family.
"mātāca pārvatĩ̃ devi pitādevo maheśvaraḥ,, bāndhavāḥ
śiva
bhaktāśca svadeśo bhuvana trayam". śivabhaktāśca or viṣṇubhaktāśca. The entire creation, with living
and non-living beings, let there be peace and joy. "sarve bhavantu sukhinah". I start
the day not by remembering my small family; but, I expand my mind to remember my largest family. If we start the
day with deva yajña, my narrow mind will expand to accommodate the whole universe. This
is deva yajñaḥ. Start the day
with remembrance of the Lord; not, as
a small idol in your room; but, the Lord as the live universal organism.
The
second one is pitṛ yajñaḥ. GOD has given this
infrastructure and this body that I have. The human body I have has come to me
because of my parents. GOD is the
sāmānya kāraṇam; parents are
the viśeṣa kāraṇam.
Because of them only I am here and I am able to appreciate. Therefore, show your gratitude towards the parents.
''ma??ta??pitrbhya??m vapuso
janaka??bhya??mm uda??nvaham namaskaromi viijñ̃a??na janakaa??bhya??m'
- not only they have given me the body they have given me the wonderful
education and culture. And therefore, I revere them; I do namaskāra every day; and take care of
them in their old age. They supported me when I was a child. It is my responsibility to reverentially
support them when they need me. This reverential service that I do to my
parents is called pitṛ yajñaḥ,
which is the responsibility of every
single Hindu, the sanātana
dharma follower. Because it is said, for every pāpam there is a prāyaścitta; but, for
ingratitude there is no prāyaścitta! Therefore, be grateful to
the macro; be grateful to your immediate source also, the parents. It is called
pitṛ yajña. Not only while they are alive, even
after their death we have to remember
and acknowledge.
Then, the third one is manuṣya yajñaḥ.
I remember the contribution of all other human beings -because of the farmers,
grains are available; because of weavers, cloth is available. Food, clothing
and shelter - they are all because of
other human beings contributing to me. Therefore, in return, I have to share whatever resources I have
with others, which is called manuṣya
yajñaḥ.
Thereafter, bhũta
yajñaḥ. Not only human beings contribute to our welfare, even animals and
insects and worms! The lowly earth worms are very, very valuable! The earth
worms are making the land fertile! Thus, from worms onwards, birds onwards,
everything! Trees give us the oxygen we breathe. Thus, I am aware of the contribution of every plant and animal; and, I contribute to them also in whatever
manner I can. That is called bhũta
yajñaḥ.
Then, finally comes brahma
yajña. I am enjoying these wonderful teachings because of the Vedic scriptures. And the scriptures
are there because the ṛishis -
in an endless paraṃparā - in spite of so many calamities and problems,
they have preserved! Now there
are so many technological advancements for preservation. But in the olden days,
they had to preserve in the mind when
even the writing had not come! The entire veda was received orally, preserved
in the head and transmitted to the next generation! And even when the
writings came - not our computer and
all - they had to take the palm leaf and they had etch every letter.
Remember, the Veda, the Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhāratam [one lakh verses!] - all
these, the ṛishis have
preserved. The ācāryās have preserved. In spite of the
onslaught of other people trying to destroy these also, somehow the scriptures
have managed to survive. Therefore, I have to express my gratitude to the ṛishis and the ācāryās. That is called brahma
yajñaḥ. brahma here
means vedaḥ.
Not
only that I should acknowledge, I
should do my best to preserve this knowledge for our own future generations.
Thus, pañca mahāyajña is the best scheme
provided by the vedās themselves for contribution to this wonderful
infrastructure. This is the third lesson. What is that? Be a
contributor. So, be an appreciator. Be responsible. And,
the fourth and final Vedic lesson.
The Vedas point out that, if
only we receive, understand and assimilate the Vedic teaching and understand the principle by which the entire
cosmic infrastructure is functioning, not
only this knowledge will help us in living a meaningful life; but, this knowledge will be useful in going through the later part of our life
also, which is ageing and dying. Which we generally don't think of when
we are young. But that is also an integral part of living. And once we understand the infallible
principles of the universe, we
will know how to accept those also very gracefully, without resistance. Because, the greatest challenge
in life is going to be confronting the old age and death. The best preparation is, assimilation
of the cosmic laws. In the bhagavad
gĩtā- which is an extract of
the vedic teaching - Lord Krishna tells -
mātrāsparśāstu kaunteya śtoṣṇasukhaduḥkhadāḥḥII āgamāpāyino''nityāstāṃstitikṣasvabhārata IIII [2.14] So, we have to understand and assimilate that
everything that arrives in our life they all will have to leave us, one by one.
The things that will come to us will
have to go away from us or we have to go away. The people who enter our life one by one, also will have to leave one by one; or, we have to leave them.
In our own body, every faculty in our body gradually came - right from
conception onwards, various faculties of jñānendriyams, karmendriyams - all these
faculties gradually came. And,
gradually
these faculties will have to go also. Finally, the very body which we
have acquired in time will have to go away! Every arrival will be followed by
departure. Every union will be followed by separation. These are the infallible laws of this cosmic infrastructure. As
long as we remember these laws, we can age gracefully and accept these events
as very, very natural events. They are
not extraordinary events happening
only to me, about which
I have to complain! Nothing can be
complained about!
jātasya hi dhruvo mṛtyurdhruvaṃjanma mṛtasya ca II tasmādaparihārye''rthena tvaṃśocitumarhasi
IIII [2.27] Just as birth is an event in time, death is also an
inevitable event in time. Once we have assimilated this, we will never look
upon it as an amańgalam thing. That is also part.
Whether it is the death of the near and dear ones or my own death, I can
gracefully accept, without complaint. Above all, Lord Krishna, beautifully tells, 'death is not the end of life'. Death is not the end of life! Krishna gives a fantastic
definition for death by saying that, it is not an end of life; because,
the vedic teaching is, life is never created or destroyed!
Just as we say, matter can never be created
or destroyed or energy can never
be created or destroyed, so too, life
also is never created or destroyed. Therefore, what is death? It is not
end of life. Then, what? Krishna
says -
dehino''sminyatthādehe kaumāraṃyauvanaṃjarāII tathādehāntaraprāptirdhirastatra na muhyat IIII [2.13]
- death is transition of life from one body to another. It is transition of life and it is not end
of life. Then we will ask, 'why
this transition?' Very simple. 'Because,
after sometime this body becomes worn-out and is no more capable of expressing Life!'
Therefore, naturally, the worn out
body will have to be replaced by a fresh and new and efficient body. Krishna gives the example,
vāsāṃsi jirṇāni yathāvihāya navāni gṛhṇātiinaro''parāṇi II tathāśarirāṇi vihāya jĩ̃rṇānyanyāni saṃyāti navāni dehi IIII [2.22] - when the clothing is worn out we get a new
clothing. It is good news or bad news? It is a good news only!
Similarly, death is not amańgalam.
yyamāya dharmarājjāya mṛtyave cāntakāya ca II vaivasvatāya kālāya sarvabhuta kshayāya ca II auḍumbarāya dadhnāya nĩ̃lāya parameṣṭhine II vṛkodarāya citrāya citraguptāya vai namaḥIIII There is
no amańgalam in this creation!
Thus, life is beautiful;
growth is beautiful; ageing is beautiful; death is also wonderful!!
We can go through all these with a cheerful
face, if only we assimilate this
message. If we don't have the
emotional strength to go through these experiences, for that also the solution
is there in the infrastructure. "Oṃ namo bhagavate anantāya" - let us chant the ĩśvara nāmā and draw
strength from the very infinite creation; and with that strength we can go through all these things with emotional
strength and a cheerful face. Therefore, I consider sanātana dharma is a wonderful gift from the
Lord. We are fortunate that we
are born into this. Let us
thank GOD for this and try to follow the teachings. With this prayer I
conclude my talk.
