Yajur Veda-4

A PARTIAL VIEW OF YAJUR VEDA

(Copy right protected by Dr. G.S. Tripathy)

PART-IV

A FULL TERM OF LIFE

Set up by the bounties of nature, may we look at the bright sun rising in front of us for a thousand autumns.
-    May we engage ourselves in your praises, enjoy with strong body and sound limbs, a full term of life dedicated to God. With sun eyes may we see what is beneficial.
-    For a hundred autumns, may the power of hearing remain unimpaired.
-    For a hundred autumns may we speak clearly.
-    In a life span of hundred autumns, may we never be indignant even much more than that.
-    What is beneficial may we listen with our ears clearly ourselves
-    In your praises – ‘O’-god-may we engage day and night.
-    May we live for a hundred autumns

SPECIAL CREATURES OF MYSTERIOUS SHAPE

Regarding Deva – there are wrong notions – in the Vedic texts¬ – it is often mentioned. Moving about in the sky Devas are often described as special creatures of mysterious shape, form and color. To propitiate them, man sometimes performs rituals and offer prayers. For their worship it is believed that the Vedic hymns provide certain rules and regulations. To attain superiority – it is also said – there is competition and rivalry among the Devas. The true meaning of Vedic terms is not understood by the common man and it is for this reason incoherent and poor interpretations are coming out by illiterate people as a result people do not understand the qualitative word Deva.

Deva is all splendors and imparts splendor to everybody who gives and never expects to take anything in exchange. The sun, the moon, the water, the wind, the earth all come with the category of Deva as they only provide life force to living creatures. Likewise teachers, father and mother belong to this category also. Indeed a qualitative word is deva purely.

The aforesaid Devas derive power from the creator god who alone is to be worshipped. God and Deva are not synonymous. The Aryas we came with first manu from swarga to this earth are called Devas as their mother tongue is Deva Bhasa which is Sanskrit. They have addressed each other as Deva only.

ADORABLE GOD

Satya is God which is adorable. Upholder of vows has determined to observe a vow. “O” God – with success may I be able to accomplish it. Let me embrace truth by renouncing falsehood.

Stage by stage vrata leads to satya which leads to higher and higher truths once attained. On an endless journey with austerity pursuance of truth continues. Throughout the cycles of life this process goes on and on.

The knowledge of truth comes through faith only and by efficacy he gains faith. Efficacy is gained by consecration which leads to vow only.

SPIRIT OF SACRIFICE

To the offerers of oblation and performers of sacrifice there should be reverence as per the instruction of Yajur Veda. For charity and material help a hermit or a student has no scope. By the householder and his wife their sustenance is looked after. The fire of sacrifice from the sacred altar of marriage has been carried by the wedded couple in their hearts. The couples are selfless performers of their new home as it becomes the centre of all benevolent activities.

With the spirit of sacrifice – may both of you unite. For the welfare of others, be of the single object of offering yourself – or be pleasing to each other.

-    May non violate the sacrifice – nor injure the sacrificer.
-    May both of you be of one thought – be propitious for us and free from sin.
-    Towards us may both of you be of one mind.
-    With the abundance of food and vigor be pleasing to each other by residing together.

NON-ADDICTION TO PLEASURE

To get abstained from enjoyment does not mean sacrifice. Non-addiction to pleasure it signifies. With limitation take delight in the beauty and pleasure of the world. When you will have to sacrifice everything, Enjoy with the mental conviction that a day will positively come. Gifted by the lord, enjoy with the knowledge that you use the wealth gifted. It amounts to stealing, if you enjoy the fruit of the labor of others. The world belongs to all – and is not meant for an individual only.

Considering the same to be his own, One suffers when he craves and tries to possess all the wealth of the world. If he wants to move gloriously ahead, he has to forsake the path in every step as the path is not his permanent dwelling place. Hence gracefully enjoy and then renounce for others.

In this universe all what-so-over exists is pervaded by God the supreme. Do not be greedy-enjoy it. You should know it will have to be renounced one day-fully well by you. Do enjoy but do not stick to the enjoyment.

LARGEST ORGANISATION

On earth household is the largest organization. In this household all types of people take birth. In other words household is a laboratory. Here finer qualities of man like love, kindness, affection and devotion are learnt and applied. Therefore there is good significance for domestic science.

Let the householder be protected by the bounties of nature. Adopted by the celestial bodies may all follow the righteous and honest path. May the house be ever pious and delighted with blessings all  round.

“O” child – through your mother, you are majestic – and mighty through your father. Mother is fully dedicated to your welfare ever since you come from the mother’s womb. Your body and mind have been shaped by the food she takes and the thought she possesses. Remember in life the more austere she is, the more virtuous you become. You achieve manners and courage with the education and protection given by your father.

With the help of the parents the child grows beautifully and meaningfully. To raise the household to heavily abode be a swift horse and be a racer.

TONE OF THE VEDAS

With balanced diet strengthen the organs of the body with exercise and good habits. Sleep is to be regulated. Keep them strong as rock and be free of diseases.

The prevailing tone of Vedas is self dependence. The Yajur Veda furnishes sermons in this way.

With devotion “O” man – may you yourself perform the work entrusted to you and you may enjoy yourself. By anyone other than you your grandeur cannot be achieved. To seek the strength of your soul equips yourself with sound body and resolute mind.

Let your two eyes, two nostrils, two ears, two arms, head, chest, stomach, two feet, mouth and sex organs beautifully develop and grow. If someone else worships and meditates on your behalf never think soundly that you will be benefitted.

How Krishna’s body shall be sound and nourished if Rama eats good food? For his sustenance it is only the idle that depends on.

By some body’s intelligence – you cannot be wise. Work hard and gain sweet joy and jubilation. If someone works for you, you cannot acquire sweet joy.

You alone will serve yourself and you are your real friend and also you are your own foe of your own destiny. You are the maker of your own destiny. With the support of someone else you cannot be strong

They are all dear to Almighty who do not depend upon others.

YOU ARE THE MYSTERIOUS GIVER

With many virtues you have been blessed with ‘o’ woman-by the creator.

O woman you give joy to all like moon. At the critical moments of the family you console everybody with a smiling face. As the bright lamps do, you illuminate the house as you are the Jyoti. By giving birth to sons and daughters, you maintain the tradition of the family as you are Aditi. With intellectual acumen you give excellent advice timely as you are sarasvati. Of the knowledge of creation you are the mysterious giver. By bestowing glorious children you become famous as you are “vismrti”. Even if you commit grave mistakes by virtue of your feminine power you are saved on as you are “AGHNYA”.

You are the builder-saver, sustainer of the human race in the creation of the supreme Almighty.
When such a woman is dishonored, nations and families are destroyed.

For the good of others you sacrifice your own comfort as you are “Havya”. You are kamya as man craves your appearance company. You are sweet and tender.

SOUL OF SACRIFICE

Soul of sacrifice is svaha. In each oblation, this is the last and essential part of the incantation. Self sacrifice is svaha. At the cost of one’s comforts, if one does good to others – it is known as svaha. Oblation of all beauties of nature offering life energy to living beings when the sacrificer takes the view of the sky with Ahuti”

To serve all creatures, the sun burns itself. Offered for living beings, light from the sky, food from the earth are the gifts of oblation. Due to sacrifice and generosity of nature, the universe exists. With joy the heart of a devout sacrificer throbs.

The monsoon showers “Ahuti” in the form of rains almost everywhere collecting the vapor of the ocean. For the welfare humanity, likewise, one should spread out and utilize his physical and mental strength. The divine rains of peace should be showered on the parched heart of the earth. The spirit of Ahuti is surrendered for the welfare of others as ambrosia by sun, moon, wind and cloud regularly.

SORROW LESS WORLD

Sorrow less world is the world of bright and light. In order to attain perfection and prosperity, Man should move like a shift horse. To reach the goal and to be noble one has the privilege to aspire. A slow mover generally is deprived of fortune. In efforts and in work, one should be engaged auspiciously every moment. From the very place you stand on the earth and dig out the fire. While digging fire from her breast. You may be favored by the mother earth with the fire of wisdom and strength in the shape of perseverance and firmness.

Her glory may be perpetuated. Facing the dazzling sun in the sky may the fortune fly aloft with the illustrious flag of earth. May we be inspired by the sun and the earth.

In surveillance of the mighty sun sovereign of men may dig up the brilliant fire from the lap of the earth shining with imperishable luster which is the quick dispeller of darkness. For fortune may we utilize our mysterious body and rise up to heaven.

With spiritual fire in our heart may we proceed to the sorrow less world that admits no misery and sorrow.

THE HUMAN VALUES

To protect the human values, the fortunate men travel across the world in order to ugrade the downtrodden and help the poor. With a view to relieve the burden of the suffering of mankind, without any hindrance may your long journey be fruitful. Fearlessly proceed forward by remembering the resplendent heaven that protects you. Inspired by the blessings of the illumined sphere travel with joy and jubilation thinking that the entire earth is your house, with the feeling that all the living beings are your dear and near and kith and kin.

Like the sky expand your soul. Like the fathomless ocean may your life of dedication be deep. Enemies may obstruct your path and you may be tempted by allurement. Be cool and solid always when you face such attractions of pleasure. Any enjoyment you consider as illness. Sacred duties of the world citizens are to be done by you. This should be your feelings always. In the heart of everyone between play of passion and self control, a ceaseless conflict ever goes on.

By strong determination only you can overcome all obstacles and this well help you to crown you with victory.

PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

May your path of righteousness be sanctified by streams of purified butter. On the path of piety and simplicity may you move towards your destination.

The symbol of dishonesty and crookedness is the snake. Man becomes evil minded if he follows the snake. The symbol of cruelty is the tiger. To cause sufferings to others is his nature. By that he is happy.
In human society, the people who follow tiger and snake spread cruelty and violence. Non-violence and simplicity are nectar. Only for enjoyment, the body other than that of a man is born. For sacrifice it is unsuitable. To vices and lust the children of passionate parents become addicted. When the sensuous desire of passion is unfulfilled, anger grows. The nature of the tiger is born from the behaviour of the snake. Be simple, kind and ever joyous. Before injuring others, the cruel person injures his own heart.

SOURSE OF INSPIRATION

To the householders of the land you are the source of inspiration. ‘O’ ruler- in purity you are swan seated. In the mid space you are wind seated. On the sacrificial altar the priest seated along with the guest in each house.

You are the ruler of the land, water, sky etc. as you are the truth and executer of eternal law, may you be seated in the hearts of all the people of the world.

Being the preacher of divine speech. You are the promoter of vegetation and dispenser of justice.
To discharge your duties may you be crowned “O” –ruler.

TEMPATION AND TREACHERY

Between the soul and the body look at the business. To the body the soul imparts desire and inspiration and puts life in to it. For the soul the body provides activities and efficiency. Soul is invalid where as body is blind. Really heart touching is the co-operation of these two. The blind cannot see where as the invalid cannot work. The invalid sits on the shoulder of blind during the journey and shows the way. The blind keeps walking, thus, becomes easy and fruitful the journey they have. Each buyers and seller should after his share and sacrifice to some extent according to ability

It never remains permanent any business done by treachery and temptation. On faith mutual exchange and credibility the success of business is verily founded. Noble Ahuti or Svaha comes from honest dealing leads to happiness. Let everyone hold each other times of need and happiness.

EARTH IS OUR MOTHER

We are the sons of the mother earth. But the interpretation of the verse is different. All cannot be considered as the sons of the earth that take birth on the earth. Those are true sons of the soil who have love for humanity and act for the mankind and those who uphold the honor and the ideal of the mankind.

For the welfare of all a sons of the earth we must work always. Adina is another name of earth. The meaning of Adina is “not poor or helpless”. But our mother earth cannot be considered poor or helpless as she gives birth to heroic souls always.

To noble paths through friendship love and benevolence they guide the treacherous and cunning people. They are the true sons of the mother land. The great enemies of the earth are “Asuras” who tread on the path of the selfish interest.

Earth is indivisible hence it is Aditi. But people divide it-sub divide again as per their selfish interest by fighting among themselves. To fulfill the aspirations of the cultural and linguistic groups for the sake of national objects there is nothing wrong in demarcating the land. Out of ego if conflict arises with greed and violence, then it hinders the progress of the land.
Thus, the mother earth is defamed.

LACK OF FAITH

Root cause of miserable status is the lack of faith in oneself. The rays of hundreds of suns are less powerful than the light of confidence and true knowledge. By the splendour let the soul be illumined and take bath in the water of love. Let the soul intellect and invisible mind be aroused. The visible ones are always shaped and influenced by the invisible. With the effulgence of the self always let it be manifested. Let the innate splendor be regained. You do not fall a prey to sinful thoughts and action if you feel the presence of Almighty God everywhere.

An elevated position has been reserved for you get up the downtrodden. With pure and clean water purify your body. By the force of truth, strengthen and purify your distressed body with austerity. Let your soul be invigorated.

ASPIRATION OF THE PEOPLE

May we be ever vigilant and watchful in the State. This should be the aspiration of the people of a nation, May we remain firm and unyielding. May the Rastra never fall.

Rich in learning and illustrious for sacred knowledge may such persons be born to our nation – ‘O’ supreme lord. Skilled in welfare states men capable of ruling the people may there be born. Men of defense heroic and skilled archers may there be born as brave men. Oxen good at carrying and cows yielding abundant milk may there be born. May there be born virtuous women and valorous men. Marching gloriously in the forefront, impressive in assemblies may our sons and daughters be ever victorious.

May we have timely rains. Let other power of acquisition and preservation be always remain at our security with us.

SUCCESSFUL HOUSEHOLDER

‘O’ householder-seek always to know your potentiality and utilize the same to build an ideal and good home with an illustrious society.

The assertion of the successful householder lies here in full. First of all, a householder should have self confidence which will bring laurels for him. It will bring defeat in case of less confidence and loss of belief.

A sound body is really fragile if he cannot attain soul power. The beneficial intake in to the body through the mouth, eyes and ears is the second virtue. The soul power will be purified by the pure food having clean thoughts. One should be a courageous fighter of inner and outer evils-is the third one. One should be cheerful, enthusiastic, dynamic and sportive always.

He should be an excellent performer of his duties – at length. Standing apart with rare distinction such a person is a triumphant householder.

FRUITS OF KNOWLEDGE-WORLDLY AND SPIRITUAL

There is a difference between spiritual knowledge and worldly knowledge. Those who pursue only spiritual knowledge will sink into darkness of gloom in comparison of the people who follow only worldly knowledge but the people who pursue both overcome death by worldly knowledge and gains immortality through the spiritual path.

WHO IS AN IDEAL RULER

Of an ideal ruler - there should be minimum seven characteristics. One - owner of soul power, two -highly intellectual, three - protector of destitute, four - liberal in charity, five - radiant among people, six - provider of comforts, seven - son of endurance.

A good and worthy ruler should not be coward, foolish, miserly, selfish, unkind, intolerant and lusterless. He should get up from bed before sunrise and keeps himself ready to review the condition of the subjects.

He should regulate his life style in such a manner so that he will be the ideal on the land. Between heaven and earth he should shine like the sun and the moon.

He should be bestower of happiness to all his people. He should be the fulfiller of aspirations of all kinds of people in his country and the land.