Importance of Vedic Knowledge in Modern Times.

This is a topic that was part of the Brahmin’s Global Meet 2023, that is being held at Palakkad (Sep 22 to 24 2023). I happened to take down some notes on this, here are some excerpts that caught my attention. The speakers were: Sri M.A. Madhusudhanan (Vedic Scholar), Dr. Eswaran (Founder Vedanta Institute, Bangalore), Dr. CS Yogananda (A mathematician, turned – Chairman and MD of Sriranga Digital Software Technologies Pvt. Ltd.) Dr. CS Yogananda is actively looking to make the Vedic texts available in digital space.

22^nd Sep 2023, some excerpts:

Vedic knowledge is not restricted to mere chanting knowledge of the Vedas, instead, it begins with understanding of the 14 angams (parts) of the Vedas.

The 14 angams include:

I.                    Angams (understanding of the layers of Vedams):

a.       Seeksha – understanding the Pronunciation

b.       Vyakaranam – understanding the Grammar

c.       Chandas – understanding the Meter

d.       Niruktham – understanding the Etymology

e.       Kalpam – understanding the different functions like Upakarma, Upanayanam, Panigraha, etc.,

f.        Jyothisham – understanding of planetary movements

g.       Nyayam – Logic

h.       Mimamsa – to analyze, realize and discuss deeply

i.         Dharmashasthra – the guide to social behaviour, ethical norms, individual behaviour, etc., (more like a routine)

j.         Puranam – intricate layers of symbolism depicted via our scriptures

II.                  Upavedams: (Applied Knowledge)

a.       Ayurvedam – science of medicine

b.       Arthashasthra – economic policies, political science, statecraft, etc.,

c.       Gaandharva Vedham – Art and Music

d.       Dhanurveda – associated with sports, archery, etc.,

As we all know, concepts like zero, algebra (Bheeja Ganitham, that’s how Algebra came into being), geometry, all of them have their roots in our Vedas. The very word Guru means heavy opposite of Laghu (meaning light), which is why the teacher is referred to as Guru – one who is loaded with knowledge – rightly so even the heaviest planet is named Guru (there isn’t so much of meaning that comes out when we merely utter the word Jupiter)! Even the word Iron has its roots in Sanskrit – “Ayaha.” One can go on and on with such references, the essence is to be convinced about the fact that our Vedas instill culture, values, and provide holistic education, as opposed to Macaulay’s theory of education.

Vedic Education provides scope to improve the mind’s RAM (Random Access Memory) and aids in attaining life’s goals from a spiritual standpoint as well. It not only dwells with achieving materialistic goals, but also, realization of the Self. Which is why this type of education must be viewed as in the below:

Dharma – providing for the community (from Artha)

Artha – providing security for one’s own by way of earning and saving.

Kama – Desires, sensual pleasures

Moksha – Salvation

Vedas don’t ever exhort to skip the first 3 parts and go straight to Moksha, for it’s never possible to attain Moksha, without going through the cycle of exhausting our desires and needs.

Vedic knowledge is not merely important, but also a dire necessity in current times, with the Gayathri Manthra being the essence of the Vedas…”Gayantham Thrayathethi ithi Gayathri…” (it protects the one who recites it). The chanting of Gayathri directly helps with the unfolding of the Buddhi (Bhargo Devasya Dhee Mahi, Dheeyoyona Prajodhayathu…. Dhee meaning Buddhi here). Of all the births, human birth is considered the one with the highest intellect, which is why every action for a human is either driven by the Manas and Buddhi (Mind + Intellect). We humans have the power of differentiation between the right and the wrong. It’s in order for us to be able to exercise this power in a righteous manner, that Vedic Education becomes of utmost necessity. The mind is after all composed of Emotions, Likes/Dislikes, Feelings, Desires and Impulses.  The Gayathri when chanted with staunch devotion, controls the mind and intellect and kindles the spiritual fire.

It is said that a Brahmin’s life is meant to be dedicated to social service, so much so that a Brahmin is actually supposed to get “dhaanam,” from another and chant Gayathri. If you look at it technically, when getting dhaanam from another, it is their material wealth, paapas and punyas that come to the Brahmin. The Brahmin then chants Gayathri in order to help exhaust those paapas and punyas. So, the Brahmin’s job is directly vested in taking care of the spiritual progress of another. In that sense, this is the highest form of social service one could be entrusted with, and such is the power of the Maha Gayathri Manthram.

A question from the audience made me wonder why even such a question arose after listening to a wealth of knowledge imparted by the esteemed speakers… He asked – “If the Gayathri Manthram is so important, when was it written by Sage Vishwamithra, and if so, why was it late and not written earlier!” To me, this sounded like his understanding of the subject was sadly just superficial and that his mind did not delve deep into understanding the greatness of the Vedas. A fitting reply was given, with a lot of humility – the speakers replied in unison that the Vedas are Apaurusheyam – which means they’re infinite and have no chronological order. Although it is said that Gayathri Manthra came from Sage Vishwamithra, we have to understand this a bit conceptually – “Rishaya Manthra Drishtaraha…” which means the Gayathri Manthra obviously existed and it was visible or rather appeared to Sage Vishwamithra. Not that it did not exist previously, just like gravity existed even before the apple fell on Newton’s head. Vishwamithra literally means friend of the universe – this could be perceived as the Supreme Being the friend and guardian of the universe. Hence the Gayathri Manthram was given to the world in this manner. One of the speakers, Shri Madhusudhanan (a traditional Vedic Scholar), urged the womenfolk in the house to get the men to chant the Gayathri Manthra meticulously – obviously, anything that holds so much relevance and spirituality needs to be practiced with intent, without fail. He drove a very simple point home by way of giving 3 A’s - Acknowledging, Attempting and Adapting, in order to pursue the goal of Vedic Knowledge. For without these 3 A’s, it would be an effort in vain.

In conclusion, the duty lies with us younger generation to get back home (in the sense, our own culture, traditions and value system) and spread the greatness of Vedas not just by speaking about it, but also living it each and every day.

Usha Ramani