Essence of Vedic Knowledge

Essence of Vedic Knowledge
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PREFACE
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Vedas are the magnificent and eternal boons granted

by the Supreme God to the mankind. At times when
Sanskrit was the national language in India, many people
were in the practice of possessing the vedic knowledge. But
with the changes that took place over the course of time,
they forgot Sanskrit.
Sanskrit literature can be broadly classified into two
types. One is Vedic which includes Vedas, Brahmanas,
Aranyakas, Darsanas and Upanishads. The second one is
Laukikam (Materialistic) which includes Puranas and
Kavyas. It is known from the history that the vedic culture
was in practice 5000 years ago. With the decline in the
thoughts of people, the vedic knowledge has almost become
extinct from practice.
The extinct vedic knowledge must again be brought
up to the minds of the people and they must be enabled
to understand the value of vedic knowledge. The knowledge
possessed by the people of present time lacks dignity. It
must be admitted that the knowledge without dignity is
of no use and it has no inherent value. Implementation of
dharmic principles will only bring dignity to the
knowledge, because knowledge and dharma are inter1
linked and inter - related, with great resemblance to each

other both in meaning and value.
The vedic knowledge enunciated by the ancient sages
is clearly explained in this book. This book has made a
vivid discussion of the state and existence of ancient and
modern woman in all walks of life. It also describes how a
householder should behave, how a student should be and
what kind of qualities a human being should possess to
become a learned man.
When one is born as a human being, he must first
think of discipline. Discipline is necessary for any human
being and it makes a person walk on the right path and
enables him to lead an ideal life. What is mainly discussed
in this book is the importance of discipline as described
by the Vedas as the most important facet of human life.
o u: z wus @@
O Goddess of land! You are my mother and I am your
son. The Adharva Veda says that any person who respects
and worships his Motherland must always recite the above
mantra.
Every country builds a progressive way for its people
to walk which is called as the culture of that country. Vedism
(following vedic dharmas) is not a religion. It is a culture
2
which means reformation. Moreover, it provides a life style

for the people to achieve spiritual uplift.
Vedism mainly teaches to witness divinity in all aspects
of life. The confidence regarding the existence of divinity
tremendously influences people. When people fail to
understand the real form of divinity, they tend to frame
different beliefs in their minds about God. Those beliefs
create many religions that caused several disputes and ill
feelings among people. The culture of any country cannot
sustain for a long time when its understanding about
divinity heads in a wrong way.
It may be apt to say that vedism is a code of life that
created a perfect and real way to enable its people to be
blessed with knowledge and to become divine. The vedic
knowledge protects a person from getting obsessed with
the materialistic life. Expecting the readers to go through
the real essence of vedic knowledge as explained in this
book.
y Q |
Faithfully
Piratla Venkata Sridhar
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VEDAS - A DESCRIPTION
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The whole universe is created by Supreme Being only

for those who are the Shakthiman that is Purushardhi. As
per Vedas it says Veerabhogya Vasundhara. Normally people
may have doubt why it is only for. That means our land is
dictated by god as Karmabhoomi. Kurvanneveha karmaani
jijeevisheth sathamsamaa.
The fact is that Vedas do not advocate any religion.
Religion basically is a matter of personal faith to certain
beliefs leading to the performance of certain rituals to which
some kind of significance is taken for granted. But dharma
means the functions and essential characteristics without
which a thing can not retain its existence. It is an art of
being. Vedic dharma is the noble qualities that save the
human soul from sinking to the depth of spiritual fallenness.
The noble qualities like truth, justice, love, friendship, liberty,
forgiveness, uprightness, honesty, sincerity, humility, self restraint
etc.
Vedic dharma is for betterment and welfare of all
human beings on this earth, irrespective of places of their
birth, nationality, race, castes etc. Knowledge of Vedas is
essential for every human being to uplift the soul which in
turn is called emancipation (janmarahitya). As Vedic saying
is, Yadhemam vaacham kalyanim avadani janebhyaha,
4
Brahma rajanyabhyam Sudrayacha Aryaacha, Swayacha,

Aranayacha.
The ethical canvas of Vedas is also very wide which
goes in to the very existence of human being soul deals
with all aspects of his life, his birth., his child hood, his
youth, his old age, his duties as student, as a member of his
family, as a learned person, as a householder, as a member
of society, as a citizen of country and of the world as a
whole.
There is no substitute of Vedas in the world literature
so far as the code of human behavior and conduct is
concerned. They remind the people of their duties to
whatever varnaa i.e. brahmana, kshatriya, vysya, sudra etc.
Another significant feature of Vedic philosophy is that it
offers very practical solution to the problem of life by
coordination then with worldly progress and attainment
of spiritual bliss.
The message of Vedas is to promote knowledge
physical, spiritual and sound development of all human
beings. In Rigveda the supreme lord says I have given the
kingdom on this earth for the noble people for doing justice
and looking after the welfare of all. So attaining knowledge
and making the best use of this is good for all.
5
Agnihotra also plays a vital role in environmental

management. Experimental studies show that the incidents
of physical ailments, sickness, and diseases are less in the
houses where the Agnihotra is regularly performed, because
it creates a pure nutritional and medicinal atmosphere. The
performance of Agnihotra called devayajna in Vedas ordained
by the supreme lord is a must. All the saints, sages and
learned scholars of the Vedas have laid a stress on the
performance of Agnihotra daily without fail. To what extent
the impurities come out of the body of a man or a woman
pollute air, water and causing diseases, to that extent he is
committing sin. For the purification of self as well as, air
water and the society the Agnihotra is the only way to get
out of this. It has been scientifically proved beyond all
reasonable doubts that there is no destruction of any matter.
The substance when we put in fire only changes its shape.
The incident occurred on the deadly night of
rd
December 3 1984 in Bhopal when the poisonous gas
leaked from the union carbide. Hundreds of people died
and thousands of people were hospitalized, but two families
those performing Agnihotra regularly were survived. In these
families nobody was even hospitalized. This was published
in the Hindu daily of the next day.
In fact science is the only true friend of dharma and
6
both of them can not be separated from each other. Vedas

have emphatically supported this fact. If we want to know
our duty we must keenly observe the works of God, as he
is the only friend of us. If we want to realize our self or god
we will have to live with spiritual world with spiritual
moons. The science has got the power to improve material
means but it has no power to uplift the soul. Resources are
meant for man and not man for resources. In fact science
and dharma have got their own power to work and both
are directly proportional. While science improves the means
of dharmacharana and dharma makes the man, a real man.
When science and dharma go together, they make this
earth, a heaven.
Science has developed hydrogen bomb but man has
merely lost discipline and noble qualities. The original and
main source of Vedic literature are the four sanhitas. The
subsequent literature, the details of which will follow, is
almost a commentary on them, on the exposition of the
hidden truth there in. The sanhitas contain the knowledge
which the supreme being, in the beginning of the universe
in his divine dispensation, imported through inspiration
of the Four Saints.
Agni vayu ravibhyastu trayam brahma santanam,
dudoha yajna sidhyardham rigyajussama lakshanam
7
According to Manudharma, the knowledge of the

Vedas which the supreme being in the beginning of the
universe imported through inspiration to the four rishis,
namely agni, vayu, aditya and angira and the four sanhitas
are Rigveda, Yajurved, Samaved and Adharvaveda. The Vedas
are the true revelation, the only one where ideas were in
perfect harmony with the modern science as it proclaims
the slow and gradual formation of the world.
The Vedas mainly tell about three aspects Gyana,
Karma and Upasana. Human beings to attain the
knowledge of Vedas, they must have perfect discipline and
able to perform dharmacharana (practicing disciplined life)
according to Vedas.
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8
G.Venkata Rao
Rtd. General Manager
(Vigilance)
Visakhapatnam Steel Plant
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Visakhapatnam
Thursday
th
16 Feb., 2006
PREAMBLE
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Brahmasri Piratla Venkata Sridhar has consolidated

all the sermons which he delivered at All India Radio on
various occasions and published them in the form of this
book. He has made this book easily available to all readers
who are interested in obtaining the vedic knowledge. As
a matter of fact, all the vedic dharmas which every human
being must study and follow from birth to death are
detailed in this book with suitable quotations of valuable
slokas taken from the holy scriptures. Sri Piratla Venkata
Sridhar has clearly explained in this book as to how the
human being can lead a peaceful and knowledgeable life
without becoming involved in sinful acts and ultimately
attain oneness with the Supreme God.
A vivid explanation is given in this book regarding
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the significance of AGNIHOTRAM OR HAVAN and

RITUAL ACTIONS (like PANCHA MAHA YAJNA
etc.) performed by not only the ancient Sages, but also by
some noble persons of modern time.
The readers may go through this book to understand
and make repetition of the subject discussed for achieving
the prescribed goal of human life.
With my compliments to Sri Piratla Venkata Sridhar.
Gonella Venkata Rao
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PRELUDE
EzG mz :
Vedas are very ancient and pre-historic in the field of
Indian culture and literature. The dharmas prescribed in
the Vedas are to be admitted as the knowledgeable paths
arranged by the ancient sages for enabling the people to
make themselves well disposed, civilized, well-connected,
well-mannered, and well-kept. The social insecurity,
peacelessness, unhappiness are the important hurdles of
today's society and the Vedas can give a secured remedy
for these hurdles. There is no doubt in saying that certain
powerful persons of selfish nature in the past have
concealed the vedic knowledge and ruined the vedic
culture of the Indian society.
Our country is a land of ritual actions(karmabhumi).
The Vedas say that the people must perform ritual actions
and experience the results. The experiences either good
or bad available to the people are the results of the actions
performed by them and the Supreme God has nothing to
do with that. Those who do not perform actions(karmas)
on the earth will always face misery and unhappiness.
Some people argue that the actions performed by the
people are according to the will of the Supreme God. This
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is indeed a wrong argument. When God is responsible

for the actions of the people, why do people alone face
the results either good or bad? And why does not the
Supreme God experience the results? Such arguments and
beliefs will always insult the holiness of the Supreme God.
Therefore, it is always right to say that people are always
independent in performing the actions. This is confirmed
by sage Panini in his rules on Sanskrit grammar. Mind
and intellect are the two important organs with which a
human being performs all actions either good or bad
independently. That is why Lord Krishna has given such
importance to the Karma theory in the Bhagavad Gita.
Neglecting the real actions prescribed by the Vedas is the
only reason for all this and following Vedas is the only
way to escape this state.
: s uoz E
By performing righteous actions, a person born in
lower caste will attain higher caste. Lack of the vedic
knowledge is also a main reason for this strange situation
and every human being must study and follow the Vedic
rules and principles without thinking that some body will
come and help to avoid the prevailing situation.
As long as we follow the Vedic knowledge granted by
the Supreme God who is omniscient and who is the teacher
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of the animate and inanimate creation, no other evil power

will make us impotent and all other powers must bow
heads to the Vedic power. But this cannot be achieved by
mere recitation of the Vedas. We must study Vedas
knowing the meanings and reviewing the same. Taking
birth on this holy land and breathing its air without
following its culture is equal to forgetting the mother who
begets.
\u \uT|tu Tyu
With a hope that the readers will understand and digest
the essence of this book,
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VEDAS-1
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BHARATIYA SAMSKRUTHI
The country we live in is Bharat. This country is also

called as 'Aryavartam,' a name bound by reason and in
existence from the times immemorial. That is why we
pronounce the country's name as 'Aryavartham' even today
while performing sacred functions. Aryans are none other
than the persons who believe in the Vedas and follow the
vedic dharmas.
The purpose of following the 'vedic dharmas' is to
know the attribute, action, form and nature of the Supreme
God, the creator of this world. It can be known through
the sastras that there are many subjects ranging from an
atom to the Supreme God discussed and detailed in the
Vedas.
The sages following the Vedas have introduced three
real and essential attributes viz., 1) Prakruthi 2) Jeeva and
3) Eswara. The following Rigveda hymn is a base for this.
m| \ Q wq u\oz
oz: u o z uYNyuo
Two birds having equal qualities and connections are
dwelling on a tree. One bird is eating the fruits of the tree
enjoying the taste. While the other bird without eating
the fruits has enlightened as a witness. From this it can be
14
inferred that Jeeva and Eswara are described as the two

birds and Prakruthi as the tree.
Suparna means good wings. Kriya shakti and gyana
shakti are the two wings of Jeeva and Eswara. No bird can
fly without wings. Similarly, Jeeva and Eswara cannot fulfill the work of creation without the wings called ability
Kriya shakti and gyana shakti.
The word 'DWA' is an indication to say that there are
two substances called Jeeva and Eswara. The 'Atma' is also
considered as a substance by the sages. The following hymn
confirms this
wusoz\zN Nz
utTn uFuo um
Thus the entire substance in creation is divided into
nine different natures by the sages. The relation between
Jeeva and Eswara in the above hymn is very ancient. Eswara
is the employer and Jeeva is the employed. "Chaithanyam"
or "movement" and "Gyana" or "wisdom" are the two
common features of Jeeva and Eswara. The wisdom of
Eswara is unlimited where as the wisdom of Jeeva is limited.
The main duty of Jeeva is to render a whole hearted
service to the omniscient Supreme God. The Jeeva and
Eswara dwell on the same tree. Here the tree denotes nature
that is subjected to many changes.
Similarly, the nature is a combination of "Trigunas"
15
or "Three qualities" viz., Goodness, Worldliness and

Darkness, which continually morphs with many changes.
Thus, both Jeeva and Eswara are sheltered by the nature.
Jeeva experiences the tasty things granted by the nature
and Eswara spreads all over and be above the nature.
Various cultures embarked one after the other to
eradicate the Vedic culture. Though it seems that the vedism
has stepped back a little, it is eminently recovering its
superiority to prove its supremacy over all other cultures
by attracting even the foreigners by dragging them to its
side.
| Y{ o | No
The above Yajurveda hymn is recited as part of
Sandhya Vandanam. It means that the Supreme God
created the sun and the moon like the suns and the moons
of previous creations. The human being who is
spontaneously knowledgeable tries to perform with certain
precepts the process of doings viz., Karma, Gyana and
Upasana for reaching the Supreme God and it has been
happening since ages. It is known from the history that
the Indians had no prayer halls or temples in the earlier
times. But they followed yogic acts like Pranayama,
Agnihotram etc., individually for the realisation of supreme
God who is indweller (Antaryami).
The vital strength of Vedism lies in its culture. As long
as the Indians do not forget their Vedic knowledge which
16
can be stated as a limitless wealth they inherited from their

ancestors and sages, no other power in the world can make
the Indian culture impotent.
Y q Y { { Yo: : o zN
l Sz tz: Ty:
The above Yajurveda hymn says that the famines and
miseries will be very distant from the people of the country
as long as they follow and make other people follow the
Vedic culture with greater interest and devotion.
The people of India will have patriotism, unity and
culture following the Vedic dharmas and obtain the
abilities of acquiring Gyana and doing Karma with equal
interests in all Sastras. Hence, it is the duty of all Indians
to learn the ancient grandeur of their country to make
their future shine with brightness.
nr u y Gz oYuum E oz
o|: y N \zo
When a woman without the consent of her
husband abstains from food and starves in the name
of religious observances, will not only decrease the
longevity of her husband, but also experiences misery.
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VEDAS-2
BHARATIYA SAMSKRUTHI
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Vedas are considered to be the foundation of the Indian

culture. Any construction will remain long only when its
foundation is strong. The sages, saints and the
knowledgeable persons who were born in this great and
holy country are the reasons behind the strong spiritual
strength of our country. And that is why the culture of
this country is attracting people belonging to other
countries. It is the natural tendency of the people to try to
get any thing when it is strong and energetic. Similarly
even other countries are making sincere efforts in many
ways to take possession of our culture, but all their efforts
are becoming vain and they are prolonging their efforts
again and again to captivate our culture.
Our culture is such that it avoids the evil qualities,
which the people have by birth. It turns the people to the
side of wisdom by way of granting the spiritual knowledge
to them. The supreme God, in the beginning of the
creation has brightened four Vedas in the purified hearts
of the four sages viz., Agni, Vayu, Aditya and Angira. Those
four Vedas are 1) Rigveda 2) Yajurveda 3) Samaveda 4)
Adharvanaveda.
EuT| uo o
18
The above hymn is taken from Manudharma Sastra
|Y{ o s |No
The Rigveda says that the supreme God, in the
beginning of the creation, brightens in the hearts of the
sages the hymns having fine notes and efficacies for creating
interest in doing good acts and in abdicating evil acts to
achieve salvation in the way how he creates the nature
consisting of egoism and glory. Those hymns have occurred
to the minds of the sages when they sat in Samadhi and as
a result they have become the inventors of the hymns, but
not the creators of the hymns.
oo ro |o: Y: u \urz Ztu

\urz oo \oo E\o
The Supreme God is truth. The soul is truth. The
nature is truth. Because Vedas are directly pronounced by
the Supreme God, it is doubtless to say that Vedas are also
truth. Therefore, it is to be accepted that Veda is a great
poetic composition.
tz N \y|uo
Because Veda is godly pronunciation, it neither has
death nor decay. It is a folly thing to suspect the existence
of wisdom with a reason that the people are incapable of
knowing it.
19
The following Vedic hymn is a standard to say that

Vedas are pronounced by the Supreme God who is all
powerful and almighty.
ao Y n Yy oz\o
Vedas are the origin for all dharmas. When human
beings follow the Vedic dharmas, they will obtain wisdom
which is very high, powerful and strong. It is by doing
Vedic Karmas only one can cross over the sea of life and
mingle with the Supreme God who shines beyond the
universe. Salvation means happiness that cannot be defined
and it has no connection with all the worldly pangs.
Happiness obtained in the presence of God is unparalleled,
invisible and eternal. Many self realized persons are born
in this great Aryavartham which is the birth place of Vedic
dharma, a causeway for the attainment of salvation. The
ancient sages give a call to the people to obtain wisdom
from such great self-realised persons.
Loz o NtT\:,
n n Yu uqz wus |:
If we look at the history of the world, we come to
know that a good number of virtuous, learned, heroic and
meditatives who are the symbols of country's splendour
are born no where in the countries of the world but this
country. A person born in this great country feels that it is
his motherland and a gracious one and when he feels that
20
this country's respect is more than his individual respect,

knowledge will shine in his heart. The great sages who
have no other thoughts except world's prosperity, teach
the people the real nature which they experience in
meditation. They invite the people also to experience the
same.
lo uztz: Ewo:
Ez tu utuoo
zt: zo o
Eutnm| o: oo
The dwellers of the divine world! O sons of Glory!
Please see the supreme God who shines beyond the
darkness called ignorance. Realisation of God is the only
way to reach the goal of attaining salvation and there is no
other way to achieve this goal.
uoz t Tu:
uZoz |:
qyoz Y N|um
ou bz z
Every human being requires truth. His mind always
requires the experience of truth. A person when experiences
the truth in thought and action, will get rid of all his
doubts, frees himself from all attachments and realises the
Supreme God.
21
zqo uNno
Vedas and Sastras have emanated to enable the
mankind to attain the Supreme God - the supporter or
cause of the entirety. Vedas and Sastras are meant for the
well being of the mankind.
uu ow[ o|oz N No:

uu zuo Q Tuo
The person who wanders arbitrarily according to his
own interest putting aside the principles of Sastras will
not attain peace and happiness.
All people wish that dharma should flourish. But the
question of flourishing arises only when dharma is strictly
followed because dharma itself never befalls. When the
people in the world strictly follow the duties as prescribed
by the Vedas, dharma will thrive. The Vedas prescribe four
ways of life viz., dharma, Artha, kama and moksha. When
a person leads dharmic life keeping away from pretence,
haughtiness and living with lawful earning, he will attain
the Supreme Goal called salvation.
E u {u zoo u:
| uoz EuNz uz: z|m y u:
Adi Sankaracharya narrates through the above sloka
that the qualities of acquiring food, getting sleep and fright
and generating progeny are common between a man and
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an animal. It is only the quality of following dharma that

separates a man from other beings. Therefore, a person
who strictly follows dharma will be considered as human.
NzVz uo Nzut
The Yajurveda says that those who eat food without
following dharma are none other than those who eat sins.
Bhagavadgitha also says that those who eat food without
recollecting the deities from whom they acquire food are
none other than thieves.
ztzuto N N| un N|o Eouo:

One must perform Vedic Karmas without lethargy.
Vedas preach dharma. The supreme God is everlasting.
His wisdom is eternal. His wealth is also everlasting. This
creation appearing before us and the beings experiencing
the consequences of their actions are also his wealth.
Therefore, they are also eternal. All beings are Bhoktas
and nature is the Bhogya. An ordinance to teach the good
and evil according to which the beings are to experience
the consequences of the actions performed by them is
necessary. That ordinance is called Veda. All this worldly
wisdom is Veda.
Just as how each material in this world is created,
nourished and how the same material so nourished is
getting back to its original state. Likewise Vedas are also
ever flowing as mentioned in the scriptures.
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1.
Atha Evacha Nityatvam
2.
Bhuthasya Jathaha Pathihi Eka Asith.
God is only one for the entire mankind.
z oY Y | utuoeuo
There is only one God for all beings.
u u: Eouq t{ Eu Euo:
The earth, the space between the earth and the sky
and the world of radiance, all are within him.
o z|uo Y oN
The sun, the moon and all the stars are shining
because of His kind grace and they cannot shine without
the grace of the Supreme God who is the dictator and the
creator of this world.
tuT ouo o ouo |:

ut wns|uo Y:
According to kathopanishad, it is because
of the fear of the Supreme God, the fire
flames. The sun heats, the lighting flashes,
the air blows and even the death runs ever
and ever to snatch away the beings and the
human being must be afraid of the Supreme
God and Sin. He must be bound by Dharma
and truth.
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GRUHASTASRAMA DHARMA
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Gruhastasrama Dharma is a state of householdership.

It is the most valuable one in the lives of human beings
and is one of the four Asramas or Divisions to be followed
by every human being to lead a pure and principled life.
It is to be admitted that the person who leads the life of a
householder is as equal as the person who leads all his life
living in a holy place. The young male and female couple
after they get married will cohabit and subsequently
become father and mother. One can achieve both
enjoyment and salvation in this state. That is why the saints
and sages praise this state and describe the same as the
heavenly home. This state when compared with the other
three states is to some extent an intricate one, because it
involves more responsibilities. The householder must
assume not only domestic responsibilities, but also the
responsibilities relating to the other three states. In this
state, householder as the father of the home will have more
responsibilities. The word 'PITHA' is derived from the
Sanskrit root word "Yahapathi Saapitha." It means to save.
The householder is named after 'Pitha' because he is the
caretaker of the family by giving food and reformation. It
is necessary for the householder to be strong and healthy
enough to perform his responsibilities.
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ztun ut{ zt u N
Euo Y| Two uo:
A student must study four, three, two or at least one
Veda completely duly keeping up his chastity and character.
When he completes his studies, he will reach the state of
householder ship duly marrying a pious woman as narrated
by Sastras.
A person who is in the state of householdership must
as a husband, perform his duties to his wife and as a father
to his children. He must lead his life performing Vedic
Karmas and safeguarding the welfare of the society. The
following Vedic hymn states how a father should be.
H\| uo: u: z
EVzzm Yquzm
Tw{u tz
uuoo
An ideal householder earns wealth with a great vital
strength in the body, intelligece, affection, bears no anger
and is always peaceful in mind and gives a great delight to
all his family members. Nobody in the family is afraid of
him and they show great reverence to him.
It is the duty of the householder to frame his home
and make it like heaven. The Vedas clearly explain the
qualities, which are necessary for a householder to frame
a real home akin to heaven.
26
H\| uo: u:
This world is a battlefield. It may also be named as
the ocean of domestic life full of hills and rocks. One
needs tremendous strength to traverse this life. The Vedas
say that persons who have fairness in all organs of their
bodies; keep themselves away from all ailments and get
rid of deceitful nature, will lead a blissful life. The persons
of timid and weak nature cannot perform domestic duties.
When a person has strength and vitality, he can overcome
hatred. Whereas, when a person is sick, he lacks strength
and as a result, he will become angry and weary even for
small things. Therefore, a person who wants to be a perfect
householder must overcome sensual enjoyment to make
his body a centre for strength and energy. The householder
must also be an intellectual because intellectualism is a
symbol for having Gyana which avoids brutality and
ignorance.
The role of a father in householdership is very
prominent. He is the person to have noble purposes loftier
than Himalayas and also to spend all his time and
happiness for the sake of the family. Though hard in
behaviour for a while, he gives a venerable treatment and
lends a friendly hand to his fellowmen.
EVzzmuuzm Yq
The Vedas describe the householder as a person with
27
intelligence, strength and sense control. The house in

which the householder is not wise and ignorant cannot
progress. Affection is the cause of progress and fascination
is the cause of downfall. The father who is idealistic always
behaves affectionately and treats all his family members
with love and care.
Vwoz Yqwo
The above Vedic hymn describes the idealism of a
father. There must be affection in his looks and purity in
his speech.
Practice of the four objects of life Viz., Dharma, Artha,
Kama and Moksha is very important in everyone's life.
Purity must be observed in the practice of the four objects
of life. Especially, when 'Kama' or Desire involves purity,
it can be regarded as one of the four objects of life.
However, when there is no purity in 'Kama,' it occupies
the first place in the 'Arishadvargas' or six sinful foes of
human life. To maintain purity in 'Kama,' the father must
control his senses and mind. When the father is unable to
have a control over his senses and mind, the life he is
leading as a householder may weaken all his powers and
may cause an early death. A control over the senses and
mind strengthens human powers and enables the human
will to perform their domestic duties efficiently.
It may be admitted that the householder having
28
control over his mind and senses can give birth to virtuous
children who indeed can give bright future to the country.
H us s Yz | Yu
All human beings must have noble knowledge and
walk on a graceful path guided by Dharma, like the sun
and the moon, in a regulated way without any deviation.
u tztN Nt|u zt u Tu\|ou

: N uu\|ou u ou Twu ou
(Chanakya Neethi)
The houses in which the holy water that washes the

feet of the Vedic Brahmans does not flow, in which the
recitation of Vedas are not articulated and in which the
'Swahakaras' that may come at the end of the Yagnic hymns
are not heard are equal to cemetries.
N| z uu: q oo
|To : un rz uouso
All the Vedic Dharmas and Vedic karmas
are made known by the supreme God who is
eternal in nature and who pervades all over.
That Supreme God is staying in our daily
Vedic performances.
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INDRIYA NIGRAHAM
The main quality of a human being is to have control

over senses. It is necessary for all human beings to obtain
Gyana. Manudharma Sastra while detailing the features
of Dharma makes a special mention of the importance of
self-control.
Manudharma Sastra says that senses are the sources of
happiness for Atma. To control senses means not to allow
them to pursue material objects and to allow them to go
in the way prescribed by Dharma. When a person, having
interest in materialistic objects, attaches himself to sensual
enjoyment, he will become a slave to his senses and
commits sinful acts. A person, who controls his senses and
leads them in a Dharmic way, is sure to have all his
inclinations fulfilled. This is narrated in the following sloka.
wuo qtzoz {YuuuT

yu| nNzz tN | qm
We must keep all our bodily organs strong and
vigorous. It is said in the Vedas that like a moon in Sukla
Paksha progressively shines day by day, one must obtain
progress in his body and mind day by day. Brahmacharyam
is a suitable stage for one's physical and mental
30
development. It is through Brahmacharyam, one can keep

all his senses under control as said in Ayurveda Sastra
written by sage Susrutha.
uu|o Tg Fqz
L uN zN N uoeuo tzu
Just as there is butter mingling with the milk, jaggery
mingling with the juice of sugar cane, the strength and
vigour of any living being is situated in the semen, which
can be considered as the life bearing fluid in the body.
Just as the milk and sugar cane are churned for making
butter and jaggery, the entire body must be shaken
violently for the discharge of the semen from the body.
The milk becomes strengthless after the butter is churned
and the sugar cane becomes lifeless after the juice is
squeezed out. Similarly, the human body also becomes
impotent when it lacks semen. The entire nervous system
in the body, when semen is lost, becomes feeble; and
strengthlessness will take place in each organ of the body
as said in the Ayurvedic manual of Susrutha. The Siva
Purana also says that loss of semen will lead to down fall
of the body and stable maintenance of the semen in the
body will lead to longevity.
m utoz \y utm
otuo oz Noz utm
31
The human being due to loss of semen in his body

will soon approach death. However, longevity will be
granted due to safeguard of semen. Lord Siva himself
declares in Siva Purana that he could maintain poison in
his throat due to the power of Brahmacharyam.
Following Brahmacharyam in life, though very
difficult, is not impossible. Doing bodily exercises daily,
practicing yogic activities like Pranayamam, friendship and
conversation with persons having good conduct, taking
regulated food of satwik nature are important factors
following which one can achieve Brahmacharyam. One
must keep oneself away from watching TV serials, movies
that give mental and physical excitement to the senses.
One must lead a pure and holy life following Dharma
and doing satkarmas (noble deeds). Lord Krishna has
become a Yogi following the principles of Brahmacharyam.
Lord Krishna who has delivered Bhagavadgitha to the
world stands as a divine personality and divine guide due
to his character, behaviour and satkarmas. We can witness
his character and behaviour in Mahabharatha. Since the
time, he takes his incarnation till the time he completes it,
not even a single act against dharma is committed by him.
He has only one wife named Rukmini. Though thoughtful
of remaining a celibate he married Rukmini due to
32
unavoidable circumstances. Even after his marriage with

Rukmini, he convinced her and they both dwelled in
Badarika Asram following Brahmacharyam and keeping
themselves in Yoga for twelve years. A description regarding
this is available to us in Sowptika Parva of Mahabharata.
Lord Krishna though married, lived as a celibate for 120
years according to the scriptures.
One must be strong enough mentally and physically
to keep himself away from committing sinful acts and
wrong doings. When one is healthy enough, he can
perform perfectly the four objects of life. Though he has
interest to perform the four objects viz., Dharma, Ardha,
Kama and Mosksha prescribed for life, he cannot perform
the same when his body does not cooperate. Marriage is
meant for obtaining children as per the principles of
Dharma. Marriage is not meant for frequent sexual
enjoyment and wife should not be treated as a playful
woman to give sexual pleasure only. Both wife and husband
should always keep in mind the oath they take in presence
of Agnihotra.
Twmuoz {Tn o n
\tub|: Tz E|
O Kalyani! I am receiving you as my wife for the
fulfillment of glory, knowledge, wealth and Dharma. Thus
the groom takes oath. The marriage life of any human
33
being will be happy and fruitful when he understands the

real purpose of marriage.
Persons who are not chaste during their student life
cannot have good and healthy children after they get
married. The capability of knowing the difference between
Dharma and Adharma can be possessed by anyone only
when he strictly follows Brahmacharyam. Therefore, all
the human beings must overcome early death by following
Brahmacharyam, practicing yogic activities and taking
regulated food of satwik nature.
\ ws:
O Man! You should not die before the old age. Let
this Vedic narration become true.
uz| u\m zb:

All the woman in a holy country must have
knowledge in many fields. They must have high degree
of values and they must be the inheritors of country's
renowned culture. They must lead their families and
the society with ability and sincerity.
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Sabhyatha means splendour or brightness, one that

always pervades and always depends upon oil for its
pervasiveness. The oil which props the splendour must be
refined without any bad symptoms and it must also be
powerful. Then only the splendor will give a compact and
continuous brightness. Let us observe the following Vedic
hymn proposed by the Vedic culture for brightness and
good manners.
H oo o \z u:
[zuoo: sz q u Nwo
Em o \zTm E:
| \ t{ \
People performing gyanic karmas, must follow the
principled movement of the Sun God, who is the ruler of
the world. They must protect the Vedic culture walking
on the path prescribed by the Vedas. They must have divine
qualities of speaking truth and avoiding untruth.
All human beings must live together and they must
affectionately think and converse with one another. They
must be one both in thinking and deliberation. The Veda
suggests that how the ancient learned men worship the
supreme Lord must be inevitably followed.
35
n o u o o nu uY
wo o L |: o:
One must always speak truth and the truth he speaks
must be beloved, dear and useful to the welfare of the
society. In other words, it should not cause disagreeableness
and inconvenience to the welfare of the society. The truth
that causes harm and inconvenience to the welfare of the
society should not be spoken. It means to say that if a
blind man is addressed as blind, it causes pain to him. To
say that he is blind, though a fact, should not be spoken
on his face. Similarly, untruths should not be spoken for
the pleasure and satisfaction of others. Those who commit
wrong deeds should not be flattered as good persons.
In one context, Vidura said to Dhrutharastra that
there are many people in the world who flatter for the
pleasure and satisfaction of others. But the number of
people who speak good words though not beloved are very
less and the number of people who listen to such words
are also very less.
Good persons must always reveal the faults of others
in their presence only. Similarily, they must be ready to
accept their faults when revealed by others in their
presence.
Bharthruhari says that to be a companion of pious
and learned persons is one of the best ways for obtaining
knowledge.
36
nTuo: N Ny Nzuo
V N|
To have a friendship with persons who are well versed
with the Vedas and Sastras, who are charitable in nature
for getting virtuousness and wisdom and also to be far
away from bad natured persons can be termed as
Satsangam.
Of all the living beings created by the Supreme God,
the human body is the best one. Such an excellent human
birth must be utilized for getting divinity by way of
performing holy actions. Having friendship with people
of good conduct, listening to the speeches of virtuous and
learned persons and having trust in the Vedas and Sastras
etc., come under the qualities of satsang as narrated by
Sages.
nTnz uTn uTnz uz|n

uz|nz uYon uYonz \yuO:
A person who is blessed with wisdom through the
study of the Vedas and Sastras is becoming a recluse
without being entangled in the household activities. When
he is not entangled in worldly affairs, he becomes free
from fascination and is able to keep his mind under
control. When the mind is under control, all the senses
will attain steadiness, which will take the person to the
state of Salvation.
37
Once God Vishnu asked the King Bali whether he

would go to heaven along with bad persons or to hell along
with good persons. Bali replied that he would choose the
latter, because even hell when touched with the feet of
good persons will change as heaven just as the milk in
large quantity will lose its real shape when mixed with a
little quantity of butter milk.
The human being having good and noble habits must
keep himself away from illusion and fascination to shine
with divine qualities. The man who is about to ruin will
also achieve highness through Satsang.
z yoz | ZtTuu
uz obo T| F{y@
This world is a heaven for the person who can
control his children, who satisfies himself with what
is available and whose wife always obeys him in all
respects.
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AGNIHOTHRAM
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Human life may be defined as a practice of things and

actions. All the works we perform with mind, words and
acts may be considered as a great sacrifice of life. To help
others in need must be the main principle of human life.
The more we practice to speak truth always, the more we
increase our wisdom. The Supreme God has bestowed
wisdom upon the human beings in the form of Vedas for
making their lives holy and purposeful. The Supreme God
is the legislator of the Vedas. Others cannot realize him as
he realizes himself.
The wisdom bestowed upon by the Supreme God
through Vedas is not an illusion. In other words, wisdom
which is not illusory is an expression of the Supreme God.
The supreme God has stated certain dharmas in the Vedas
to enable the mankind to make their lives knowledgeable
and happy.
wzqo uNno
The Vedas are pronounced for the welfare of human
life. Of all dharmas to be followed by the human beings
for the efficacy of their lives, the most important dharmas
to be followed are 'Pancha Yagnas.'
The word Yagna is derived from the word "Yaja." It
has three meanings: Daana, Sangathi Karanam, Deva pooja.
39
'Daanamu' means to give any thing to others as a gift

without expecting any return from them. Sangathi
Karanam is collection of excellent things. Deva Pooja means
worship of deities.
tzz t ty zo E s
According to the Nirukta Sastra of Yaskacharya,
Devatha means to donate, to shine and to brighten.
yu ooo o
\uo: zbuuoyo
There are 33 deities in total. They are
1.
Asta Vasuvulu or eight demigods
2.
Ekadasa Rudrulu or eleven Rudras
3.
Dvadasadityulu or twelve Suns
4.
Indra or the God of Sky
5.
Prajapathi or Brahma
1. Asta Vasuvulu: a) Sun
b) Moon
c) Stars
d) Earth
e) Water
f ) Fire
g) Air
h) Sky
These eight are dwelling places in the entire creation.

That is why these are called Asta Vasuvulu.
2. Ekadasa Rudrulu: a) Pranamu (Life)
b) Apanamu (Anus)
40
c) Vyanamu (Air in the Body)

d) Vadanamu (Air in the Throat)
e) Samanamu (The air in the Navel).
These five are the lives
a) Naga (Snake)
b) Kurma (Tortoise)
c) Krukala (Chameleon)
d) Devadatta (Conch shell)
e) Dhanunjaya (Fire).
These five are the sub-lives.
Jeevatma(Individual Soul). Five lives + Five sub-lives
+ Jeevathma = 11 in total. When they leave the human
body, they create lamentation for the living beings.
3. Dvadasadityulu: a) Indra
b) Dhata
d) Twashta
e) Pusha
g) Bhaga
h) Vivasvat
j) Amsuman
k) Varuna
c) Parjanya
f ) Aryamam
i) Vishnu
l) Mithra.
These are the twelve suns. Each sun shines in each

month in a different way.
4. Indra: - Indra is named so because he causes riches.
5. Prajapathi: - The Yagna purifying the air, water and
rain and causing all kinds of knowledge, patronizes people.
That is why the Yagna is also named as Prajapathi.
41
All the above are called as deities because they have

divine qualities.
\uo: zbuuoyo
The Supreme God is the ruler, presiding deity and to
be worshipped by all. The Supreme God has supreme control over all the above deities. Every human must recollect
the above 33 deities daily. This recollection is known as
'Deva Yagnam.' All these deities, having co-operation with
each other, are helping the existence or living of the mankind. So it is the duty of every human being to be a sincere partner in the arrangement of creation by way of remembering and recollecting these deities daily.
In one way we are utilizing these deities for our benefits. In another way we are making them impure through
the soiled, impure and waste substances that are released
from our bodies through the process of the constituent
elements from one to the other. The godly creation that is
becoming impure through the human bodies, must be
rectified by them and they are bound to make it pure again.
The herbs, sweet materials, milk and ghee etc., must
be collected, purified and cast properly in the fire through
Homas(offering to agni). The materials so cast in the fire
become minute, blend with the air and purify the air and
the rainy water.
EuT{| tz Q
42
Fire is the mouth for the deities. Any material cast in

the fire will not become waste. The ability to divide any
material is possible for fire only.
Our sages are the great scientists. They have arranged
the process of performing Homas in the fire in order to
do good to the mankind.
rzu o{ \o{ Noz L u zo uo

Yagna is performed for doing well to the mankind.
The learned man will have pleasure through performing
Homas by casting the purified material in the fire.
The more the human being does well to the world,
the more he becomes happy because of this godly creation.
The Rigveda says that the virtuous persons who are
desirous of knowing the supreme God will know him with
Homas only. Therefore all people must follow Vedic
Dharmas. That is Dharma.
NzVz uo Nzut
One should not eat alone. He must eat
sitting together with all. All must have this
feeling. They must also have broad out look
and charitable mind. They must sympathize
with others who are in wretchedness and
problems.
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DHARMA PATHAM
mo | Fn:
The Sanskrit word "Dharma" has a very significant

meaning behind it. Generally we say that dharma stands
for righteousness to guide the society and the people for a
prosperous and healthy growth.
The significant meaning conveyed by dharma is to
wear. Like clothing which protects the human body when
it is worn properly. Dharma protects the human beings
from committing sinful acts and lets them lead their lives
with peace and happiness.
Dharma Sastras are none other than the principles
enunciated by great sages through the strength of their
penance for the welfare and spiritual development of the
human beings. One must have a close review of the
principles enunciated by great sages. He must have
confidence in them and also become influenced by them
to know the value of other beings and things superior to
him. The confidence and influence by virtue of which he
performs the process of action is called dharma. Every
human being must go through and strictly follow dharma
for obtaining Gyana or knowledge. The Gyana or
knowledge that one obtains will have efficacy only when
one realises that there is a lot of industry of many people
behind every thing he experiences.
44
z| oz \:
When dharma wears people, people wear dharma. It
means to say that people follow dharma and dharma
follows people. The righteous course of conduct by which
the human being is not attached to materialism is known
as dharma.
oz oo Y tuo Y tuo
oo N|m Nzuo o N|m Nzuo oo Eu oz
What is thought in mind will be spoken out through
speech. What is spoken out through speech will be
physically performed by the materialistic senses. What is
physically performed by the materialistic senses will be
experienced by the body. From this it is understood that
what a human being performs with his materialistic senses
will be experienced by him. If he performs Satkarma, he
will get good results. If he does Dushkarma (evil deeds) he
will get evil results. So, it is clear that the living of a person
always depends upon his attitude and thought. If the
thought is noble, the attitude will be noble and he will
perform satkarmas. Therefore, nobility in thought always
enables a person to commit good acts and thereby to
become a Gnani.
[zuoo: sz q uNwo
The above sacred hymn as narrated in Rigveda says
that the teachings of learned sages must be preserved for
all times. The ancient sages constructed certain paths of
45
knowledge for keeping the society in a promoted state.

Such paths are called Varnasrama Dharmas. They are also
known as the four orders of life. People who travel on the
path of these four orders of life according to the principles
prescribed, can safely reach the goal of realising the
Universal Soul.
'Dhiyakartan' means constructed with the help of
mind and virtuousness.
The male and female persons who are interested in
education and prosperity; having the principles of speaking
truth and observing customs; keep themselves away from
self esteem and impurity; dispel the filth of others and
shine by way of doing Vedic Karmas are decidedly noble
as narrated by Sastras.
As a matter of fact, we come across only three persons
imparting training to people in all respects. They are father,
mother and teacher. A person born to a mother, who is
like the goddess of earth must cultivate her natural features
of tolerance and patience. One must walk in the footsteps
of a father who is compared to the sun god, to learn from
him the natural powers of discipline and time heeding.
: z|mu T: Nz Ezto
A person must perform the Karmas dictated by his
Guru and become virtuous by obtaining Gyana. No other
person except parents and teacher can give upliftment to
the children in their lives.
46
s u|uN o uoz ow
The place of women in the society is very high and
women take a large part in the lives of their husbands and
children. They are obedient to their husbands and perform
their duties to them. Similarly, they perform their duties
to their children. The woman from the time she gives birth
to her children till the time they complete their education,
goes on explaining to the children the value of truth,
obedience and good behavior is really noble and great.
Similar is the role of teachers in the society.
N Yuou, n]z u z Foum

A teacher must teach the students to grasp their
righteous preaching and get rid of anything contrary to it.
The student must always keep his sight downwards while
walking to observe the ups and downs on the path. He
must be friendly with people superior to him in conduct.
He must elevate the persons of a lower state to a higher
state. The water he drinks must be filtered with cloth and
the food he eats must be purified. He must always be
speaking truth. The parents and the teacher must guide
the children to perform all their duties with careful
examinations and necessary reasoning. The mind becomes
purified with truthful sayings. Atma becomes purified with
penance and Gyana. Gyana is the only thing because of
which human mind gets purification and development
and it is available to human being only when he is veracious
and follower of Dharma.
47
| L oz uo:, z| quo uqo:

When Dharma is always protected, it will always come
to the rescue of mankind. When mankind does not follow
Dharma and tries to do harm to it, it will destroy the
mankind.
The world which is a combination of moving and
nonmoving material consists of glee, strength and pleasure.
The earth always moves around. The wind always blows.
The water always flows. Wherever you go and see, every
thing in this world tries to exhibit its power. Only one
Dharma is taught in this world. Each individual must
perform the duties prescribed to him without attachment
to the result not only for his welfare, but also for the welfare
and happiness of the society.
N: Yuo ou N: oz \:
N: oz \Tuo| Nz u tuo N:
(Y II y)
Time digests all living beings. Time destructs
all people. Time always remains the same even after
the destruction of all beings and material. Decidedly,
nobody can overcome time.
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MATRUDEVO BHAVA
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oz [oz o
The above sloka says that a woman who is venerable and
who can be worshipped is called 'Matha' or mother. The
word "Matru" is derived from the Sanskrit dhathu,
'MAIMANE SAABDECHA.'
uyoz uo | o
The mother who is completely merciful always wishes
the happiness and uplift of her children. That is why she
is called 'Matha.' The ancient sages describe the mother as
'The First Goddess' or 'Prathama Devatha.' Devatha or
Goddess means a person with divine nature. To have
Divine nature means to utilize the corporeal, mental and
soulful energies for the welfare of other beings. As the
mother uses all her energies for the safety and welfare of
her children, the Vedas declares her to be the 'Prathama
Devatha' and also the equal of 'Supreme Being.'
Fu z uoo o: Eu\o o Y z Y t:
z n z
O Lord ! You are greater than my father who nourishes
me and you are greater than my brothers who do not
nourish me. But when I compare you to my mother, you
seem equal to her. That is because you both are the persons
to grant me this body and to bless me with health and
wealth. You both wish my uplift in life. I do not find any
49
difference between you both. So it is the primary duty of

each being to serve such a pious woman with utmost
respect.
o u|o uo
She becomes great through the acts of cherishing her
children, making them worthy and virtuous. She makes
them the participants in the safeguard of the Vedic culture.
She is gracious and tactful in looking after the family affairs
and in keeping the house pure and clean.
G tY|: EY|m o uo: o

u o T{zmuounoz
The Manudharma Sastra says that an Acharya is
superior to ten teachers, a father is superior to one hundred
acharyas and a mother is superior to one thousand fathers.
From this it is clear that the mother is indeed the superlative
person of all the above.
The children become Virtuous by the kind grace of
father, mother and Acharya. All the samaskaras of the
children are none other than the mother's mental thoughts.
The initiation, observation, guidance and service available
from the mother to her children cannot be available from
any other person.
o u|Ny o uoz ow
When a mother perceives the signs of pregnancy, a
ceremony will be observed. The ceremony so observed is
50
known as 'Pumsavana Samskara.' From the day the

ceremony is observed till the day of performing the
marriage of the child, the mother who takes a deep
initiation to make her children worthy and decent is
decidedly virtuous as said by Vidura.
For the first five years from the day they are born,
the children must be prepared by their mother to avoid
filthy acts of the body. When the children are able to speak
words, the mother teaches them good mannerisms and
ways to converse with the elders.
An ideal mother always tries to make her children
control the senses. She must also make them have interest
in possessing education and be friendly with good and
virtuous persons. Indulgence shown by a mother to her
children will do harm to them.
wo{: umy uV|uo Tz uzuqo{:

z tz ogz Tm:
The parents and the Acharya who punish children for
the sake of discipline are likened to the persons giving
their children nectar to drink. Too much fondness shown
by parents will create faulty or sinful nature in them. The
parents and Acharya must always be kind enough to the
children. Though they frighten the children outwardly,
they must inwardly have mercy on them.
In the Ramayana, written by sage Valmki, Sumithra,
one of the three wives of Dasaradha, teaches her son
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Lakshmana the roots of Indian culture duly using the

customs of idealistic tactfulness. At the time when Rama
leaves for the forest, she says to Lakshmana
t uu: uu \Nn\
Ez Eby uu TXZoo s Q
O Lakshmana! You treat Sree Ramachandra as your
father. You treat Sita as your mother. You treat the forest
as Ayodhya and go to the forest happily. The preaching of
Sumithra to her son is indeed the best example of her
customary knowledge.
If one salutes the feet of his father and mother daily,
he will be blessed with longevity, education, health and
fame. The duties of children to their father and mother
who are the living deities are too many. May God grant
ability to the father and mother having knowledge in all
respects to prepare their children to have high degree of
values and nobility in thoughts and action to make them
idealistic and useful to the nation.
n o uo r z o t
uo: uo q : gzoz :
Truth is like a mother. Wisdom is like a father.
Virtuousness is like a brother. Mercy is like a sister.
Peace is like a wife. Patience is like a son. These
six are soul's close relations.
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GAYATHRI
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The Gayathri Manthram, which is very powerful, and

the cause in granting a vital light for the brilliance of the
entire creation has been greatly highlighted in the Vedas,
which are very ancient and the origin of Indian culture.
The Gayathri Manthram has taken a prominent place in
the three Vedas viz., Rig, Sama and Yajurveda. When a
question as to what is the original form of Gayathri arises
in our minds, we may emphasize that the name 'Gayathri'
is not applicable to a specific form and it is applicable to
all the feelings and thoughts of human mind. It may be
described as the replica of all human feelings and thoughts.
When we observe the organized and managed actions
of the entire world with a keen intellect, we come to know
that the organization and management of all such actions
is according to a certain knowledge strategised in a
disciplined manner. It seems that the element having such
a great, knowledgeable, organizational and managerial
power to cause the creation, existence and destruction of
the world pervades all over. The element so pervading all
over is formless, all-powerful, almighty and all knowing.
Because that element is the ultimate one to be attained by
all the beings, we call him 'Paramathma,' one who requires
nothing, grants the results of the actions performer by all
beings and whom all beings cannot witness with physical
senses.
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The Gyana, which is available to us through our

physical senses, is perceivable. We are able to notice the
qualities of the things only through senses. The soul inside
us is able to know the things according to their qualities
and actions. Similarly, when the soul becomes pure and
when it goes into interminable meditation keeping the
entire attention on the form, quality and the nature of the
Supreme God, it is said to have as inner eye to witness
each and everything inside. When the soul achieves an
inner eye, it will witness Gayathri, the form of Vedic
wisdom and which is very bright and glorious.
Many people tend to recite Gayathri. But that is not
correct. They must become inner-eyed and notice Gayathri
inside. Gayathri is a sign of wisdom. We cannot achieve
that wisdom by mere recitation of Gayathri, we must go
into meditation knowing the meaning of each word in
the mantra and finally witness it inside. It means to say
that we must become the persons having that secret
knowledge to witness Gayathri inside and having that
knowledge inside is a sign of attaining the fourth and final
state of life. The Gayathri so witnessed inside is indivisible
and vital, granting the knowledge of eternity.
Q \z|uo: wu uuum
The substance, which owns splendour and which
pervades all the moving and non-moving materials, is
Gayathri only.
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o Eo: zutz [zuoty|oz uo:

The radiance shines and scatters its brightness all over
the universe. The state of this radiance is Gayathri, the
form of all knowledge.
Ty Ft | o o Ft uNY
The entire universe consisting of all beings is Gayathri
and it contains six kinds of divisions as narrated by sages.
z Yo ug Ty
Those six divisions are 1) word (Vakku) 2) Earth
(Prudhvi) 3) Body (Sareeramu) 4) Being (Bhuthamu) 5)
Life (Pranamu) 6) Heart (Hrudayamu)
T o Y oz Fuo Ty
The Gayathri Manthram, when it is sung, will grant
protection. Therefore, we must upasana(worship) the soul
of universe as demonstrated through the bright,
knowledgeable and formless Gayathri.
Gayathri means the preaching of Paramatma. The
sacred syllable of 'OM,' preceding the Gayathri Manthram,
enables all the Pranas in the body to travel upwards. One
must fix his mind by limiting those Pranas and thereby
taking the mind under control to upasana Gayathri
Manthram.
Gayathri is the sole support of the entirety consisting
of all knowledge. The word 'SAVTHA,' one of the three
55
phrases in this mantra mainly denotes the Supreme God.

Thus, the replica of each and every feeling we have in our
minds is noticed in Gayathri Manthram. The external form
of any word in a subject is called a phrase and the internal
form is called its meaning. We must achieve the internal
form of the phrase through pronunciation of the mantra
by the way of taking pure satvik food, and practicing yoga
daily.
H Ez : Noz ouo:
Eotz Eyo Gut:
tzz s tut wz
E z uqoz utz utz
O supreme God! bless us to perform the best
actions always. Let those actions be fortunate,
auspicious, mettlesome and encouraging to us. Let
the virtuous thoughts always save us form all
directions.
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The human being is said to be great only when he is

exalted in life. Lord Krishna makes it clear in Mahabharata
that Gyana and Karma are the most important aspects in
human life. He sets up a big seat for the followup of
Dharma in the society. He supports the arrangement of
Dharma and Gyana according to their practical importance
and advises mankind to realise God through following
Dharma. He is friendly with the virtuous Pandavas and
becomes a close relative to them, duly coming to their
rescue whenever necessary.
Bhisma, Drona and Krupa are the oldest persons from
the side of Kauravas. However, their selfishness prevented
Lord Krishna from joining them. Bhishma is a great
celibate and a great scholar in all sastras; he is a great warrior
as well. But his selfishness makes him stand on the side of
Adharma. The principles of righteousness he preaches to
Dharma Raja in Anusasana Parva clearly indicate his
intellectuality. But the reason for which he remained a
celibate is not a noble one. It is simply for the sake of the
marriage of his father who sexually desired Satyavathi the
daughter of Dasaraju.
o: Et uz : uu: |:
In 'Vaiseshika Darsanam' written by Kanaada sage, it
57
is clearly explained that the conduct and actions of the

people by virtue of which welfare, prosperity and excellent
happiness are available to the society is known as 'Parama
Dharma' or 'supreme principle.' The actions of Bhishma
lacked prosperity and led to the downfall of Dharma. It
may be admitted that the war of Mahabharata stands as a
root cause for the present circumstances of our country.
Thus, Bhishma instead of becoming a king and ruling the
people plentifully admitted the lust and concupiscence of
his father and performed his marriage. According to
Dharma 'Vivaham' or 'marriage' is possible between a male
and female only when they have equal status and equal
qualities of mind and character.
N m uobzo Twz No|nu

Y{ XZzo Tmy Nu|uYo
The male and female persons may remain unmarried
till their death. There is nothing wrong with that. But the
marriages between male and female whose status and the
natural qualities of mind and character are different from
each other are strictly prohibited. The children born as a
result of such marriages become crooked, strengthless and
burdensome to the society.
us: n mtz yp Go uoNwz

No ouz yy n| u:
The Kshatriya warriors must use the weapons, fiery
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weapons and serpent weapons to defeat their enemies. The

army becomes strong when it has such powerful weapons.
When the Kshatriya person is follows Dharma, there will
be progress in the kingdom as narrated in the Rigveda.
The Vedas say that the person having virtuous and
excellent qualities must become the king. Bhishma helps
his father who yielded to the lusty desires of temporary
nature. He is aware of injustice on the part of Kauravas,
supported them and as a result suffered defeat in the
ultimate war. He admitted his defeat as per the general
saying 'Ardhasya Purusho Dasaha.'
As a grand old man in the Kauravas, as a person of
knowing what to do and what not to do and as a person
of great vigorousness which he achieved due to
Brahmacharyam, he neither responded nor even attempted
to stop the untoward and sinful act caused to Drowpadi
in the open court.
Dharma has two forms one form is 'Paramardhika
Dharma,' which is permanent in nature and the other is
'Vyavaharika Dharma,' which helps to run the worldly
affairs. They both are not alike and not equal to one
another.
As said earlier, the marriage performed by Bhishma
between his father and Satyavathi is not proper and
contrary to the principles of Dharma. As such, the two
sons born to them are of feeble and strengthless in nature.
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Bhishma becomes anxious with the death of two sons

without children. He followed secondary methods to make
Ambika the wife of Vichitravirya and Ambalika the wife
of Chitrangada to become mothers. Ambika gives birth
to Dhritarastra and Ambalika gives birth to Pandu Raj.
However, they both were feeble and strengthless as well.
Dhritharastra the son of Ambika is blind from birth.
Gandhari the wife of Dhritharastra is a virtuous wife.
Though blessed with good sight and having the
responsibility of ruling her people and sons in place of her
husband, she decided to remain sightless like her husband.
Duryodhana the eldest son of Gandhari is a very brutish
person.
\u | uz wu \u E| uz uwu
I know Dharma. But I do not follow it. I know
Adharma. But I do not leave it. Thus reveals Duryodhana
his nature to the world. Duryodhana becomes so brutish
due to lack of supervision and discipline of his father and
mother.
Father, mother and acharya are the three persons to
discipline the children as narrated in Sathapadha
Brahmanam. This is confirmed by the Vedas, teaching
discipline is the primary duty of mother, father and
acharya. As an elder man in the race, Bhishma failed to
preach at least this simple aspect to Gandhari.
Mahabharata is a Kavya consisting of many important
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characters. Of all the characters, we come across, while

reading it, the character of Krishna who attaches himself
to Pandavas for safeguarding Dharma and also for uplifting
the national honour is really great in all respects.
o: No|:
A person is independent or free to perform any action.
But the point to be observed here is that he must take
Sastra as a measure for doing any thing. Lord Krishna
confirms this in the Bhagavadgita.
o uuo| o|oz N No: uu zuo

Q ruo
A person who behaves according to his will without
following the principles prescribed by Sastra cannot get
perfect happiness.
u: rz uo
Mind becomes purified when it obtains Gyana. So
the principles prescribed by Sastra should be discussed
while performing any actions. If any thing is noticed contradictory in Sastra, the Vedas should be taken as a measure as said by Dharma Sastras.
wuo wuo uzzo wuo: z Tyu

If the people want to be the followers of Dharma, they
must perform the actions with necessary thinking and
reasoning.
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Yzt qmz|: |:
The main feature of Dharma is to investigate.
Investigation is possible only when Dharma is strictly
followed.
In response to a question put by Dharma Raja in one
context, Bhishma says that those persons who lack good
conduct and character, who have no good principles and
discipline and maintain sexual relationship with the
women of other classes become short lived and ends up in
hell. Dharma Raja who is devoted to truth and who does
not step back to follow good principles is honoured by
all. Such an upright man also gives a statement of false
nature in the interest of victory in the war because of which
he visits hell. But what is it that makes him give an untrue
statement?
Dronacharya is honoured as the commander in chief
for Kuru Army and nobody except Pandavas is fit to defeat
him in the war. Lord Krishna knows that there is an
elephant in Kuru Army and the name of the elephant is
Aswathama. Bhima kills the elephant with the advise of
Lord Krishna. Dharma Raja speaks in a high voice that
Aswathama is killed and further says in a low voice that it
is an elephant. Hearing what Dharma Raja says loudly,
Drona believes that what is said by Dharma Raja is true.
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Thus Krishna makes Dharmaraja give an untrue statement

for a victory in the war, which is intended by Krishna for
the sake of Dharma and truth.
We must take a strong vow to practice Dharma and
do it with necessary reasoning. The righteousness of every
action we perform is printed on our hearts in the form of
'Samskara.'
H Em mz Y|u \o
II \ II
The Brahmavids, Brahmanas, Pandits and

Karmayogis who possesses wisdom must educate
the society and make the people blessed with
knowledge, righteousness, culture and
civilization.
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The Sanskrit word 'Vidyardhi' has got a very significant

meaning behind it. Vidyardhi or student is a person who
humbly requests for education. To request means to ask.
What do we ask for? We ask for what we do not have with
us. The very important thing that enables any human being
fit for acquiring knowledge and better livelihood is
education and that is why it is much preferred. Gyana or
Knowledge is necessary for understanding the nature of
the three aspects Viz., creation, existence and destruction.
Lord Parameswara is the only teacher who owns this
Gyana.
The students must treat the studies as a self-imposed
task which can create much diligence in them to become
successful in what they wish to study.
H oz tyqzuo tyqzuo tuqm

tuqm zuo noz
To accomplish any deed uninterruptedly is called
'Deeksha' or strong determination. This strong
determination creates 'Dakshina' which in Vedic language
means skillfulness. Skillfulness gives encouragement and
this encouragement creates zeal in human being. It is
because of this zeal, truth and knowledge will augment.
: n tuo uN :
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The Sastra says that doing the action by which

truthful knowledge exists is known as diligence. We must
always keep up the habit of speaking truth. It means to
say that we must have truthful nature always. When we
have truthful nature in life, we will become infallible. It
will not be a great thing when the elders or the children
commit mistakes and accept the same. Commiting a
mistake and accepting it is not a great thing. The children
must learn from their parents and teachers on how to
identify a mistake and analyse it carefully. Such an
approach provides them an ability to avoid committing
any mistakes.
n uton | uto
owtzz, uowtzz, EY|tzz, Euou tzz
The students should not leave truth and virtuousness
by negligence. They should not be careless in respecting
their parents. They must respect their parents, preceptors
and guests as they respect the learned persons. They must
always practice speaking truth and perform charitable acts.
o ow: uo {u: zz ueo:

zoz z z Nz s
The person with no education is a crane among the
swans. Such a person will be refused by all. The father and
mother who do not give education to their children will
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remain mighty foes to them. This is said by Chanakya in

his principles on morality. Therefore, all the students must
become well trained and well principled.
All the people in the world generally desire goodness
and prosperity in their lives. But goodness is not innate
and it is shapeless. It itself is not born. It comes into
existence through human behaviour and desire. If a person
follows Dharma, he will be called righteous. Righteousness
does not have any form and shape. His actions and
behaviour makes him be called "Dharmatma."
E tzY Y Tzub zY
oo Y Eun os nuTnzY
Loz{ o tz: : t uu| o:
The are seven evil qualities that any human being
should get rid of in his life;
1. Delay, which means idleness either in mind or body.
2. Intoxication, which means to have attachment to
worldly things other than education.
3. Wantonness, which means to waste the time without
having any concern or responsibility.
4. To have desire to listen to the conversations not
related to him,
5. To have haughtiness or self-esteem or ego.
6. Miserliness
7. To put a stop to education due to lack of interest.
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The persons having the above seven evil qualities

cannot have education as said by Vidura in his moral
principles.
If the father and mother are knowledgeable enough,
the children will not forget their duties. All habits come
to the children from their parents. Having good nature
largely depends upon the atmosphere at home. The
atmosphere at home makes the students either good
natured or evil natured. If the parents keep up a good
atmosphere at home, their children will become graceful
and virtuous in nature.
u uN XZ To
u zTNu : Nu u Tm T:
u \z utz Tz u tzo
u \[oz u u uy: :
Education is everything to a man. It is the hidden
wealth. Education gives all comforts, fame and happiness.
Education explains everything like a teacher and it helps
as a host even in foreign places.
Education is God. Education can be honoured even
by Kings but not money. A person who is not educated is
a brute.
Therefore, all students must learn one thing. Just as
the brightness and fragrance brings luster and hue to gold
and flowers. Similarily, practice of good principles brings
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honour and respect to the human beings. One must follow

the principles of learned persons. A person must get up
from bed before sunrise and do his natural duties. After
taking bath, one must observe other important duties like
study of Vedas, performing Sandhya, service to father and
mother, speaking truth and following celibacy etc. The
students will get longevity and good health by following
the above duties.
H z tzTm: uoZ Goz,

o zrz z u N II \ II
O Parameswara! Grant us knowledge,
wisdom and intellectuality for which our
ancestors who were excellent, knowledgeable,
learned and civilized have worshipped you.
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WOMEN IN VEDAS
Women had a high place during the period of Vedas.

Sage Manu and other learned people treated women with
magnanimous mind. One has to study the code of systems
and laws to know the importance given to women by the
Indian culture. All the codes of systems, laws and principles
are the decisions of sages who framed them on the strength
of their Penance for the fulfillment of welfare and beatitude
of the people. These codes, which are named as dharmas,
control not only the external transactions of the people,
but also their internal dispositions. This dharma shows
the aims in life, creates the purity in mind and makes a
man walk on a prosperous and helpful way. The following
was said by sage Vyasa in Mahabharata.
z| L \: |: quo
People protect one another with the help of dharma
or righteousness. The ordinances and principles are
constructed on the basis of dharma, but not dharma on
the basis of principles and ordinances. If we observe
dharma sastra, we may notice that the saga Manu says the
following in respect of women.
uNwnn: tzz| zo Ez| y

The body of Brahma, when split into two halves; the
first half changed as woman and the second as Man.
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o um o T{zmuounoz
The mother is one thousand times more honourable
than the father. The mother bears the child in her womb
for nine months begets the child and changes her blood
into milk to feed the child. She pays her entire attention
to the well being of her child. Children are getting healthy
growth, good conduct and prosperity in life because of
their mother's industrious efforts. That is why it is said in
the Vedas - "Mathru Devo Bhava." The role of mother in
bringing up her children is very great. She tries to develop
the noble qualities of unity, honour and charity in her
children. She makes them sit at her knee and teaches them
the significance of brotherliness of Rama and Lakshmana
in Ramayana and Pandavas in Mahabharata.
In the battle between Rama and Ravana, Lakshmana
happens to faint due to injuries. The great Hanuman starts
to bring the 'Sanjeevani Rock' for relieving Lakshmana from
faintness. On the way, he meets Bharatha. When Bharatha
knows that Hanuman is a great devotee to his brother
Rama and is going for medicated rock to save the life of
Lakshmana, he becomes very glad and invites Hanuman
to the presence of his mothers. The mothers Kausalya and
Sumithra ask Hanuman about the welfare of Rama, Sita
and Lakshmana. Hanuman stays with them for a while
and when he starts to get back, both Kausalya and
Sumithra convey separate messages to Rama through
Hanuman.
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Message of Sumithra :- O Rama! Lakshmana is not

permitted by his father and mother to go with you to the
forest. He goes with you to the forest bearing many hardships. I taught Lakshmana to render graceful service to
you and Sita by treating you as father and Sita as mother.
I warn him to sacrifice even his life for your welfare. If this
medicine does not revive him, you need not weep for him.
Be glad that he attains heaven in his virtuous duty.
Message of Kausalya: - O Rama! I have not sent you
lonely to the forest. If Lakshmana accidentally loses his
life, you need not come back to Ayodhya. Thus, Rama is
warned by Kausalya.
These messages are the symbols for the mental
highness of Indian women. The mother who preaches her
children this kind of idealistic views from their childhood
is really noble and fortunate.
Eo: uo: z o o :
[nz oy Y to uo
The above Rigveda hymn says that an ideal son is
one who practices the dharmas practiced by his father. He
must obey the instructions of his mother. An ideal wife
must always use agreable, sweet and tranquil words while
speaking to her husband. An ideal mother must act as a
bridge between her husband and son. The highness of the
children always depends upon the idealistic nature of their
mother. She can make her relation permanent with her
71
husband and children through her virtuous and loving

nourishment. The idealistic nature and loving care of the
father and mother highly influence the views and aims of
their children. The untrustworthiness, mental impurity,
envy and hatred among the children will automatically
vanish with their reciprocal loving attitude.
The woman must win the heart of her husband with
her wisdom and intelligence. She must always converse
with him sweetly. The husband, however virtuous he may
be will get uplift because of his wife's affectionate attitude;
only then his virtuousness doubles.
Ez: uoTwmyo oy u:
E z T| n: o toto
The above Yajurveda hymn says that the women must
study medical and other scientific courses so that they will
know the medicines that can destroy diseases and protect
pregnancies. They can make their children relieve from
ailments. Whatever inconveniences in health the family
members may have, whether they are atmospheric or some
other, the mistress in the house will have the knowledge
of using suitable medicines.
The woman is very complacent, vigilant and tactful
in keeping the house and also in dealing with the
household transactions. She keeps the house very clean
and pure. She is temporate in spending money and cooks
items which are not harmful to health. She serves all the
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elders in the family very obediently. Such a woman is called

a noble and able house-wife as narrated in Manudharma
Sastra. It is the responsibility of the householder to keep
his woman benignant, because it will make the entire
family benignant.
ow uow EY| zzt:

The father, mother and teacher are the only persons
to train the children. The role of a mother in training the
children at an early age is very great. The woman must
take soft food when she is pregnant. She must take strong
food like milk mixed with dry ginger and pure ghee. The
children must be trained by the mother for five years after
they are born.
The Manudharama Sastra mercifully says that the
woman must be safeguarded by her father in her
childhood, by her husband in youth and by her son in old
age. The duty of safeguarding her should not be treated
with contempt or with a view that she can safeguard herself.
uo quo N{z o| quo z

quo ouz: y o|uo
It is the opinion of sage Manu that the woman is by
nature weak and delicate physically. That is why the
responsibility of safeguarding her is to be borne by the
man keeping in view the intricate circumstances she has
to face in the protection of her character and self-respect.
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N|lmz z: N|um u\\yuzo o :

L nu zozus N| uoz z
The Yajurveda teaches the humans to perform all the
actions in a prescribed way for hundred years without
attachment to the result. Because, those actions performed
without desire in the result do not create any attachment.
When one is born as a human being, he should follow the
dharmas and the principles as prescribed. Then only the
purpose why he is born as a human being will have efficacy.
To say as an example, the ladies at home say to
themselves "Oh! cooking is completed for the part of the
day." Completion of cooking means that everybody in
the house eats the cooked items and belch with full
satisfaction. If the cooked items are not tasty and are not
eaten by the members in the house, there is no meaning
in saying that cooking is completed. Similarly, when a
person performs the four prescribed duties of life with
bodily practice, there is meaning in saying why he is born
as a human being. Such prescribed duties viz., Dharma,
Artha, Kama and Moksha must be performed up to the
end of one's life. When he leaves his body after a thorough
performance of the prescribed duties, then the purpose of
his birth on earth becomes fulfilled.
The sage Gowthama in his work Nyaya Darsanam
says.
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nu: zn :
To die or leave the body means to take re-birth. The
actions performed without desiring the result do not throw
us into the state of attachment. It means to say that the
actions performed without attachment to the results will
not have any influence on our hearts and as such there is
no scope for rebirth. In that way, we can escape the cycle
of births and deaths. That is why it is said in Vedas that the
actions performed without attachment to the result will
grant salvation to the human beings.
The Bhagavadgita taught by Lord Krishna to Arjuna,
when the latter falls into ignorance leaving the principles
of his Kshatriya dharma, is the essence of the Vedas and
that essence is also called as the theory of Nishkama Karma
or action performed without attachment to the result.
Ez E b~z \: Fz
Euou z \o
The Kshatriyas must have the good qualities of
valour, bravery and boldness. They must acquire skill
of using various weapons and thus become great
warriors possessing the ability of fighting single
handed against 11000 bowmen to safeguard the
country and people from enemies.
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The name of our country is Bharat. Manudharma

Sastra calls this country as 'Aryavartham' which means
worthy of reverence. Whenever we perform any sacred
function, we recite the country's name as 'Aryavarthe,
Punyabhoomou.' According to the texts of our ancient sages,
our country is named as Aryavartham as per the Vedas. In
Sanskrit, each word carries a 'Dhathu' (root word)
expressing some object or idea. When the pratyaya word
'Yat' is added to the root sound of 'Ru,' it is pronounced
as 'Arya.' According to Patanjali, a great grammarian, the
word 'Arya' means a person who is worthy of reverence or
respect. Sage Yaska in his Nirukta Sastra defines the word
'Arya' as 'Eswara Putra' or the 'Son of God.' Veda stands
for the knowledge of God. God is the father of the entire
mankind and also the embodiment of Dharma. So the
people who believe in and follow Dharma are named as
'Aryans.'
Nwloz u E|
Rigveda says that the entire world must consist of
people with good nature and good qualities. The above
Vedic hymn says that because majority of people possessing
good nature and qualities lived in this country, it is named
as Aryavartham. When we observe the history of the world,
we come to understand that a good number of sages, saints,
76
sacrificers and heroes who followed Dharma were no where

born in other countries of the world except Aryavartham.
The practices, observations and also the ordinary and
divine day duties of the people living in this country must
be in accordance with the Vedic principles. It is learnt
from the Vaiseshika Darsanam written by sage Kanada that
all the contents in the Vedas are full of God's omniscience.
u | Nwuoz|tz
Vedas are the spontaneous standards of truth. All the
works of other sages are written on the basis of the Vedas.
It is only through the ways of life of people mentioned in
Vedas that the Vedic duties and observations are understood
as the natural wealth granted by the God. It is learned
form the history that the ancient people recognised gyana
as form of god through practice of Vedic karmas, study of
Vedas and following dharma.
Loo tz o No ET\:
n n Yu uqz wu | :
O people of the world! The Manudharma Sastra says
that the true knowledge which is necessary for peace and
happiness must be known from the ancient knowledgeable
sages of this graceful land. The noble sages of ancient times
who wished worldly prosperity only without thinking of
other things have delivered this call during the ancient
times itself. The culture of our country was largely derived
from Vedic literature.
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Nwuo u :
The Vedic culture is the very first guide for the worldly
way of life. The feelings and sentiments marked on the
heart of a person are always according to the actions
performed by him. The Supreme God who is gracious
and most holy has directed in the Vedas, the actions and
prescriptions to be performed by the mankind. By
performing the Vedic Karmas as narrated in Yajurveda, a
person will have purity in mind and heart and he will also
acquire truthful knowledge, truthful behaviour and
upright conduct
H rz r E\o tz:
ou |um
oz N u: Yo
z| : uo tz:
II \ II
The Virtuous, charitable and scholars worship

the Supreme God with yagna only. The mankind
must worship the Supreme God with fire and lead
an eminent and pure life performing yagnas.
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BRAHMACHARYA MAHIMA
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The human life has got very much importance in

creation. It is not possible for any human being to live in
this world without knowing the meaning and importance
of life. Human birth is meant for achieving spiritual uplift
both in the present world and the next world and also for
leading divine life in the present world. When one realizes
his most valuable aim in life and walk on the path of
Dharma to achieve the aim, he will get progress and
accomplishment in his aim. One of the best logical
principles introduced by sage. Pathanjali for having the
ability of achieving the aim is 'Brahmacharyam' or 'bachelor
state,' which generally runs from childhood to manhood.
The Vedas have highly explained the significance of
the Brahmacharyam and appreciated it. Bharat is the only
country to be influenced by Brahmacharyam
understanding the necessity of it for the youth.
'Chaturvidha Asramas' or the four stages of life are granted
as a great boon by the ancient sages for the spiritual progress
and development of this nation. One of the first and the
best of four stages of life is Brahmacharyam. A person
must keep his body and senses strong and healthy. The
Adharvana Veda hymn says what to do for keeping the
senses and body strong and healthy.
79
tqm ul oyN :
oz z Y|z yV|n o t
Great thinkers are those who have great thoughts
of having strength and development. God has established
virility in the seminal fluid. That is why the people must
retain the seminal fluid in their bodies for the development
of virility, brilliance and longevity.
The children of this graceful country have played with
lions at the age of 5 years and have crushed the rocks to
powder with their feet. A good number of great and
virtuous persons like Rama, Krishna of ancient times and
Gandhi of the present time were born in this country and
such a great country has now become impotent and lost
its vigour. The youth in lakhs are becoming feeble under
the evil influence of media. They are being affected with
horrible diseases and finally make their parents and family
members live in a state of destitution. The humanity,
which is to get divinity, is now in a state of ruin due to the
lack of good practice, precepts and control of passions.
The mankind can get rid of this state by consecrating
themselves to the noble principles of Brahmacharyam.
Violation of the principles of Brahmacharyam is the main
cause for a decrease in the span of life as said in the Ayurveda
Sastra written by sage Susrutha. The production of the
seminal fluid must be known to us in advance. This body
is a combination of the seven great principles of nature.
80
o O ooz z: \oz
zz usooz , : N :
The food we take into our bodies changes into Rasam
(juice). The Rasam changes into Raktam (blood). Which
further changes into Mamsam (flesh). This flesh inturn
changes into Medha (mind). The mind changes into Asti
(bone). The bone changes into Majja (marrow) and from
marrow it finally changes into seminal fluid. That seminal
fluid with the form of a great splendour pervades the body
and it is the support for life.
N { uso uS ubN wo
T| y\ : z \y:
The seminal fluid is gentle, white, thick, strong and
a seed for pregnancy giving vitality and shelter to the body.
So the youth having perfect control over the senses without
allowing them to follow the sense objects must safeguard
the seminal fluid in the body through the practice of Yoga
and Pranayama. The reply of the Vedas for the question as
why to follow the Brahmacharyam is as under.
Yz|m otz wnVo:

The persons following Brahmacharyam perfectly will
get strength both in body and self and they can conquer
even death. The strength of Bhishma's Brahmacharyam
and Hanuman's great valour and might are the examples
for this. The celibate will establish the gorgeous form of
Paramatma and the Vedic knowledge in his heart.
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\o N: N GzTz uo
u Nwmnz| L Eu|oz
One who lives in lust and sensual enjoyment will
never get complete happiness. Human desires will
automatically increase with sensual enjoyment, but they
never decrease as narrated in Manudharma Sastra. To have
control over the senses is the only way for obtaining perfect
satisfaction and it requires knowledge of self. Just as a lamp
in a saucer lightens with the help of oil, the self in the
body shines with the strength of seminal fluid. So the youth
of the country must control the senses with the help of
their wisdom and intellect like a charioteer who controls
the horses with the help of a bridle. Then only they can
safeguard Brahmacharyam and become the foundation
stones for the future of the nation.
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DHARMANUSTANAM
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The word Samskurthi means reformation. To reform

means to make better. When a person makes himself better
by having high opinions, aims and good conduct, he can
be called as a reformed person. Reformation is intended
by the ancient sages for the welfare and auspiciousness of
the world. The result of the penance of the sages for the
gratification of the above desires is the Vedas granted by
the Supreme God. The powerful letters, called Bijaksharas,
radiated from the purified hearts of the four sages viz.,
Agni, Vayu, Aditya and Angira. The process of reforming a
person through Vedic actions is called "Vedic culture,"
which does not change from person to person. It is indeed
acceptable by all people and it is above all the religions.
ztzuQz | wuoyz Y out

EY{ Enoub zY
Veda is the origin of all dharmas. One must act with
good conduct and holy principles. Just as the Vedas are
the origin of all dharmas, the customary observances of
wise persons may be stated as principle factors of dharma
as narrated in Manudharma Sastra.
One must review the habitual practices and the selfsatisfied actions of pious persons following the Vedic
dharmas. The actions which do not create fear, hesitation,
and shyness must only be performed by a person. When
83
one is desirous of speaking a lie and committing a theft,

the signs of fear and shyness will take place in his heart.
So such acts should not be done. The sage Kanada,
speaking of dharma, says in his 'Naiseshika Darsanam.'
o: Et uz : uu: |:
An action from which prosperity, excellent happiness and
salvation can be acheived is known as 'Dharma.' The materials in the creation are said to have 'dharmas or duties'
only when they have the qualities to indicate their existence. For example, the quality of fire is to give heat and
brightness. It cannot be called fire when it lacks the above
two qualities. It means to say that the fire loses its respect
when the above two qualities are lost in it. Similarly, a
person cannot be called a human when he lacks virtuous
practices and good qualities. All the human being must
be bold enough because the most essential quality for committing virtuous actions is boldness. That is why the
'Dhruthi' meaning boldness is first recommended by sage
Manu.
wuoqtzoz {YuuuT
y: u nNzz tN | qm
One must have equal vision for the things having
different qualities. It means to say that he must be
indifferent to both pain and pleasure. He must treat the
qualities of blame and praise, happiness and unhappiness
alike and experience them in a similar way. He must always
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concentrate his senses on virtuous deeds without allowing

them to commit evil acts.
One should not try to steal the things of others. One
must keep his body and self pure. He must follow
Brahmacharyam and realise the truth and untruth by
reasoning with the mind. He must analyse the original
state of each thing. He must always speak the truth without
fear or favour. The above said qualities are the indications
of dharma as narrated in Manudharma Sastras.
One must always perform only such acts which are
holy, sacred and useful for the welfare of the society to the
extent of the time he remains healthy and without ailments.
Nothing can be done after death.
There is resemblance between a man and an animal.
Both are similar in acquiring food, in getting frightened
and also in generating and augmenting progeny. But the
only thing that separates both is the quality of virtuousness.
Jagadguru Adi Sankara confirms this fact in the following
sloka.
E u {u zoo u:
|uoz EuNz uz: z|y u:
The meaning of the above sloka is that those who are
not virtuous or who do not follow dharma are none other
than beasts. The persons who follow dharma wish in their
daily prayer that.
85
Eoz , oz [zuoT|,
wnz| EwoT
O Supreme God! Please keep us away from
committing evil acts and make us walk on the path of
dharma. Please remove the darkness of ignorance and make
us acquire the supreme knowledge (Gyana).
O Supreme God! Please relieve us from the gripping
distress (abhinivesha) called death and grant us eternal
nature.
All the human beings must behave in the way they
pray for. They must ponder over the Supreme God daily
and try to the extent they can better their intellect. One
who has this quality will become righteous and one without
will become unrighteous.
Any human being in the world, be it a male or a female
can have these qualities. When the animosity in connection
with caste, class and religion which are increasing day by
day vanish, the human life will be happy. Each person
having the ability to realise the self must have strong
determination and he must recognise the real form of each
material. It means a person should be able to differentiate
a movable material (chetanam) from a non-movable
material (jadam). Also, one must learn to utilise a material
in its original form.
One must not lose prudence becoming arrogant and
thinking negatively. The qualities of Veda, Eswara, Muki,
86
Dharma, Vidya and Satsang must always be maintained.

Vedism which is arranged by the Supreme God for
the welfare and prosperity of the mankind may seem tough
in the beginning. But when one intellectually comprehends
the Vedic culture and principles, it will give him individual
pleasure, peace and happiness, No place for despair is
available in this way.
When one follows the Vedic dharmas, he will have the
feeling of unity and brotherliness. All his thoughts and
intentions will be pure and sinless. That is why every person
must realise that it is his prime duty to perform Vedic
dharmas for his auspiciousness happiness, pleasure and
good health. He must give a beginning for the wealthy
future of the country.
Euo ou \|t : ro uo
\|: r: N| :
All the living beings are born because of the
food that we take daily. The food is born because of
the rains caused by Parjanya or Varuna. The clouds
are born because of Yagnas or Havans. The Yagna or
Havan is possible due of Vedic Karmas only.
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VEDIC KNOWLEDGE
EzG z tzTm: uo Goz

o zrz zu N
O Parameswara, the form of fire! Please grant us such
wisdom by virtue of which the genius, intellect, virtuous
and forefathers have worshipped you as mentioned in
Yajurveda.
From the above Vedic hymn, we can understand that
wisdom is very essential for each and every human being.
Vedas are giving such knowledge, which every human
being must know to become highly principled in dealing
with the things necessary for making his life meaningful.
Vedas are gifted by the Supreme God. They have
spontaneous standards and universal acceptance as opined
by Rishis. God Brahma taught the Vedic knowledge to
the persons who are steadfast in the knowledge of Supreme
God and they in turn disseminate this knowledge to the
common people extensively. The history says that the
Vedic culture is in practice till the end of Dwaparayuga.
A description is there in Vedas regarding the
'Chathurvidha Asramas' or 'Four orders of life' for the
achievement of 'Principal Objects' in life. The four orders
of life prescribed by Vedas are:
1.
Brahmacharyam (Being a bachelor)

88
2.
Gruhastam (Being a householder)
3.
Vanaprastham (Being an anchorite)
4.
Sanyasam (Being a hermit)
The important order among the above four is

Brahmacharyam, which is of three types. They are: 1)
Kanista Brahmacharyam 2) Madhyama Brahmacharyam 3)
Uttama Brahmacharyam
The endeavour to have the senses and mind under
control up to 24 years of age comes under Kanista
Brahmacharyam. Control of senses and mind up to 44
years of age comes under Madhyama Brahmacharyam. The
person following Madhyama Brahmacharyam must obtain
Gyana through the study of Vedas.
Following Brahmacharyam up to 48 years of age
through the study of four Vedas and keeping the entire
energy under control is called Uttama Brahmacharyam.
Bhagavan Sri Krishna and Bhishma follow this
Brahmacharyam and lived for 120 years and 170 years of
age respectively as narrated by Puranas.
The second order is Gruhastam which may be
considered as a source to achieve both Iham and Param or
the present world and future world. Life is a long journey
during which a person requires a companion to cooperate
with him while discharging household duties and also to
let the life go in an easy manner. In order to keep the five
89
qualities viz. desire, anger, capacity, fascination and egoism

under control without allowing them to exceed the limits,
Gruhastam is a suitable approach. Giving birth to children,
taking care of them, affection for relations, practice of
dharmic actions, reverence to mother and father and study
of the Vedas and Sastras are said to be the primary duties
of a house holder as mentioned in the Vedas.
When the woman in a house is benign, the entire
family will be benign. Where there is honour and respect
for the women, there will be pleasure and fortune dancing
in association with one another. Vedas say that it is the
duty of the householder to give birth to virtuous children.
This is called 'Pitrurunam.' The duty of a human being is
to present his son as his representative to the country for
its honour and respect. The mother and father must see
that their daughters are taught the courses of science and
medicine as stated in the 11th chapter of Yazurveda.
In Vanaprastham, the householder, immediately after
birth of his grandson should entrust all the domestic
responsibilities to his son and live in the service of the
Supreme God, keeping himself away from all the worldly
actions.
In Sanyasam, he travels to holy places giving dharmic
messages to others. In this Asrama, he shows indifference
to the things having different qualities and frees himself
from all the attachments to become one with the supreme
God.
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Sanyasam is prescribed to achieve the following:

1.To get virtuous training and become strong enough.
2.To achieve highness in all aspects.
3.To increase concentration in thinking, meditation and
penance.
4.To give dharmic messages to people
5.To be free from all attachments to achieve oneness.
Human life, following the Vedas, is associated with
knowledge, discipline and virtuousness. There is always a
close relationship between virtuousness and knowledge.
The ancient sages say that the everlasting principles which
we observe daily is known as Gyana and the rules or the
ordinances according to which the principles are practiced
is called dharma or virtuousness.
Gueo: \To: n uzo
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SWADHYAYAM
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The majestic power of Swadhyaya is vividly described

in the Vedas. All the Upanishads, Dharmasastras,
Darsanams and Brahmanams also supported and appreciate
the study of the Vedas (Swadhyaya). The ancient sages have
divided the human life into four stages. They are: 1.
2.
3.
4.
Brahmacharyam (Being a bachelor)

Gruhastam (Being a householder)
Vanaprastham (Being an anchorite)
Sanyasam (Being a hermit)
The four Vedas must be studied in all the above four

stages. The sage Pathanjali, speaking of Yama or restraining
passions and Niyama or precepts in his 'Yogadarsanam'
has highly made a mention of the importance of
Swadhyaya.
{Y oz o: F| umu u
One must have the strength to face the ups and
downs, which he comes across in achieving the internal
and external purity, self-satisfaction and the four objects
of life. He must study the four Vedas and discussions
relating to the Supreme God. He must also have the
knowledge of the Supreme God who is the maker of
creation, existence and destruction. He must concentrate
his mind always on him. The Upanishads says that one
should not neglect Swadhyaya and to disseminate the Vedic
Dharmas.
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Just as food is necessary for the growth of the body,

likewise the study of Vedas is necessary for the growth of
the soul. Human mind becomes purified because of the
study of the Vedas. It increases the ability of a person to
think. Wisdom will improve. Because of the increase in
intellect and mind, one can easily grasp even a minute
matter very quickly.
When the water in a lake stops flowing, a state of
standstill is achieved. The stagnant water will rot with
worms and become putrid. In the same way, the human
actions pertaining to the mind will become decayed
without the study of the Vedas. Even an ordinary man will
become exalted personage with the influence of the study
of Vedas. Many examples are there in the history about
this. Lokamanya Tilak, in a context, says as follows.
"I invite good books for study even when I am in the
hell, because good books are so powerful that they can
make even the hell appear as heaven."
Veda is a gem of universal creation. The human beings
will move away from all kinds of sins with the study of
Vedas. The human mind will be washed and thereby
becomes pure and clean by Swadhyaya.
Swamy Dayananda Saraswathi said that the study of
Vedic literature is like obtaining valuable gems from great
depths of the ocean.
Man is the complete form of the thoughts that may
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arise in the brain. He must lead a pure and clean life with
high intellect.
Nmz|u: wm tz: zqu|\:

us{ T{ o b ozu: zu tz uo t:
O Parameswara! Please let us hear good news and let
us see good things always. Please let us live for one
hundered years with energetic bodies having a deep
worship for you. This is the complete form of human
thoughts.
It is stated in Sastras that dumb persons may also study
Vedas and Sastras.
z m \:
To recite and meditate Omkaram also comes under
Swadhyaya. A devotee sitting alone must recite Omkaram
repeatedly. 'Om' means the saviour. Of all the names of
the Supreme God, the most excellent name is 'Omkaram'
which is a combination of 'Akara' 'Ukara' and 'Makara'.
All the phonetics are contained in 'Omkaram.'
The Word 'AUM' is made up three letters a,u,m, each
of which signifies a number of God's names. 'A' stands
for, "Virat", "Agni" and "Viswa" ; 'U' for 'Hiranyagarbha',
'Vayu', and 'Taijasa' and 'M' represents, 'Eswara', 'Aditya',
and 'Prajna'.
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AHIMSA SIDDHAMTHAM
The word 'Manava' or suitably called as human in

English is derived from the Sanskrit dhathu
'MANOAVABODHANE' which means 'Gyana' or
appropriately called as wisdom in English. The sastra says
that those who have Gyana are called 'Manava' or humans.
n yuo N|um
The human being will take a deep thought before he
commits any action and that is why he is called a 'Manava'.
o uNoz oo N|:
That which is done is known as 'Karma' or action
All actions will not be considered as karmas. The
sastras admits only those actions which are in accordance
with the Vedic principles. These actions will be of three
kinds.
They
are
1)
Nitya
Karmas
2) Naimithika Karmas 3) Kamya Karmas.
Nitya Karmas are those which we perform daily as
per Vedic principles. Naimithika Karmas are those which
are performed occasionally. All the actions like Yagas and
Yagnas come under this kind. Kamya Karmas are those
which are performed for specific results.
TXZ t zu \o
Walk together and speak together. Be one in all your
suppositions.
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Similarly certain banned actions are also prescribed

in Vedas.
Eq{|ty: ! T yy !
Eu yy ! E\ yy !
yy, | ou !
The Vedas have put a ban on gambling and violence.
It has taught the people not to torment animals like cows,
goats or any living being because all the banned actions
prescribed in the Vedas are harmful to the society. Violence,
theft, speaking lies, committing adultery etc will cause
harm and lack of peace to the society. Any human being
becomes eligible for salvation only through non-violence.
That is why the sage Pathanjali says in his 'Yogadarsanam'
as under.
ou noz
Y| EuT:
Nonviolence is the very first action to be performed
among all the vows.
|t | |ou Euz: Eu
To be away always from the feeling of enemity towards
all the beings is called non-violence.
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H woz w u Yq |um ou
yqo u Yq |um ou yqz
u Yq yqz
O form of all learning! O controller of all Dharmas!
Just as all the beings in the world are seeing us with a
merciful and friendly look, we also see them in the similar
way. Please grant us the ability of having mutual feeling
of friendliness for each other.
Man is a social creature. He depends on the society
in which he lives and the society too depends on him. As
both are inter dependent they must perform their daily
duties keeping in view of this fact. A person is able to
become a yogi through the practice of pure and virtuous
actions linked with wisdom. We pray God daily as under.
Euz Nwmzu:
O Almighty! Please keep us away from hatred.
Even in the evening prayer, we should worship God
as under.
z E zub uoz \z t:
Let both who scorn us and whom we scorn may get
rid of the feeling of such scorn and increase mutual
reciprocation among us for the happiness of our lives in
the society. This country comprising of various dharmas
and languages is like one house and we are all the members
of that house. When we improve this feeling by leaving
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selfishness and desiring the welfare of the society, the saying

of 'Vasudaika Kutumbam' will become true.
The respectable, knowledgeable, cultured and learned
must grasp the truth with scientific reasoning. We must
reform ourselves and achieve progress by leaving idleness,
following the prescribed objects of life and becoming
karmayogis.
EzG z u m:
z n|
Fz wuo:
z um: GJN:
z mz oz :
nz nq u
nz nq utu J o utu
n utu oo oo Oo
Eo Eo O
EzG uo: uo: uo:
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Essence of Vedic Knowledge

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Essence of Vedic Knowledge

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Essence of Vedic Knowledge

Vedas are the magnificent and eternal boons granted