NOTES
Mantra: Yajur Veda 8.52
aganma jOtiH amRutA abhUma
We shall seek knowledge to reach a state of eternity and be there
Synopsis
aganma = to go near
abhUma = to be in that state
Root: bhU (sattAyAm) = to be
jOtiH = light, knowledge – Here it means true knowledge
Root: jyu (jitou) = that which shines, that which is bright
amRutA = state of eternity (beyond the cycle of birth and death
Root: mRung (prANa tyAgE) = death
mRutA = death
amRutA = opposite of mRuta = eternity
Eternity is also time bound
Even eternity is time bound, but for us, it in relatively eternity.
I.e. mOksha is not permanent. But relative to human lifespan, it is in crores of years so it is as good as eternity.
Right Knowledge
There is a close proximity between true knowledge and a state of eternity. The achievement of eternity is only a product of right knowledge.
Right knowledge is a roadmap. To travel in that route is right action. We have to concentrate on both. Right knowledge and right action. We have to take that right action. We have to travel the right path. Without right knowledge we cannot think of that eternity.
The result of right knowledge + right action = achieving right place = eternity
How much time will it take?
Depends on the seriousness and diligence and perseverance of the person who is seeking.
How does it happen?
The right knowledge must get translated into right thoughts. The right thoughts must get translated into the right action. Then, the soul becomes purer and stronger. This is the immediate result. A strong and pure soul has the capacity to achieve bliss and peace. An impure soul will not have the capacity and cannot experience it even if it is given on a silver platter.
This is why we say abhUma – i.e. we shall be in that state. i.e. to maintain the purity.
What is right action?
Vedas have clearly defined that it is nothing but the path of yajna.
yajna = doing things in the best way. Whatever we do we should do it in the best way. This is yajna.
What is right knowledge?
This is not subjective. This is objective. Whatever is same for all, at all times, at all places is worthy to be called as right knowledge.
If it changes from person to person and changes from time to time and different in different places are not reliable. Local and timely changes at the surface level are ok, but the basic principles have to be the same.
What is this knowledge? Humane thoughts. Humane way of life.
Right knowledge + Right action = strong soul
Strong Soul paves way to eternity = a state beyond birth and death cycle.
Mantra: Yajur Veda 8.62
rAyaspOsham vishwam aayuH ashIya
We shall (let us) experience and have a full, complete lifespan
Synopsis
rAyaspOsham = wealth that nourishes
raaya = wealth
pOsha = that wealth that nourishes us (that which is earned in the right path)
Root:
vishwam = complete, full
Root: vishUlRu (vyAptou)
aayuH = the span of life
vishwam aayuH = full life
ashIya = we shall experience and have
Root: ashu (bhakshaNE) = experience
Vedas never want to enforce renunciation. Of course, renunciation is a choice. But Vedas never proclaim it. We have to earn wealth. But we have to earn in the right way. We shouldn’t be slaves to wealth. We should earn Earn rightly. And earn enough to help us in our spiritual path.
aayuH = Span of Life
This is not measured in terms of years. We are given the span in terms of the usage of the apparatus given to us (shariira indriya manas). This is not in terms of years. It is in terms of capacity. The capacity is fixed. How well we use it determines the number of years.
A good machine used improperly lives only for a few years. i.e. The operator has the control of how long a machine is used. Similarly we have the control of how well and how long we can use the machinery given to us. The same machinery by the same capacity can be used for a longer period when used properly.
The span of life being short or long depends on the user but the capacity is fixed.
vishamAyuH ashiiya
Let me use the apparatus fully until it becomes worn and torn over time after right usage.
In the process of living, we need inputs – in terms for wealth.
raayaH = wealth - What is wealth?
All that is needed for existence - all life supporting things. Not just money. Let us use this also in the proper way. Employ it in the right way.
If I am not alert, its full capacity will not be used. Therefore, I have to be alert every day in order to use it to its full extent. Every moment is important. This is why Yajna is important. i.e. doing best actions always. So every moment. If I do best deeds in ever moment, it adds up.
I shall employ every moment, every second of my life.
The purpose of this human life is this only. Get things for your living. Lead a simple life. Perform Yajna (best deeds). Make this machinery (shariira indriya manas) as long as possible. Finally quit (die) only when you have used every ounce of the machinery and for the longest time possible (not untimely).
Mantra: Yajur Veda 9.1
dEva savitaH prasuva yajnyam
The giver of all, the one who motivates (sacchidaananda), bestow on us and influence us to do deeds in the best way (yajna)
Synopsis
dEva = the giver of all = sacchidaananda
savitaH = one who motivates, one who guides
Root: shuu (prEraNE) = motivate
dEva savitaH = The giver of all, the one who motivates
savitaH = The Sun (in aadhiboutika and aadhideivika level)
savitaH = sacchidaananda (in aadyaatmika level)
yajnyam = The best deeds
prasuva = let it give to us
The very moment we are in Yajna (doing things in the best way), we feel satisfaction. We feel peace. A good job is beyond selfishness. The benefits are not only for me. It is for the whole world around. If we feel all this, we are performing yajna.
When we do selfish deeds, I am worried about results. I am tensed. Think about it. When I do the right thing, and with all heart, and do it in the best way possible, I feel a sense of peace. If not today, I’ll get the result tomorrow.
Let me be motivated to perform such actions. We ask God to motivate us to live every minute of our life performing deeds in the best way possible, doing things that are not selfish.
Another Mantra: kurvanniyEva karmANi…
Do work in a right way.
Gita: karmaNyEvAdhikArastE
Never worry about the fruits. Do a good job.
Results are guaranteed
The system that sacchidaananda has established is such that the right effort done in the best way will always be rewarded.
Results are guaranteed. Have that confidence.
The system is also just. If you do something wrong you will be punished. That is also guaranteed.
Let our whole focus shall be on yajna:
- Right thoughts
- Right words
- Right action
Let God motivate us to do that.
Result follows automatically. No tension or anxiety. Only peace remains.
Mantra: Yajur Veda 9.1
kEtapuuH kEtam naH punAtu
Let that sacchidaananda purify my thoughts
Synopsis:
kEta
kEtam
kEta = right knowledge, right understanding
Root: iti (sanjyAnE) = right knowledge
puuH = purified, enriched, filtered
Root: puinj (pavanE) = pure
kEtapUH = one who purifies, one who enhances my gnyAna = sacchidaananda
naH = our
punAtu = purify
When I concentrate on my thoughts diligently, it will become purer and purer. Once done, the same thoughts will get translated into action.
If my thoughts are not pure, my actions cannot be pure.
Let that sacchidaananda, who is the master of all our gnyAna, who is the source of all our gnyAna, who is the purifier of all our gnyAna, let him purify our thoughts.
How?
I have to open myself up. I have to be analyze my thoughts. I have to filter it. I have to review it. Under the light of truth. If it passes that test, then I allow the thought to germinate and mature into action. Otherwise I have to cut out that thought.
Gayathri Mantra Reference: bhargO dEvasya dhiimaHi
bhargaH = the burning force of wrong/illogical thoughts.
Whenever my knowledge is wrong, that bhargaH will come to my rescue and burn it off.
What this means is that I have to be watchful of my thoughts. I have that bhargaH tool already available in me. I have to employ it at the point of every thought.
naH is in plural form
dhiimaHi is also in plural
i.e. We shall do this in a concerted way. Not alone. Why? We are social beings. We are all working for the same goal. So let us do it together. I shall do it. I shall work with my society to do it. i.e. We together will burn down wrong thoughts.
This result is not for sale. It has to earned only by our action. It will not be gifted to us. It cannot be done with a Pooja. We have to earn it ourselves through our thoughts, words and action. We pray for our purification. But we have to think, speak and act in the right way to be recipient to the result – which is peace, bliss and mOksha.