Here are four characteristic Features of
the Vedas:
1. Knowledge is Graded: Vedic knowledge is
administered in doses, exactly like a graded course at school, according
to one’s age and capacity to understand, as well as one’s need. For this
reason, it may be split into Karma Kanda,
Upasana Kanda and Jnana Kanda to cater for people in
different stages of evolution.
2. Secular & Spiritual in Content: The Vedas refer to all knowledge, both
secular and spiritual, i.e. Apara and
Para Vidya.
In modern times, “secular” in India has been
gravely misunderstood to mean “nothing to do with religion”. It should in
fact mean “connection with all religions.” The movement of growth is always
from the secular to the spiritual, and there is no conflict between the
two.
Secular knowledge is about the laws that govern
the manifested external world, while spiritual knowledge is about the laws that
govern the un-manifested spiritual world.
3. Includes Ethics and Morality: The Vedas blend
the study of the sciences with Dharma
or the Science of Ethics. Dharma is
very much a part of the teaching of every subject.
A strong element of discrimination is built into
the Vedas. A student is taught to understand that whilst he may be free to do
as he likes, it is better to choose correctly use the knowledge taught for
the good of man rather than for his harm. Making the correct choice is very
much part of his education.
4. Has a Scientific Approach &
Flexibility
It is grossly incorrect to say that the Vedas are outdated or archaic. The Vedas have a scientific approach to
knowledge, both secular and spiritual. They focus on the fundamental principles
that relate to a particular field of study, and deal with them in an integrated
and concise manner. This style of the Vedas needs to be grasped.
All of these systems are based on the Vedas, and they all have some useful
role to play in the evolution of mankind. There is a freshness and vitality in
the Vedas that renders them open to
such treatment.
The Science & Art of Studying
Adheeyataam: The use of this
word for study is very significant. When broken down the word means “to
chant, listen and reflect”, i.e. Parayana, Sravana and Manana combined.
It is a very scientific process. Chanting
prepares the mind to receive knowledge. Then listening takes in the knowledge.
And thirdly, reflection digests and draws out the nourishment from the
knowledge. The ancient Indian sages knew the science behind studying.
Studying is also an art. Great skill is needed
in the process of study. Teachers hold the highest responsibility to see to the
spiritual development of the growing generation so that a healthy society
can be built up. Indians have a very special reverence for knowledge, whether
it is secular or spiritual. A learned person is always adored in the community.
A consequence of this is that society's teachers
are chosen from the very best minds. Those who have a predominance of Sattva in them are suited to
fulfill this role.
We shall conclude the first instruction with an
incident which depicts, how to practice and live, not merely learn vedas.
Swami always ensured that practice
is more important than preaching in life and more so for spiritual
sadhana.
He always used to say that His key focus is
always on the transformation of humans to realize his innate divinity.
He is a hard task-master, intent on maintaining
the moral standard of those who claim to be masters of the ancient
scripture.
An example of how Baba brings in real change in
people is visible from the letter written by Baba to a Pundit from the
East Godavari District.
The pundit was desperate financially. In his despair
he denied his wife the permission to write to Baba asking for succour. Two
days later, he was amazed to receive a letter from Baba who was at Prasanthi
Nilayam, 420 miles away. In that Baba severely reprimanded him for it.
Swami
wrote to the pundit,
Do
I not know that you then started condemning yourself that all your learning and
experience was a waste? Is it a burden for me who is provider for all this
world, to provide for you and your family? I am placing all these hardships on
you only to teach you a few lessons".
"When
life flows merrily on, people claim that it is due to own effort and forget the
Lord. When failure resists the flow, they grow desperate, start cursing and
lose faith.
This
is insulting the Atma tattwa, Vedic
principle which you really are, that knows no pain or joy. Engage yourself
in your duty to practise it courageously and gladly. Strive and experience the
highest truth to gain the Purusharthas.
For
remember, Sai is in every person. So when you decry another, you are
decrying Sai Himself".
Baba
closes the letter as "He who resides in your heart,
Sai"."Nee Hrudayanivasi, Sai"! "
Thus, Swami drives home a key lesson to all His
devotees
"Knowledge (here, Vedic
knowledge) is for Life, not for living"
All the study of vedas (which is the 1st of the 40 instructions) must culminate into
the living experience of "ONE NESS" of all which Swami beautifully wrote
in His letter as "Sai is in every person".
This is the essence of the final part of vedas - the vedanta or Upanishad.
It is said - "Vedanta Nama Upanishad Pramana"
To understand vedas (vedanta
in particular), one has to read, understand, get convinced, contemplate,
meditate and absorb the teachings of Upanishad!!!!!
Vedanta = Upanishad!!
Love.
