Tuesday, January 11, 2011

11.01.2011

Vedic Philosophy and Holistic Human Development

Dr. Satyapal Singh


 

According to millions of years old and most ancient Vedic lore, the structure of the universe is perfect, from the human body to the revolving planets. Modern science has also come to the same conclusion that the universe is orderly, beautiful, purposeful and purely scientific. No scientist can ever improve the constitution of human body. This is why scientists are engaged in unfolding the mysteries (intrinsic laws) of nature.

What is the purpose of creation? For what is the human created? The Vedic philosophy states that the world was created for the manifestation of not only God's powers but also of nature, in an artistic, myriad way as well as for rendering the justice of one's actions and the realization of the ultimate goal i.e. (salvation) of souls. There can not be any other purpose of the world being created.

To undergo the consequences of our own acts honorably without any tension and moving forward to our well-cherished aim of getting liberated, we - the human beings - require guidance and the lessons in true knowledge. This true knowledge, a divine revelation is called 'Veda'.

It has been the unanimous opinion of all the seers and sages of India that the Vedas were revealed by the Omniscient, Almighty and Almerciful God in the beginning of the universe, for guiding mankind. It is like a manual of knowledge, variantly called the Noor of Allah (Quran), the first word of God (Bible) and the beacon of light. Not accepting it is akin to a foolish father/mother with a large business empire sending their young child into the jungle to live with the beasts till he attains adulthood and comes back to take care of business. Our Vedic seers have traditionally maintained that the Vedas are the source of all knowledge, all religions and the past, present and future all are illuminated through the Vedas. Vedas form the bed rock of culture. Their authority is supreme, self-evident and final.

    In recent times Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati had emphatically echoed, among the Ten Commandments of Arya Samaj, that God is the source of all true knowledge and all the material known through different sciences. And Vedas are the revealed books of all true sciences. There have been many scholars who have been unbiased in their approach like Prof. Heeren who said "the Vedas stand alone in their solitary splendor standing as beacons of divine light for onward march of humanity".

    Therefore, every minute and meaningful knowledge of the Universe, guidance or instructions for individuals, domestic, social, national or international harmonious, sustainable and holistic development is provided in the Vedas in seed forms. No aspect of human activity and no sphere of world knowledge (Apara and Para vidyas – material and spiritual knowledge) are beyond the confines of the Vedas. The holy books of four Vedas( Rigved, Yajurved, Samved, Atharvaved), four Up-Vedas (Ayurved, Dhanurved, Gandharvaved and Arthaved), six Vedangs (Shiksha, Kalpa, Vyakarana, Nirukta, Chhanda, Jyotisha), six Shastras (Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshik, Mimansa and Vedanta) and many other Brahamans, Aryanyakas, Upnishadas have detailed knowledge about education; arts and crafts (Dance, Drama, Music, Paintings) health and humanities, agriculture, science, technology, aeroplanes and satellites etc. Vedas are encoded with scientific and technological insights, experiments and riddles.

    As Veda is eternal and true, its religion, its philosophy is also true. The foundation of man's true happiness is Dharma. Vedic Philosophy defines Dharma (religion) as the means and measures which provide man an all round development in this world and ensures his salvation thereafter. Vedic Philosophy underscores the importance of simultaneous worldly and spiritual development of man.

    The holistic development of man starts from even before its birth. What precautions and rules the parents must observe to have the best progeny is detailed in Vedic scriptures. The vitality and wisdom of scrupulously following the sixteen sacraments (Samskaars) from conception to cremation, for macro and micro development of man and his environs cannot be over emphasized. The four Ashrams (Phases of life) –Bramhacharya (studenthood), grihastha (married life), Vaanprastha (retired life) and Sanyas (life of renunciation) – is not only for individual betterment and contentment but for the larger social benefits.

Student phase is the formative stage to acquire the capacity and build capabilities for physical and intellectual well being to successfully face the world. The Vedic education has four pillars in Gyan (knowledge), Sabhyata (civilization), Dharmikata (righteousness) and Jitendriyata (self-restraint and control of mind).

The householder phase is to repay the three debts (social obligations), every human being is born with. Marriage is not only for recreation and procreation but for the ultimate satiation of all desires for material pleasures and progress so that one advances spiritually in later life and secures the break from the endless cycle of birth and death. Earning wealth and its enjoyment and charity for good cause is also a part of married life.

Vaanprastha is retired life for guiding the family and society with one's knowledge and experience and slowly moving away from the bonding of familial ties and attachment to the material world. The last and the optional phase of life – Sanyas – is to work for the society without any prejudice of any caste, class, creed, community or country and also to focus on one's inner illumination.

    All the problems in the world can only be because of four reasons either in their individual capacity or the combination of them. They are Agyaan (ignorance), Anyay(injustice), Abhava (deprivation) and Aalasya (lethargy). To challenge and redress these problems, the Vedic philosophy classified the society into 4 Varnas (classes) – Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra – for it could be the best division of labour. The varnas are classified on the basis of one's ability, nature, profession and deeds and not based on the house of their birth. Varnas are changeable and they provide scope for social mobility. Shudras are not untouchable or a despicable class as depicted in medieval and modern India. They were an integral part of society in ancient time just like the legs in human body.

    Simultaneously, the Vedic philosophy states that there are 4 ingredients of Dharma viz. (truth, compassion, charity and dignity of labour). And to protect these pillars, the concept of 4 Varnas was divinely ordained. The Brahman (intellectual) will protect the 'truth' through his study; Kshatriya (warrior) will ensure 'compassion' through fairness and justice; Vaishya (businessman) will keep the tradition of 'charity' alive through earning wealth and Shudra will provide sustenance to the dignity of labour.

The acceptance of Vedic version of Classes would have ended the fragmentation and fracture of society and the world at large in the name of thousands of castes, sub-castes and scores of religious beliefs. Vedic wisdom believes in only one religion and one caste of humanity.

The five Yamas (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy and non-covetousness) and five Niyamas (cleanliness, contentment, austerity, self-study and surrender to God) of 8 fold path of Yogic system are the moral codes of conduct for social harmony, well being and individual spiritual upliftment ( macrocosm and microcosm development).

Fourfold goals of life (Purusharth) – Dharma( Righteousness), Artha (Wealth, acquiring material goods), Kaam (Desires, Pleasures, Enjoyment etc.) and Moksha (Liberation) are also aimed to inspire and drive the man to make the fullest use of this life, enjoy without attachment, achieve an internal state of balance and harmony and earn an almost permanent bliss here and after. Sometimes it is also called a Pancha koshi Yatra (5 miles spiritual journey) from Annamaya kosha to Anandmaya kosha.

Vedic philosophy propounds the principle of Karma (action) and its inevitable consequences based on Cause and Effect law and conservation of energy. Man is free to act the way one likes but is bound to face the result of its actions without any option. Therefore it puts a deterrence on wrong doings. A dip in holy river or pond, the worship of any god or goddess or a faith in any lord or prophet can't absolve a person from the fruits of its deeds.

    Vedic philosophy, though universal in teaching, has also emphasized on nationalistic spirit and patriotism. Vayam Rashtre ... let us be vigilant about our nation. We should conduct ourselves in nation's interests. Satyam Brihat Ritam Ugram--- to build a strong nation through quality education, military prowess, righteous judicial system, commitment and sacrifices, science, technology and experiments and common well being.

    For keeping the environment (air, water and soil) clean and pure vedic philosophy preached the preservation of eco-system through vegetarianism, tree plantations (raising the status of trees to sacred levels) and daily mandatory individual and periodic community Yagnyas. The problems of pollution and global warming would never occur in such a culture. The Vedic philosophy does not subscribe to the dictum of Darwin that the fittest and strongest only has the right to survive. It believes in the spirit of cooperation, co-existence and ensures the protection to the weakest. It is firmly for the sustainable development without harming the environment.

    Vedic being a divine philosophy – (it cannot be improved but expanded with human efforts) – has to be universal in its applications. It cannot be confined to any caste, colour, creed or country. It always emphasized on one earth and one humanity. In this age of one chemistry, one physics one maths, one architecture, one medicine – how can we have more than one Dharma or philosophy of life? Vedic philosophy believes in one omniscient supreme power (God) as the parent of all beings and therefore inspires universal brotherhood.Vedas preach "matrah bhoomi putroaham prathivya"– "earth is my mother and I am her son; the whole world is like a nest (which is better than the modern global village concept); the whole earth is my family and let us see every being (not just human) with the eyes of a friend."

    At last, I would like to quote and appreciate what even a highly distinguished but biased scholar, one of the best European indologists, Professor Max Mueller had to write in his famous book "India, What can it teach us that " in order to make our (inner) life more perfect, more comprehensive, more universal, in fact more truly human, a life not for this life only, but a transfigured and eternal life—again I should point to India…"


 

The Vedic seers thus proclaim "Pashya Devashya ….---" see and follow the sweet poetry (Veda) of God which neither dies or decays". There is no philosophy even worth the comparison. All streams of thoughts in the world started from this but with the passage of time got polluted on their journeys. Let us give a clarion call to all the people to learn from the time tested, divine and universal wisdom if we want to have an all round development from individual to society level; from family to global community and get rid of all the simmering discontent, discords, tension, criminal acts, communal riots and the depredations of terrorism in the world.    


 


 

E mail address: allsatya@gmail.com

11.01.2011

Vedic Philosophy and Holistic Human Development

Dr. Satyapal Singh


 

According to millions of years old and most ancient Vedic lore, the structure of the universe is perfect, from the human body to the revolving planets. Modern science has also come to the same conclusion that the universe is orderly, beautiful, purposeful and purely scientific. No scientist can ever improve the constitution of human body. This is why scientists are engaged in unfolding the mysteries (intrinsic laws) of nature.

What is the purpose of creation? For what is the human created? The Vedic philosophy states that the world was created for the manifestation of not only God's powers but also of nature, in an artistic, myriad way as well as for rendering the justice of one's actions and the realization of the ultimate goal i.e. (salvation) of souls. There can not be any other purpose of the world being created.

To undergo the consequences of our own acts honorably without any tension and moving forward to our well-cherished aim of getting liberated, we - the human beings - require guidance and the lessons in true knowledge. This true knowledge, a divine revelation is called 'Veda'.

It has been the unanimous opinion of all the seers and sages of India that the Vedas were revealed by the Omniscient, Almighty and Almerciful God in the beginning of the universe, for guiding mankind. It is like a manual of knowledge, variantly called the Noor of Allah (Quran), the first word of God (Bible) and the beacon of light. Not accepting it is akin to a foolish father/mother with a large business empire sending their young child into the jungle to live with the beasts till he attains adulthood and comes back to take care of business. Our Vedic seers have traditionally maintained that the Vedas are the source of all knowledge, all religions and the past, present and future all are illuminated through the Vedas. Vedas form the bed rock of culture. Their authority is supreme, self-evident and final.

    In recent times Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati had emphatically echoed, among the Ten Commandments of Arya Samaj, that God is the source of all true knowledge and all the material known through different sciences. And Vedas are the revealed books of all true sciences. There have been many scholars who have been unbiased in their approach like Prof. Heeren who said "the Vedas stand alone in their solitary splendor standing as beacons of divine light for onward march of humanity".

    Therefore, every minute and meaningful knowledge of the Universe, guidance or instructions for individuals, domestic, social, national or international harmonious, sustainable and holistic development is provided in the Vedas in seed forms. No aspect of human activity and no sphere of world knowledge (Apara and Para vidyas – material and spiritual knowledge) are beyond the confines of the Vedas. The holy books of four Vedas( Rigved, Yajurved, Samved, Atharvaved), four Up-Vedas (Ayurved, Dhanurved, Gandharvaved and Arthaved), six Vedangs (Shiksha, Kalpa, Vyakarana, Nirukta, Chhanda, Jyotisha), six Shastras (Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshik, Mimansa and Vedanta) and many other Brahamans, Aryanyakas, Upnishadas have detailed knowledge about education; arts and crafts (Dance, Drama, Music, Paintings) health and humanities, agriculture, science, technology, aeroplanes and satellites etc. Vedas are encoded with scientific and technological insights, experiments and riddles.

    As Veda is eternal and true, its religion, its philosophy is also true. The foundation of man's true happiness is Dharma. Vedic Philosophy defines Dharma (religion) as the means and measures which provide man an all round development in this world and ensures his salvation thereafter. Vedic Philosophy underscores the importance of simultaneous worldly and spiritual development of man.

    The holistic development of man starts from even before its birth. What precautions and rules the parents must observe to have the best progeny is detailed in Vedic scriptures. The vitality and wisdom of scrupulously following the sixteen sacraments (Samskaars) from conception to cremation, for macro and micro development of man and his environs cannot be over emphasized. The four Ashrams (Phases of life) –Bramhacharya (studenthood), grihastha (married life), Vaanprastha (retired life) and Sanyas (life of renunciation) – is not only for individual betterment and contentment but for the larger social benefits.

Student phase is the formative stage to acquire the capacity and build capabilities for physical and intellectual well being to successfully face the world. The Vedic education has four pillars in Gyan (knowledge), Sabhyata (civilization), Dharmikata (righteousness) and Jitendriyata (self-restraint and control of mind).

The householder phase is to repay the three debts (social obligations), every human being is born with. Marriage is not only for recreation and procreation but for the ultimate satiation of all desires for material pleasures and progress so that one advances spiritually in later life and secures the break from the endless cycle of birth and death. Earning wealth and its enjoyment and charity for good cause is also a part of married life.

Vaanprastha is retired life for guiding the family and society with one's knowledge and experience and slowly moving away from the bonding of familial ties and attachment to the material world. The last and the optional phase of life – Sanyas – is to work for the society without any prejudice of any caste, class, creed, community or country and also to focus on one's inner illumination.

    All the problems in the world can only be because of four reasons either in their individual capacity or the combination of them. They are Agyaan (ignorance), Anyay(injustice), Abhava (deprivation) and Aalasya (lethargy). To challenge and redress these problems, the Vedic philosophy classified the society into 4 Varnas (classes) – Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra – for it could be the best division of labour. The varnas are classified on the basis of one's ability, nature, profession and deeds and not based on the house of their birth. Varnas are changeable and they provide scope for social mobility. Shudras are not untouchable or a despicable class as depicted in medieval and modern India. They were an integral part of society in ancient time just like the legs in human body.

    Simultaneously, the Vedic philosophy states that there are 4 ingredients of Dharma viz. (truth, compassion, charity and dignity of labour). And to protect these pillars, the concept of 4 Varnas was divinely ordained. The Brahman (intellectual) will protect the 'truth' through his study; Kshatriya (warrior) will ensure 'compassion' through fairness and justice; Vaishya (businessman) will keep the tradition of 'charity' alive through earning wealth and Shudra will provide sustenance to the dignity of labour.

The acceptance of Vedic version of Classes would have ended the fragmentation and fracture of society and the world at large in the name of thousands of castes, sub-castes and scores of religious beliefs. Vedic wisdom believes in only one religion and one caste of humanity.

The five Yamas (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy and non-covetousness) and five Niyamas (cleanliness, contentment, austerity, self-study and surrender to God) of 8 fold path of Yogic system are the moral codes of conduct for social harmony, well being and individual spiritual upliftment ( macrocosm and microcosm development).

Fourfold goals of life (Purusharth) – Dharma( Righteousness), Artha (Wealth, acquiring material goods), Kaam (Desires, Pleasures, Enjoyment etc.) and Moksha (Liberation) are also aimed to inspire and drive the man to make the fullest use of this life, enjoy without attachment, achieve an internal state of balance and harmony and earn an almost permanent bliss here and after. Sometimes it is also called a Pancha koshi Yatra (5 miles spiritual journey) from Annamaya kosha to Anandmaya kosha.

Vedic philosophy propounds the principle of Karma (action) and its inevitable consequences based on Cause and Effect law and conservation of energy. Man is free to act the way one likes but is bound to face the result of its actions without any option. Therefore it puts a deterrence on wrong doings. A dip in holy river or pond, the worship of any god or goddess or a faith in any lord or prophet can't absolve a person from the fruits of its deeds.

    Vedic philosophy, though universal in teaching, has also emphasized on nationalistic spirit and patriotism. Vayam Rashtre ... let us be vigilant about our nation. We should conduct ourselves in nation's interests. Satyam Brihat Ritam Ugram--- to build a strong nation through quality education, military prowess, righteous judicial system, commitment and sacrifices, science, technology and experiments and common well being.

    For keeping the environment (air, water and soil) clean and pure vedic philosophy preached the preservation of eco-system through vegetarianism, tree plantations (raising the status of trees to sacred levels) and daily mandatory individual and periodic community Yagnyas. The problems of pollution and global warming would never occur in such a culture. The Vedic philosophy does not subscribe to the dictum of Darwin that the fittest and strongest only has the right to survive. It believes in the spirit of cooperation, co-existence and ensures the protection to the weakest. It is firmly for the sustainable development without harming the environment.

    Vedic being a divine philosophy – (it cannot be improved but expanded with human efforts) – has to be universal in its applications. It cannot be confined to any caste, colour, creed or country. It always emphasized on one earth and one humanity. In this age of one chemistry, one physics one maths, one architecture, one medicine – how can we have more than one Dharma or philosophy of life? Vedic philosophy believes in one omniscient supreme power (God) as the parent of all beings and therefore inspires universal brotherhood.Vedas preach "matrah bhoomi putroaham prathivya"– "earth is my mother and I am her son; the whole world is like a nest (which is better than the modern global village concept); the whole earth is my family and let us see every being (not just human) with the eyes of a friend."

    At last, I would like to quote and appreciate what even a highly distinguished but biased scholar, one of the best European indologists, Professor Max Mueller had to write in his famous book "India, What can it teach us that " in order to make our (inner) life more perfect, more comprehensive, more universal, in fact more truly human, a life not for this life only, but a transfigured and eternal life—again I should point to India…"


 

The Vedic seers thus proclaim "Pashya Devashya ….---" see and follow the sweet poetry (Veda) of God which neither dies or decays". There is no philosophy even worth the comparison. All streams of thoughts in the world started from this but with the passage of time got polluted on their journeys. Let us give a clarion call to all the people to learn from the time tested, divine and universal wisdom if we want to have an all round development from individual to society level; from family to global community and get rid of all the simmering discontent, discords, tension, criminal acts, communal riots and the depredations of terrorism in the world.    


 


 

E mail address: allsatya@gmail.com

11.01.2011

Vedas : The Divine Order for World Peace

                                        Dr. Satyapal Singh

                                        allsatya@gmail.com


 

    In this age of knowledge explosion, communications' super highways, and proliferation of religions, peace has become a distant dream. Individual stress, family tension, communal/racial riots, and terrorist strikes, have shattered even the semblance of World Peace.

    Almost every religion claims to have a divine origin and was to be started. for social solidarity, communal co-existence and global peace and bliss. But today, despite the plurality of religions, we are in an age of conflict and confusion, discords and disputes, bickering and battles among various communities and countries. In the name of religion so much blood has been shed in the world that all wars put together could not devour so many lives and properties, Many caste and class leaders and religious preachers and missionaries have turned, at least covertly, into merchants of hate. Many acts of terrorism and suicide bombings are also taking place in the name of religion. Global peace has become a far cry for world leaders.

    The peace depends on individual happiness and co-existence. Co-existence implies two things – diversities and mutual love. It is unfortunate, as Maxim Gorky has mentioned, that man has learnt how to fly in the sky, how to sail on the sea but not learnt how to live together on earth.

    Any religious order which can ensure individual holistic development, foster mutual coexistence and lead to world peace must satisfy 3 acid tests. It has (i)to be divine in nature, (ii) equal in behaviour and (iii) deterrent in character.

I    

A.
Divine Nature:

     In fact, the peace resides in divinity. Individual peace is achieved when one realizes his/her divine nature and the world peace will be possible only when most of the intellectuals would believe in divine common or cosmic consciousness

    I have no intention here to analyze the different religions in the world, but it would be necessary to understand the characteristics of anything called divine. There are many things in the world like air, earth, sun, water and other acts/arts of nature, which are considered to be of divine origin. Divine creation is a product of choice and not of chance,

as many people believe.


 

  1. The divine things are generally beyond the concept of time and space. It is given in the beginning of creation.
  2. Anything having divine origin is pure and perfect, different and distinct, serene and scientific.We cannot improve it or find fault with it. e.g. human body. About 7 billion people (world population), having 70 billion fingers and none matching another.
  3. Any material of divine origin has multiple and multifarious utilities (like stone, sugar cane, flower) while a man-made material has limited uses (like brick, sugar, scent).
  4. The deletion of a name or contribution of any historical personality is not material to a divine religion.
  5. Any divine origin/thing will necessarily have an Universal appeal irrespective of caste, class, colour, community or country. It cannot afford to be sectarian or sectoral/regional.
  6. A divine religion must give a plan for harmonious development of man from conception to cremation or from birth to burial.

B.Test of Equality:

     In God's domain, everything is pure, perfect, beautiful and purposeful. One creation cannot be belittled in comparison to other. The thread of equality runs through the whole creation. For growth and peace, no one should be dubbed as inferior or junior and all should be given equal importance and opportunities. A few religious denominations do not embrace equality even between the co-religionist man and woman. The origin of their philosophy stems from the misconceived belief that inherently a woman is soulless and sinful. In medieval ages, even Hinduism also harboured such notions.

    A true religion must talk about love, harmony and co-existence in the environment. It has no place for competition or violence but co-operation, collaboration and co-existence. The Darwin's theory of survival of the fittest has no place or support here. On the contrary, it must ensure the survival of the weakest.

    In the matter of faith, tolerance must rule supreme. Harbouring hate towards non-believers runs contrary to the spirit of co-existence and peace. Compassion, love and help for the weak and small are the essential ingredients of equality and co-existence.

    The sacred places of prayers, worships, rewards, bilss, heaven or salvation of a true religion cannot be discriminatory or partial for men and women; so called higher or lower categories of human beings based on birth, wealth and status.

    Such religions, which do not believe and practice equality, tolerance and compassion towards others, can not foster co-existence and world peace though overtly they might pretend to profess and preach to do so.

C. Factor of Deterrence:

    Why do have people tensions or disputes? May be due to some lurking fear in their minds. Why do some people commit crime? Either due to extreme poverty, or greed, selfish-material pursuits, carnal, communal or religious motives. We have two types of religions in the world – one believing only in one human life and the concept of faith and forgiveness. If one has committed many crimes and sins, but has complete faith in his/her prophet or local lord/deity he/she will be forgiven, all sins washed away and heaven rewarded. Similar are the beliefs about a dip in holy water and worships, prayers in temples, mosques, churches, mazars or japs by others.

    The other cagtegories of religions believe in the theory of Karma (action) and transmigration of soul. The theory of Karma dictates the inevitable and unavoidable consequences of one's actions – whether wrong or right and no pardon. One has to face the consequences sometime immediately or later either in this life or the next one. This is the insurmountable law of divine justice everywhere. This kind of religion acts as a deterrent for wrongdoing.

    The religion of faith and forgiveness indirectly induces one to violate the principles of humanity, the rules of co-existences, norms of good civilized society and ideals of peace.If a Court/Judge starts forgiving criminals the whole society will be chaotic and unsafe. Who would not like people to be subjected to laws of land? If all people of world embrace the religions of faith and forgiveness, the world would be full of crimes, sins and disturbances.

    Based on the above 3 criteria, the claims of most of the religions that they exist and work for co-existence and peace get non-starter. There is only one religion called Vedic Dharma, which can stand to these tests. The 3 tests of divinity, equality and deterrence also amply prove that Vedic religion only is the true religion of humanity - irrespective of Caste, Class, Creed, Community or Country. It must be emphasized that all the religions have some elements of truth in them but no religion is perfect. The commonality of different religions, where they all agree meaning the essence/core of all religions is called Dharma – the true vedic religion.

    Vedas are eternal and their appeal universal. Nowhere in Vedic literature, it is mentioned that this knowledge is meant only for Bharat / India or to a particular Caste or Class. Vedas talk about equality, universal brotherhood, harmonious development of life and a rational thinking. Its teachings are eternally relevant and capable of ensuring world peace. That is why our seers and Vedic scholars of yore announced - Vedas are source of true religion. A true religion sustains the world, preserves the humanity and binds the society together. As Yogi Aurobindo has stated "experiences of the seers and experiments of the scientists are two pillars of world peace".

    Vedas form the bed rock of culture. Their authority is supreme, self-evident and final. The Vedas have been regarded as divine revelation to humanity since time immemorial. The truth seekers and truth personified seers of yore never doubted this basic premise. In fact, they presented irrefutable arguments to satisfy the anxious minds. The many modern 19th 20th and 21st Century) Sanskrit, Archaeology, language and history scholars who tried to find holes in this claim have worked with preconceived notions and prejudiced minds. Fact is that most of them are not even qualified to understand the Vedic language and philosophy.

    In July, 2007 one book titled "Invading the Sacred: An Analysis of Hinduism studies in America" edited by Krishana Ramaswamy, Antonio de Nicolas and Aditi Banerjee was released in Mumbai. The book has stated, "Unlike in India, the academic study of religion is an important undertaking for intellectuals in America and a few hundred scholars study Hinduism and other Indian religions. Many of them have continued to perpetuate myths and biases about Indian culture and religion through misinterpretation and mistranslations. These are in line with the colonial and missionary caricature of India." The book is the product of a multi-year research project that uncovered shoddy and biased scholarship driven by certain power cartels, its authors said.

    I pose a question to all the distinguished scholars and the other intellectuals of world. Should we believe our seers and forefathers, who always practiced and preached truth. Satyam Vad Dharm Char" was the life breath for them. Or should we believe the modern scholars and professors many of whom work for publicity or money, mortgage their talents, sell their conditioned and borrowed knowledge like other professionals, and carry out biased, selfish or sponsored research.

    "To understand the Vedas", in the words of Pandit Gurudutt Vidyarthi - one of the most profound Vedic Scholars of 19th Century, "one must be a complete master of the science of morals, the science of poetry, and the sciences of geology and astronomy; he must be well-versed in the philosophy of Dharma, the philosophy of characteristics, the doctrines of logic or the science of evidence, the philosophy of essential existences, the philosophy of yoga, and the philosophy of Vedanta; he must be a master of all these and much more before he can lay claims to a rational interpretation of the Vedas. Such then, should be our Vedic scholars though adepts in science and philosophy, unprejudiced and impartial judges and seekers after truth. But if impartiality be supplanted by prejudice, science and philosophy by quasi-knowledge and superstition, and integrity by motive, whereas predetermination takes the place of honest inquiry, truth is either disguised or altogether suppressed." (The Terminology of the Vedas and European Scholars, page, 29-30).

    Vedic religion has always stood for peace from individual enduring happiness and eternal bliss to world peace. Vedic seers have, therefore, laid greater emphasis on education, justice, prosperity and physical/mental alertness to defeat the four eternal enemies of peace (i)ignorance (ii)injustice (iii)insufficiency/deprivation (iv)lethargy/ complacency. All these four singly and conjointly disturb the mind, prompt one to feel fearful or unconcerned, harbor hate, commit crime, kill others and endanger the local and global peace.

    In the words of Swami Dayanand, "The learned men among the followers of every religion should free themselves from prejudice and believe in a religion based on universal and all embracing principles……… Such religion based on truth and all embracing principles can only be the primeval eternal Vedic religion. There is no other way of elevating the human race and building world peace."

    I would like to sum up as all Vedic rites and rituals end with prayer for peace. Even daily prayers end with invocation to Almighty for peace and only peace, not for self or one creed, community or country but for the entire humanity.

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    ¹ãðãä©ãÌããèÍããã䶦ãÀã¹ã:Íããã䶦ãÀãñÓã£ã¾ã:Íããã䶦ã ý

    Ìã¶ãÔ¹ã¦ã¾ã:Íããã䶦ããäÌãÃÏÌñãªñÌãã:Íããã䶦ãºãÆÃÙ½ãÍããã䶦ã:

    ÔãÌãýãá Íããã䶦ã:Íããã䶦ãÀñÌãÍããã䶦ã:Ôãã½ããÍããã䶦ãÀñãä£ã ýý (Yaj 36.17)

May the celestial regions, the firmament, the earth, the waters, herbs and vegetables, the divine powers, the infinite cosmos – all grant us peace. May there be peace and only peace.

    A child get the highest happiness, joy and peace in the lap of his /her mother. So let us sit in the lap of divine mother Veda to attain harmonious development and ensure peace in the environment.

    Let us all behold the divine poetry of the Lord which is beyond decay and death.

    ªñÌãԾ㠹ã;㠇ãŠã̾ã⠶㠽ã½ããÀ ¶ã •ããè¾ãÃãä¦ã
(Atharva 10.8.32)


 


 

Friday, September 4, 2009

Yoga - A way of life




Yoga - A way of life
Dr. Satya Pal Singh
The word Yoga means to join, to yoke, to combine together or to bring together. And hence the term Yoga conveys a sense of union. But union to whom ? It is linking of an individual self to the Higher universal self or the infinite God, which is the source of all the goodness, all bliss and all the knowledge. He is supreme and absolute. But, unless we recognise ourselves - the inner self, how is it possible to go in the closest  proximity of God ?  Yoga also means connecting the individual consciousness with the common, collective or cosmic consciousness.
YOGA is all pervasive in every part of the world. Starting from human body to the ever extending and expanding universe, where there is Yoga, there is addition, there is union, there is bonding, there is birth and a beautiful creation. Where there is no Yoga meaning there is a Viyoga,(separation), there is death and there is dissolution of the universe. But, this is not an occasion to discuss and deliberate on such a comprehensive Yoga, but I will be sharing my ideas, my understanding of the aspect we are generally aware of.
As we all know Yoga is a system dealing with the Science of mental behaviors and control of mind. There are many systems in this country of Yoga. But the Rajyoga expounded by Patanjali stands supreme. In Patanjali' s Yoga Sutras, Yoga has been defined as a Nirodh (inhibition) of the Vrutti (functions) of the Chitta (mind), brought about by practice (abhayasa) and freedom from attachment (vairagya), but English renderings of the technical terms are not very suitable.  (ªÉÉäMɶSÉ ÊSÉiiÉ ´ÉÞÎiiÉ ÊxÉ®úÉävÉ Yogashcha Chitta Vritti Nirodha)
Yoga is a science basically related to inner world. There appears to be so much of tension in our day-to-day life because internally and externally we are not the same. There is no harmony as such. What we teach we don't practice, what we expect from others we do not do to others. We expect others to be honest and spiritual, but inside we are dishonest and much away from spirituality. It gives tension to us and leading to all kinds of bodily and mental disorders. It is the cause of communal disharmony in the society.
As I stated earlier, Yoga is a science of inner world, though it is formally connected to our day-to-day mundane life. It is a science dealing with intangibles and so it is subtle and much more difficult to comprehend. The subject of Yoga is getting increasingly popular and that is not always without risk as it tends to become cheap. So it is absolutely necessary to return to the basics or the fundamentals of the system. Many people claim and complain that they have been practicing Yoga, doing meditation for last many years, but they are yet to have the experience of bliss, or to have the much sought after self-realization.
Yoga is an extremely difficult and profound science to understand and practice. At the same time, the result of the practicing Yoga is unparalleled, the highest attainment, the highest sublimation and the highest achievement. It is a discovery of self. It is self-realization - realizing one's pure self and nature. Who ever does it, he enjoys it but cannot explain it to others. It is an indescribable feat.
VÉÉä =ºÉä ºÉ¨ÉZɱÉäiÉÉ ½èþ ´É½þ ºÉ¨ÉZÉÉ xɽþÓ ºÉEòiÉÉ *
VÉÉä ´É½þÉÄ {ɽÖÄþSÉ VÉÉiÉÉ ½èþ ´É½þ JÉɨÉÉä¶É ®ú½þiÉÉ ½èþ *
Whoever reaches this height the knots of his heart is loosened; all doubts are cut off, all actions cease.
As Mundak Upanishad says-
ʦÉtiÉä ¾þnùªÉ OÉÎxlɶSÉ, ÊqùnùxiÉä ºÉ´ÉÇ ºÉƶɪÉÉ :*
IÉÒªÉxiÉä SÉɺªÉ Eò¨ÉÉÇÊhÉ, iÉκ¨ÉxÉ où¹]äõ {É®úÉ´É®ú :*
Bhidate Hridaya Grinthisch, Chhidante Sarva Sansayaa
Kshiyante Chaasya karmani, tasmin driste praavare :
Such a science is beyond the reach of modem science, beyond the frontiers of measuring fetters and beyond the graduates of today’s education.
To realize such a state is not an easy task. Unfortunately, now-a-days hundreds and thousands of Yoga teachers are available in India alone. But that is why it has become necessary to be doubly cautious to understand the basics.
One can be a scientist of a very high repute without necessarily being a theist or a man of morals. one can be a musician, a professor or a poet either without believing in God and without adhering to His moral code.  Similarly, one can be an engineer or architect of eminence without following the social moralities, but to be a Yogi, the first essential requirement is to follow a moral code. Therefore, the Yoga of Patanjali prerequisites for an ethical conduct in personal or social life, It also takes note of all human shortcomings and weaknesses, but the system is based on the higher moral values.
Let us follow the practice of Yoga in our day-to-day life and remember that there are no short cuts. The first step in the ladder to meditation and super consciousness are Yamas and Niyams. As many would know there are five Yamas. Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya    ( Control of senses), Apariagraha (non-avarice). We can call these five Yamas as Mahavratas, or great vows or obligatory pledges. They are not be violated under any conditions or circumstances. These are the universal code of conduct and compulsory and obligatory under all circumstances. They constitute the social code or the social discipline for human beings.
Patanjali  also enumerates the five Niyamas (rules) or auxiliary virtues. As-
Sauch (internal and external cleanliness or purity)
Santosh or contentment.
Tapas or austerity.
Svadhyaya or self-study and self-evaluation.
Iswara Pranidhana or surrendering and dedication to God.
After the Yama-Niyams, Patanjali makes it obligatory that one should practice Assans (meditational, comfortable postures), Pranayam or control of breathing, then Pratyahara or chanelisation of mental activities which leads to Dharana or concentration of mind, then to Dhyan (contemplation) and lastly Samadhi the transcendental super consciousness.
Without this ethical or moral code nobody can progress in the line of Yoga. We have to become Upayogi (useful) for becoming a Yogi. When one becomes Upa-Mantri, chances are there one would become Mantri. When one is Vice­ President, chances are that he/she would have an opportunity to become a President. So before becoming a Yogi, we must try to become Upayogi­  (useful).  Not just for ourselves, but for the society.
Constructing a building on the ground is far easier and cheaper as compared to constructing a building underground. Digging a hill is easier than unearthing the underground mining. Similarly, building a ship is far more easier than building a sub-marine which operates under the water. Therefore, it is very very difficult to discipline oneself than building a disciplined system outside.
Suppose you go to meet the Prime Minister of India and now you are standing at the Reception, with 100% surety that you would be called any moment to have an audience. It is a period of thrill on one hand and anxiety on the other. You will take care of your clothes, you would require to be well dressed, you will comb your hair. You would be afraid that none of your weaknesses is revealed to the Prime minister. If you have one you would like to cover it with many excuses. You would be rehearsing in your own mind how to start a dialogue and put up things across. But when you have just five minutes to meet him you would try to be at Your best. Preparation is started a few days before.
We know that water flows always to a lower level. Suppose a farmer wants to irrigate his field, water is already there in the canal. The farmer has just merely to open the gates and remove the obstacles, water will automatically flow. Similarly, if we remove obstacles between us and the higher self, the spirituality will automatically flow. How to do away these obstacles, these perturbations, these vices, these stances, how to be humble and pure. Since centuries our seers have practiced and preached that if you want to realize peace and happiness in life, try to realize yourself.
We have also to remember that for an aircraft taking off is difficult, but once it is at a comfortable height, the navigation is smooth and easier.  Similarly, the space craft, a satellite, has first to make all efforts to go beyond the earth's gravitational domain but once it goes out of the earth's gravity, its journey becomes for easier. Now it is subjected to the Moon's or Mars gravity wherever it is directed, which in most natural course draws it to the Moon's / Mar's surface. On the same analogy if we want to get in the closest proximity of the God, if we want to realize ourself, we have to break the barriers of bad habits nurtured so far. Once we are pure, we are close to God. There will be automatic attraction and automatic realization.  But to become pure and remaining pure we have to keep on doing dusting off and washing ourselves every day and every time like an idol or statue, kept in open, has to be cleaned every day.  In other words, Yoga is the process and practice of purifying ourselves.  Any purity reflects automatically scattering light and bliss all around.  
       

Monday, August 31, 2009

Vision for A Universal Religion


Vision for A Universal Religion
- Dr. Satya Pal Singh
          Vision is the ability to see beyond the present. It is the foresight to see clearly through walls of years, decades and sometimes even centuries. It is an attribute, not just to predict, but to lay ahead a map of the future. Can we have such a vision for a universal religion? All the technologies and knowledge in the world are converging. Today we have a single Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Astronomy for ourselves. How can then one humanity have different religions? During 2001, the U.N. convened a conference for World Peace - a congregation of World religious leaders. More than a dozen of major religions were represented, leave aside hundreds of sects and personalised cults.
          It raises one basic question - being mooted for more than hundred years. Are these different religions, sects and cults opposed to each other? If the answer is in affirmative then to have World Peace through religions is hoping against hope. But if these religions are not against each other and equal in all aspects, especially the welfare of man, then what is the need of so many religions? The fact is that all these religions echoe almost the same righteous conduct - truth, non­violence, non-stealing, etc. but differ belligerently in their rituals. Rituals are unfortunately being given the real face or the core of present day religions. Our dress, mode of worship and the language of rituals have become the symbols of our purity.
          The common experience of all people is the foundation of our knowledge. The basic instincts and requirements of man are the same throughout the world. Hunger, fear, sex, sleep, etc. are common to all. So is the penchant for honesty, and fraternity. The code of conduct for progress and peace underlies the importance of patience, tolerance, control of mind and senses, non-stealing, purity, honesty, wisdom, knowledge, truth, non-anger, non-violence for entire human society professing any religious belief. This is the core of all religions. This core is called Dharma. Dharma is pure religion bereft of any rituals. It is the essence of human progress.
         There are four essential attributes for a universal religion. Equality, universal brotherhood, harmonious development and scientific base.
         Equality means treating everyone equally and good behaviour with others without any fear or favour. This principle of equality removes the barriers based on age, community, gender, area and the country in all matters, temporal or terrestrial.
           In the field of religions, the "tenet of equality" flows continuously, breaking all barriers of time. The Universal Religion begins with the very inception of human race on this earth. It is co-existensive and contemporary with the birth of the first human on this planet. This religion cannot originate hundreds or thousands of years later, with the advent of a 'great man', incarnation, Rasul or Paigambar (God's Messenger). If it being so, then there could be only two reasons for it. Either, the God has not acted with equality (or equity). He has done injustice to all those millions and billions of people who were born, lived and died, before its inception. Or in the beginning God was not mature or knowledgeable enough. Like a worldly man, He was gaining experience to launch His religion. God can never be thought of as being partial and unjust to millions of people. Secondly, looking into this perfectly designed world, only an insane person can think about the inexperience or lack of knowledge of God. In a similar manner, the religion preaching equality, cannot be partial to some particular countries, people or places.
           The religion, accepting Universal Brotherhood, instructs everyone in the world to interact with others with a feeling of amity, fraternity and affinity, as amongst brothers and sisters. It cannot selectively provide education and instructions and divine messages to some and not to others. The religion, following this principle cannot be partisan, by calling some people of its own, and insult and denigrate others by calling them atheists and nonbelievers or inferiors or calling them criminals and hence saying that they deserve punishment.
         The third golden speciality of Universal Religion is Hannonious Development. It desires an all round progress and flourishing of the entire humanity. Such a growth must be in equilibrium and tune with the powers and forces of nature. "It means harmony in development and development in harmony". It speaks of the necessity for a well-developed life science, which can produce harmony among the body, the mind and the soul, and can provide a long, full and healthy span of life. A religion that can stand this third test will lay down a code of division of labour, depending on the physical and mental capabilities of a person irrespective of birth or race.
         The last criterion of a Universal Religion is its scientific basis. In all its principles, beliefs and tenets and practical working procedures, scientific temper or attitude must pervade. None of its beliefs and preachings should be contrary to the laws of nature. All its sacred God-given books and tenets must be in harmony with the universally accepted scientific principles.
          The aforesaid elaboration proves that there is a common thread linking all four tests together, and there is a mutual interdependence or symbiotic relationship. These tests cannot be shut away in isolated and separate compartments. In each of these unique specialties, the other three are inseparably linked and one embraces the other three.
           Such a Universal Religion alone can be the Religion of the present technological era. Thus, Universal Religion and Scientific Religion cannot be distinct from each other. Acceptance of such a religion will ensure the end of all kinds of racial and religious conflicts. Will the leaders, saints and intellectuals of all major religions come forward, by shedding their egos and interests, for universal peace and progress ?

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Lord Ganesha




Lord Ganesha
The foremost presiding Godhead
                                                                                                                      -Dr. Satya Pal Singh
             Almost all the religions, all over the world have faith in the very existence of the God and have accepted Him as the creator, controller and also the dissolver of the universe.  The Supreme Power has been designated or addressed with various names.  However, in the history of the world, in the ancient most literary document or literary record, the poetic sacred text, the Vedas, the central or prime name assigned to the Godhead is said to be Om.  All the seers and sages, the wise men since thousands, nay millions of years, have been reciting and repeating the same.  All the scriptures, philosophies say Upnishads, and the like begin with Om or the sacred pharse “ atha”  (let now, henceforth).  The Om of the Vedic, people, later of Hindus turned into Amen in Christians, Amin in Islamic people.  Origin of speech or language, according to Skanda Purana, is om as the root syllable (akshara – undecayable i.e. eternal).  In Om (Aum) the combination of akāra, ukāra, makāra and half unit of nasal sound make the speech – world (lingual creation) accomplished.  A is the first letter of Om,( AUM ).  In the akāra, the whole speech (the language) is accomplished as – akāra indeed is all the speech (Taittiriya – Aranyaka).
             Since about 2000 years in the past the tradition of creating idols has begun.  Thereafter, it has taken even the concrete form of the temples.  It was easy to carve idols of incarnations, leaders of the ages (Yugapurusha), the great personalities, simply due to the details available about them in the histories, puranas and stories – their physical, physiognomical information to some measures.  But when it came to formulate the image or idol of that divine personality who is the controller of the universe, omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient but formless, then our great thinkers, great intellectuals – the sculturers, on the basis of prime name Om of the lord, visualizing its form carved the idol – whose name was kept as Ganesha – Ganaraya – that too, undoubtedly for the sake of concrete form – that of Ganapati  – conceived as the most worshipworthy Godhead.  Untoubtedly, he was accepted as a symbol, a mark, a token.   
                He was regarded as the bestower of knowledge and intellect, because whole knowledge of the universe, including the speech, the language and its words and meaning - all have been issued forth from the Supreme godhead. According to Yoga Shashtra “ he is the Guru, of all the ancient (teachers) not being obstructed by the Time.”  The Lord indeed is, thus, the teacher of teachers – the first and foremost of the man.
 He is reckoned also as Ganesha and Ganapati because the word, is the noun and is derived from the root Gan – in the sense of counting, grouping, categorizing that forms the word Gan.  Ganesha and Ganapati means he who is the master (owner) of all animate and inanimate in the creation.  Also the controller, the guardian of all. 
               Ganesha is the creator of happiness and is the destroyer of unhappiness and misery.  The divine Lord, who, for the welfare of human race, has offered a beautiful, coherent, full of noble intention a scientific universe, fully equipped in every respect  - also granted us the knowledge for knowing it and has provided freedom to carry out our actions.  Who could indeed then be superior to Him as the creator of happiness and destroyer of pain and afflictions ?
            Ganapati, is the remover of all the obstacles and hindrances.  Therefore, His scientific image or idol echoes the grand one message – Oh ! people of the world, if you wish to remove obstructions, then behold me, look at me, stare at my bright, shining, open eyes, those see far far in the distance; look into the big ears that can hear from a pretty long distance; also have a glance at my amazing nose whose smelling power is simply extra ordinary – not only can it smell the present but also the future.  In fact it has already smelt it.  My memory ! is just like that of the elephant, is rather comparable to the Computer itself.  My big belly ! is the symbol of justice, equality and unity.  It is also the storehouse of information which is sent to concerned on need to know basic.  My knowledge is also like that of millions of the suns.
              Dear devotees of the Lord Ganesha ! Walk on the ideals of the Lord Ganapati, acquire the knowledge, and increase your memory by proper, adequate and sumptuous diet and capacity to carry out all the activities and behaviour.  Keep healthy your eyes, ears and nose all the while and keep them open all the time.  Keep walking on the path of justice, equality and unity – the hindrances would wither away.  And above all the society would certainly remain cultured, beautiful and also would be maintained well guarded or protected.
                                                                                                            --drsinghsp@yahoo.co.in