A song of Gayatri Mantra

[prasad1]

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Gayatri Mantra Depicted as a Song in an Indonesian Film. It is not Chanted like a Mantra which we Normally are Accustomed to. Beautifully Sung, Good Picturisation, and Soothing too!!

 

[shivakannan]

Completely wrong. Vedic mantras have certain tones for each aksharam. This is a great insult to our sentiments. Vedic mantras cannot be chanted like this. That too, only people with Yajnopaveetam can chant this mantra, not sure if the singer has one.

 

[renuka]

Gayatri Mantra Depicted as a Song in an Indonesian Film. It is not Chanted like a Mantra which we Normally are Accustomed to. Beautifully Sung, Good Picturisation, and Soothing too!!


View attachment 22305

Trying to sound like Anuradha Padwal.
Sweet voice anyway.

 

[prasad1]

Completely wrong. Vedic mantras have certain tones for each aksharam. This is a great insult to our sentiments. Vedic mantras cannot be chanted like this. That too, only people with Yajnopaveetam can chant this mantra, not sure if the singer has one.

Sir,
You may need to look outside of your pond.

Have you heard of Arya Samaj? They chant Gayatri Mantra all the time and it is open to all.
Gayatri mantra in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in connection with Hindu reform movements. Swami Vivekananda, played a key role in breaking traditional caste barriers by administering the sacred thread ceremony and Gayatri mantra to non-Brahmins, emphasizing that spiritual progress, such as becoming a Brahmana, was a matter of learning and spiritual practice rather than birth.

The Gayatri mantra, revered in the Vedas and especially in the Rig Veda, has become a central prayer in Hinduism, often recited daily as part of personal meditation and spiritual discipline. Over time, its popularity spread beyond just the priestly class. Efforts like those of the All World Gayatri Pariwar and other reformers helped make the mantra more accessible to people of all castes and communities. The distribution of the mantra through audio recordings, books, and even modern merchandise like pendants and scrolls reflects its broad cultural resonance.

Complete Guide To The Gayatri Mantra

The Gayatri Mantra is the most revered and ancient mantra from the Rig Veda, considered the oldest text in the world, from the Vedic period of Indian history.

indivyoga.com

 

[shivakannan]

Sir,
You may need to look outside of your pond.

Have you heard of Arya Samaj? They chant Gayatri Mantra all the time and it is open to all.
Gayatri mantra in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in connection with Hindu reform movements. Swami Vivekananda, played a key role in breaking traditional caste barriers by administering the sacred thread ceremony and Gayatri mantra to non-Brahmins, emphasizing that spiritual progress, such as becoming a Brahmana, was a matter of learning and spiritual practice rather than birth.

The Gayatri mantra, revered in the Vedas and especially in the Rig Veda, has become a central prayer in Hinduism, often recited daily as part of personal meditation and spiritual discipline. Over time, its popularity spread beyond just the priestly class. Efforts like those of the All World Gayatri Pariwar and other reformers helped make the mantra more accessible to people of all castes and communities. The distribution of the mantra through audio recordings, books, and even modern merchandise like pendants and scrolls reflects its broad cultural resonance.

Complete Guide To The Gayatri Mantra

The Gayatri Mantra is the most revered and ancient mantra from the Rig Veda, considered the oldest text in the world, from the Vedic period of Indian history.

indivyoga.com

Just because people make it available to all does not mean it is allowed. Just like certain rites can be performed by only married couples and not by a bachelor there are eligibility requirements for everything including the Gayatri. Arya Samaj may do as they please, but I deeply disagree with their philosophies. They say they accept Vedas but reject Smritis and other works such as Puranas, and they say because only Vedas are authoritative and Puranas and Smritis are written by Rishis. However, though Vedas may be authoritative, the hymns are only given to us by Rishis. So Vedas and Puranas are both given by Rishis and both are authoritative, you can not accept Vedas saying Puranas have biases of humans (Rishis).

Summarizing, Arya Samaj has flaws and just because they do something it is not correct. For proper understanding of our religion, we must ask acharyas such as Kanchi Mahaperiyava (For smarta tradition) and other acharyas for different traditions.

 

[renuka]

Just because people make it available to all does not mean it is allowed. Just like certain rites can be performed by only married couples and not by a bachelor there are eligibility requirements for everything including the Gayatri. Arya Samaj may do as they please, but I deeply disagree with their philosophies. They say they accept Vedas but reject Smritis and other works such as Puranas, and they say because only Vedas are authoritative and Puranas and Smritis are written by Rishis. However, though Vedas may be authoritative, the hymns are only given to us by Rishis. So Vedas and Puranas are both given by Rishis and both are authoritative, you can not accept Vedas saying Puranas have biases of humans (Rishis).

Summarizing, Arya Samaj has flaws and just because they do something it is not correct. For proper understanding of our religion, we must ask acharyas such as Kanchi Mahaperiyava (For smarta tradition) and other acharyas for different traditions.

What is your opinion on other schools of thoughts that allow the Gayatri mantra to be recited by everyone including non Indians?
Eg Ramakrishna Mission, Sathya Sai Organization and many more.

 

[shivakannan]

I am not here to criticize any movements, all I am saying is for those who want to follow the traditions, do not use these movements as role models. I however criticize chanting Vedic mantras without proper tones. One of the greatest misdeeds a person can commit is chanting Vedic mantras with wrong tones (even worse than wrong pronounciation).

 

[prasad1]

In an interview with Hinduism Today, the Shankaracharya of Puri said that mantras need to be chanted by common people in an extremely careful manner so that they do not get harmed by the high level of energy generated in the process of chanting them.

In consultation with Swami Pragyanand of Delhi, who is a big promoter of Gayatri Mantra, Swami said:

a. “Gayatri mantra is for everybody. Why I say this is because every mantra has a devata and in the case of Gayatri Mantra, the devata or God is the Sun God. Now the Sun God is for every creature in this world. therefore gayatri is also for everybody in this world. Gayatri is also known as mother and again mother is for everyone and therefore Gayatri is for every child of God. Anything which is created by God is for everybody, whereas if a man creates something it may be used for the benefit of some people only.

b. “In Bhagavad Gita, lord Krishna said that among mantras, I am myself, the Gayatri Mantra. So how can anybody be deprived of chanting the Gayatri Mantra?
In consultation with Swami Pragyanand of Delhi, who is a big promoter of Gayatri Mantra, Swami said:

a. “Gayatri mantra is for everybody. Why I say this is because every mantra has a devata and in the case of Gayatri Mantra, the devata or God is the Sun God. Now the Sun God is for every creature in this world. therefore gayatri is also for everybody in this world. Gayatri is also known as mother and again mother is for everyone and therefore Gayatri is for every child of God. Anything which is created by God is for everybody, whereas if a man creates something it may be used for the benefit of some people only.

b. “In Bhagavad Gita lord Krishna said that among mantras I am myself the Gayatri Mantra. So how can anybody be deprived of chanting the Gayatri Mantra?

c. “The essence of Gayatri Mantra is that God may grant wisdom to all. Now wisdom is not a monopoly of any one person, state, religion or sect. Therefore as wisdom is for everybody, Gayatri Mantra is also for everybody.

d. “When I went to Surinam in South America for the first time, in some of the temples they did not allow chanting of Gayatri Mantra. But when I explained the meaning and essence of Gayatri Mantra to the people there, they got convinced and the things changed. Today, a few radio stations have a round-the-clock recitation of Gayatri Mantra.”

Who Can Chant Gayatri Mantra? – Hindu Press International

The Gayatri mantra is a universal mantra that can be chanted by anyone, regardless of their caste or religion. While its historical association with the Brahmins may have created some confusion in the past, it is important to remember that the mantra is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and should be made available to anyone who wishes to use it

What is Gayatri Mantra with its English meaning? - Hosh Yoga

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxLv8KnBfjg The Gayatri Mantra is one of the most powerful and significant mantras in the Hindu religion. It is recited by millions of Hindus around the world and is revered for its ability to bring peace, prosperity, and enlightenment to those who recite it. In...

www.hoshyoga.org

I know of no scripture that says that women are not supposed to chant Gayatri. Probably said by some local men with no knowledge of scripture and use it to keep themselves superior.
– Swami Vishwananda
CommentedOct 26, 2015 at 10:22

 

[shivakannan]

Lord Krishna saying he is Gayatri of mantras means nothing in this context. If anyone can worship Krishna say Hare Krishna. Gayatri is a vedic mantra and requires proper initiation. This is a simple, known fact. There are so many other ways to worship the sun god, this mantra is only to be chanted after a son gets Brahma Upadesam from his father. During the time of Upanayana. Otherwise, you are basically saying Brahma Upadesam and Upanayana have no purpose. So NO. Everyone is not entitled to this. Only those who have had Brahma Upadesam may chant it. If you say otherwise, you are invalidating one of the MOST IMPORTANT Samaskara of 40 samskaras. Gayatri is not universal for everyone. Those with Brahma Uoadesam do Gayatri Japa with wellbeing of others in mind.

What modern movements say about the Gayatri means nothing. They have their freedom to start it. My advice is for those who want to preserve the culture and follow the traditions. I just want to make sure such people also have access to what our ancestors have said, in a time where people start their own movements and promote whatever they believe.

Also, Mahaperiyava has clarified this. He is not "local men". That statement is extremely disrespectful. There are barely other who have wisdom even close to him. If you are not aware of him, read about people's experiences with him and read his books.

Again, I do not wish to trample on anybody's freedom. However, there are some people who want to preserve our traditions and give values to what acharyas in the past have said, and I give this information to them. Thats all.

 

[swamiinathan]

Lord Krishna saying he is Gayatri of mantras means nothing in this context. If anyone can worship Krishna say Hare Krishna. Gayatri is a vedic mantra and requires proper initiation. This is a simple, known fact. There are so many other ways to worship the sun god, this mantra is only to be chanted after a son gets Brahma Upadesam from his father. During the time of Upanayana. Otherwise, you are basically saying Brahma Upadesam and Upanayana have no purpose. So NO. Everyone is not entitled to this. Only those who have had Brahma Upadesam may chant it. If you say otherwise, you are invalidating one of the MOST IMPORTANT Samaskara of 40 samskaras. Gayatri is not universal for everyone. Those with Brahma Uoadesam do Gayatri Japa with wellbeing of others in mind.

What modern movements say about the Gayatri means nothing. They have their freedom to start it. My advice is for those who want to preserve the culture and follow the traditions. I just want to make sure such people also have access to what our ancestors have said, in a time where people start their own movements and promote whatever they believe.

Also, Mahaperiyava has clarified this. He is not "local men". That statement is extremely disrespectful. There are barely other who have wisdom even close to him. If you are not aware of him, read about people's experiences with him and read his books.

Again, I do not wish to trample on anybody's freedom. However, there are some people who want to preserve our traditions and give values to what acharyas in the past have said, and I give this information to them. Thats all.

I FULLY AGREE WITH SHIVKNNAN. AS PER HINDU SCRIPUTRES THERE ARE SOME DO's & DNT'S FOR VARIOUS RITUALS, CHANTING OF MANTRAS ETC. JUST BECAUSE MANY PERSONS INCLUDING MODERN SAINTS DO OR SAY DOES VALIDATE WRONG DOING

 

[shivakannan]

I FULLY AGREE WITH SHIVKNNAN. AS PER HINDU SCRIPUTRES THERE ARE SOME DO's & DNT'S FOR VARIOUS RITUALS, CHANTING OF MANTRAS ETC. JUST BECAUSE MANY PERSONS INCLUDING MODERN SAINTS DO OR SAY DOES VALIDATE WRONG DOING

Thank you. When people of today's day and age agree with the Shastras and agree that we must not budge due to new opinions of modern saints, I truly appreciate it.

 

[prasad1]

I FULLY AGREE WITH SHIVKNNAN. AS PER HINDU SCRIPUTRES THERE ARE SOME DO's & DNT'S FOR VARIOUS RITUALS, CHANTING OF MANTRAS ETC. JUST BECAUSE MANY PERSONS INCLUDING MODERN SAINTS DO OR SAY DOES VALIDATE WRONG DOING

Show me your religious authority for your Do's and Don'ts. You have been entitled and speak from ignorance. There is no need to write in all caps.

 

[shivakannan]

What Jaggi Vasudev says means nothing. He proudly says he has not read Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, and Mahabharata, and I do not understand why you would post such a person's video. Having a beard does not give him any authority. People have equated him with a Acharya on Vadiika Dharma in this modern age. I am not saying whatever he says is irrelevant, but when it comes to the Vedic religion, what he says is irrelevant. I am wondering who gave Jaggi Vasudev Brahma Upadesam.

You do not even need to trust me or those who support me. Read Deivathin Kural by yourself. Learn any Shastras written by Manu, Gautama, Vashishtha, Atri, ... . All of them connect Upanayana and Brahma Upadesam with chanting Vedic mantras.

Also, the swaras (tones) of vedic mantras have already been given by the Rishis. Altering this is a great sin. To preserve the sounds, tones, and pronounciations of the Vedas so many methods like Krama, Jatha, and Ghana were practiced and Brahmanas like my great grandfather spent their lifetimes preserving these. People who sing Gayatri and other vedic mantras with their own tunes are insulting my ancestry and our traditions, so I can not stay silent about it.

Today, possibly trying to spread "Hinduism" modern so called "Gurus" say anyone can chant the Gayatri. This is wrong and unacceptable.

 

[a-TB]

The problem with Hinduism is that people claim all kinds of superstitious beliefs and claiN it is tradition. It is true Vedic mantras are to be chanted correctly with full understanding. How many chanters have any clue what they are chanting. Most of the commenters here and elsewhere cannot tell what is Veda mantra and what are chanted from Smrithis. Lot more is made up nonsense in the name of tradition.

Upanishad mantras are not for chanting but understanding. But it has gotten into chanting all the time.

Many do not know that as per Valmiki Ramayana Sita is described doing Sandhyavandanam. I actually checked the verse and meaning before saying this. So some 6000 years ago closer to Vedic times women were taught Gayatri Mantra

Most have not understood the mantra’s real meaning. Sankara is said to have written a two page Bhashya in this mantra. That means one can write a large book based on the Bhashya

I wish I could study what Sankara wrote.

The TB is getting ignorant by the day with silly beliefs and superstitions.

The Vedas one holds dear has animal sacrifices described for many kamya karmas. Now alternate interpretations have been provided. But during Vedic times meat eating was common. Plus many rituals have had animal sacrifices regardless of alternative interpretations.

Valmiki Ramayana describes consumption of meat by Lakshmana after killing a deer.

Best way to protect Sanatana dharma is to learn what is authentic and timeless yourself. Otherwise you are causing more issues by propagating superstitions as Shastra

 

[shivakannan]

First of all, there is no need for one to know the meaning of Vedic mantras when chanting them. Mahapeiryava has said their sounds themselves benefit the society. So there you are wrong.

Secondly, who told you Upanishad mantras are for understanding and not chanting? Philosophies in Upanishads are to be understood as well as chanted. They have swaras, and most Sandhyavandana mantras are taken from the Mahanarayana Upanishad (This is for Krishna yajurvedi Smartas) and probably for other Brahmanas as well.

Next of all, where is your evidence of any practice changing 6000 years ago? Most historians only date Vedas to 1500 BCE. Of course I think this date is nonsense. But if you believe in science, you can not say 6000 years ago. If you believe in Shastras, vedas have been there eternally.

Next of all, nothing I have claimed is superstitious and not based on Shastras. What I have said is clearly mentioned by Mahaperiyava in Deivathin Kural and definitely his understading of SHASTRAS NOT SUPERSTITION AND VEDAS, is more than that of you and me. If you want read his book. SHASTRAS - NOT SUPERSTITION - discuss the samskaras in depth, and Upanayana and Brahma Upadesam are connected with Gayatri and vedic mantras.

You are absolutely right that Vedas discuss animal sacrifices. They may be done. Nothing wrong. Ahimsa is subordinate to the words of the Vedas. Mahaperiyava again, has said sacrificing animals for Vedic sacrifices is justified. Just read Deivathin Kural. Shastras also permit this.


Your last point is exactly what is wrong and what I will tell people not to do. You say people should learn themselves. This religion does not accept that. That is why the Guru is given such a high status in our Shastras and Vedas. "Acharya Devo Bhava" states Shikshavalli. Vedic mantras are not even to be chanted or studied without a Guru as without a Guru people can easily misinterpret the religion. I can give another example. Reading many verses in the Bhagavad Gita such as 2.42, 2.43, 2.45 people may come to the conclusion that Vedas give material pleasure and that Krishna is advocating against yajna and only promoting Bhakti. However, when one reads the works of Acharyas such as Mahaperiyava, we understand, Shri Krishna is talking about the Mimamsakas who accept the Karma Kanda and reject the Upanishads and that Shri Krishna encourages Vedic yajna but says we should not attatch ourselves to heaven yielded by Yajnas and we should focus on Moksha. Hence, Acharyas are incredibly necessary. ONE MUST NEVER ATTEMPT TO LEARN ON HIS OR HER OWN.

The internet has so much false information and today modern so called Gurus start their own movements. With this much fraud, no child is safe to learn about Dharma on the internet.

Lastly, you talk of protecting Sanatana Dharma. We do not protect Sanatana Dharma. Sanatana Dharma has protected us. Bhagavan protects Sanatana Dharma. He has given his word in the Gita "Dharma samstapanartaya Sambhavami Yuge yuge". Jai Shri Krishna.

 

[renuka]

What Jaggi Vasudev says means nothing. He proudly says he has not read Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, and Mahabharata, and I do not understand why you would post such a person's video. Having a beard does not give him any authority. People have equated him with a Acharya on Vadiika Dharma in this modern age. I am not saying whatever he says is irrelevant, but when it comes to the Vedic religion, what he says is irrelevant. I am wondering who gave Jaggi Vasudev Brahma Upadesam.

You do not even need to trust me or those who support me. Read Deivathin Kural by yourself. Learn any Shastras written by Manu, Gautama, Vashishtha, Atri, ... . All of them connect Upanayana and Brahma Upadesam with chanting Vedic mantras.

Also, the swaras (tones) of vedic mantras have already been given by the Rishis. Altering this is a great sin. To preserve the sounds, tones, and pronounciations of the Vedas so many methods like Krama, Jatha, and Ghana were practiced and Brahmanas like my great grandfather spent their lifetimes preserving these. People who sing Gayatri and other vedic mantras with their own tunes are insulting my ancestry and our traditions, so I can not stay silent about it.

Today, possibly trying to spread "Hinduism" modern so called "Gurus" say anyone can chant the Gayatri. This is wrong and unacceptable.

I might not want to oppose what you say even though I might not fully agree with everything you wrote.
Its also good to see a young man passionate about his Dharma..that I would say keep up your journey.

But just a point I would like to highlight..you used the word " my ancestry and our traditions"
Nothing wrong with that but its best to drop the My and Our word.

In another thread about houses being a temporary abode for us humans..I had replied saying " even our body is a temporary abode", the member a-TB had replied saying eventually the concept of OUR body itself needs to be dropped.
It was a great reminder to drop all forms of attachments.

So here too I would like to highlight to go beyond the concepts of mine and thine.

Regards

 

[renuka]

First of all, there is no need for one to know the meaning of Vedic mantras when chanting them. Mahapeiryava has said their sounds themselves benefit the society. So there you are wrong.

Secondly, who told you Upanishad mantras are for understanding and not chanting? Philosophies in Upanishads are to be understood as well as chanted. They have swaras, and most Sandhyavandana mantras are taken from the Mahanarayana Upanishad (This is for Krishna yajurvedi Smartas) and probably for other Brahmanas as well.

Next of all, where is your evidence of any practice changing 6000 years ago? Most historians only date Vedas to 1500 BCE. Of course I think this date is nonsense. But if you believe in science, you can not say 6000 years ago. If you believe in Shastras, vedas have been there eternally.

Next of all, nothing I have claimed is superstitious and not based on Shastras. What I have said is clearly mentioned by Mahaperiyava in Deivathin Kural and definitely his understading of SHASTRAS NOT SUPERSTITION AND VEDAS, is more than that of you and me. If you want read his book. SHASTRAS - NOT SUPERSTITION - discuss the samskaras in depth, and Upanayana and Brahma Upadesam are connected with Gayatri and vedic mantras.

You are absolutely right that Vedas discuss animal sacrifices. They may be done. Nothing wrong. Ahimsa is subordinate to the words of the Vedas. Mahaperiyava again, has said sacrificing animals for Vedic sacrifices is justified. Just read Deivathin Kural. Shastras also permit this.


Your last point is exactly what is wrong and what I will tell people not to do. You say people should learn themselves. This religion does not accept that. That is why the Guru is given such a high status in our Shastras and Vedas. "Acharya Devo Bhava" states Shikshavalli. Vedic mantras are not even to be chanted or studied without a Guru as without a Guru people can easily misinterpret the religion. I can give another example. Reading many verses in the Bhagavad Gita such as 2.42, 2.43, 2.45 people may come to the conclusion that Vedas give material pleasure and that Krishna is advocating against yajna and only promoting Bhakti. However, when one reads the works of Acharyas such as Mahaperiyava, we understand, Shri Krishna is talking about the Mimamsakas who accept the Karma Kanda and reject the Upanishads and that Shri Krishna encourages Vedic yajna but says we should not attatch ourselves to heaven yielded by Yajnas and we should focus on Moksha. Hence, Acharyas are incredibly necessary. ONE MUST NEVER ATTEMPT TO LEARN ON HIS OR HER OWN.

The internet has so much false information and today modern so called Gurus start their own movements. With this much fraud, no child is safe to learn about Dharma on the internet.

Lastly, you talk of protecting Sanatana Dharma. We do not protect Sanatana Dharma. Sanatana Dharma has protected us. Bhagavan protects Sanatana Dharma. He has given his word in the Gita "Dharma samstapanartaya Sambhavami Yuge yuge". Jai Shri Krishna.

Yes, you are right..its the frequency of each syllable that counts but at the same time its better to know the meaning of the words especially the grammar rules as to make sure there isnt a mistake.

For eg many times we find any gayatri having Tanno ( name of Devata) prachodayat.
At times we see Tanno Shanmukha prachodayat which is grammatically incorrect.

So its important to know the meaning and rules of grammar.
No doubt such knowledge might not carry weight in terms of Bhakti but its still important to know it.

 

[shivakannan]

Yes, you are right..its the frequency of each syllable that counts but at the same time its better to know the meaning of the words especially the grammar rules as to make sure there isnt a mistake.

For eg many times we find any gayatri having Tanno ( name of Devata) prachodayat.
At times we see Tanno Shanmukha prachodayat which is grammatically incorrect.

So its important to know the meaning and rules of grammar.
No doubt such knowledge might not carry weight in terms of Bhakti but its still important to know it.

I did not mean to say grammar or meaning do not matter. I would reccommend any Vedic student to know these, that too with depth. However, my point is, even those who chant without knowing the meaning are contributing greatly to the society (Once again, Mahaperiyava has explicitly made this point regarding this issue). Undertsanding the mantras is not as important as preserving their sound. However, it is also important. People chanting without the meaning is not even comparable to the grave sin of messing up swaras and creating your own tune.

 

[shivakannan]

I might not want to oppose what you say even though I might not fully agree with everything you wrote.
Its also good to see a young man passionate about his Dharma..that I would say keep up your journey.

But just a point I would like to highlight..you used the word " my ancestry and our traditions"
Nothing wrong with that but its best to drop the My and Our word.

In another thread about houses being a temporary abode for us humans..I had replied saying " even our body is a temporary abode", the member a-TB had replied saying eventually the concept of OUR body itself needs to be dropped.
It was a great reminder to drop all forms of attachments.

So here too I would like to highlight to go beyond the concepts of mine and thine.

Regards

I am proud of my ancestry. On days when I am lazy to do Sandhyavandanam, remembering my great grandfather's dedication I still do it. This concept of "my ancestry" in this way has not hidnered my spiritual progress but has facilitated it.

Vedas presribe various yajnas, but at the end of one's life, he ceases to perform yajnas and becomes a sannyasi and concentrates on the philosophies regarding atma given in the Upanishads. Yajnas are good for spiritual progress to lead one to a state where he can become a sannyasi, but the sannyasi ceases to perform yajnas once he is initiated. Similarly, I use the word "my" and "our" with pride regarding my heritage as it increases my conviction in Dharma and rituals. But if I come to a point in life where I become a sannyasi and cease to perform rituals, that day I must give up the concept on "mine".

Some people can follow Dharma with conviction while not being possessive of anything at an early age. I am not so great or spiritually intelligent. This concept of continuing my great grandfather's legacy makes me perform my duty better, hence it will help lead me to a state in life, where I finally give up the concept of "mine" and "our" the way Vedic yajnas help lead to a state where one can ignore them and concentrate on becoming one with Paramatma.

 

[a-TB]

First of all, there is no need for one to know the meaning of Vedic mantras when chanting them. Mahapeiryava has said their sounds themselves benefit the society. So there you are wrong.

Secondly, who told you Upanishad mantras are for understanding and not chanting? Philosophies in Upanishads are to be understood as well as chanted. They have swaras, and most Sandhyavandana mantras are taken from the Mahanarayana Upanishad (This is for Krishna yajurvedi Smartas) and probably for other Brahmanas as well.

Next of all, where is your evidence of any practice changing 6000 years ago? Most historians only date Vedas to 1500 BCE. Of course I think this date is nonsense. But if you believe in science, you can not say 6000 years ago. If you believe in Shastras, vedas have been there eternally.

Next of all, nothing I have claimed is superstitious and not based on Shastras. What I have said is clearly mentioned by Mahaperiyava in Deivathin Kural and definitely his understading of SHASTRAS NOT SUPERSTITION AND VEDAS, is more than that of you and me. If you want read his book. SHASTRAS - NOT SUPERSTITION - discuss the samskaras in depth, and Upanayana and Brahma Upadesam are connected with Gayatri and vedic mantras.

You are absolutely right that Vedas discuss animal sacrifices. They may be done. Nothing wrong. Ahimsa is subordinate to the words of the Vedas. Mahaperiyava again, has said sacrificing animals for Vedic sacrifices is justified. Just read Deivathin Kural. Shastras also permit this.


Your last point is exactly what is wrong and what I will tell people not to do. You say people should learn themselves. This religion does not accept that. That is why the Guru is given such a high status in our Shastras and Vedas. "Acharya Devo Bhava" states Shikshavalli. Vedic mantras are not even to be chanted or studied without a Guru as without a Guru people can easily misinterpret the religion. I can give another example. Reading many verses in the Bhagavad Gita such as 2.42, 2.43, 2.45 people may come to the conclusion that Vedas give material pleasure and that Krishna is advocating against yajna and only promoting Bhakti. However, when one reads the works of Acharyas such as Mahaperiyava, we understand, Shri Krishna is talking about the Mimamsakas who accept the Karma Kanda and reject the Upanishads and that Shri Krishna encourages Vedic yajna but says we should not attatch ourselves to heaven yielded by Yajnas and we should focus on Moksha. Hence, Acharyas are incredibly necessary. ONE MUST NEVER ATTEMPT TO LEARN ON HIS OR HER OWN.

The internet has so much false information and today modern so called Gurus start their own movements. With this much fraud, no child is safe to learn about Dharma on the internet.

Lastly, you talk of protecting Sanatana Dharma. We do not protect Sanatana Dharma. Sanatana Dharma has protected us. Bhagavan protects Sanatana Dharma. He has given his word in the Gita "Dharma samstapanartaya Sambhavami Yuge yuge". Jai Shri Krishna.

You study Daivatthin Kural to understand the intent of what Mahaperiyava was communicating and in what context. If you read to a child that a crow talked to a fox, the intent is not to prove crow could talk. Blabbering without understanding is tamasic activity and will dull the mind. You can practice and find out. You cannot philosophize ignorance. You have to understand first. But religion has been interpreted to mean to not think but follow.! Sad state. I cannot debate with such people

Upanishad mantras are primarily for understanding. They are chanted but not intended for rituals. You cannot understand this unless you have studies with Sankara Bhashya, Upanishad do have upasana sections. Mahanarayana Upanishad is mainly upasana section. It is not a main upanishad to study. Yes, rituals have adopted for mindless recitation.

Do Sandhyavandanam daily - it is a Nithya Karma after understanding why you are doing what you are doing. Otherwise it is a mindless activity leading to dullness. You can find out by practice

India in its wisdom never maintained history. First Indian history was written by a Britisher. This idea did not exist for a very good reason.
6000 years come from astronomical dating by taking descriptions of the positions of stars etc mentioned and reversing the sky until the description matches the model. There are other means to date as well. You can do research to find out more

There is an old adage - a wisdom. When a student is ready , the right teacher will appear. Teachers are like pointing fingers only. Anyway, what it means to do Guru upasana etc are described in Gita chapter 13 and you will Sankara's commentary to correctly understand this.

The popular misconception is propagated by most gurus who actually are not qualified. Who is qualified - Mundaka upanishad points the way

Given your beliefs and proclivities to follow blindly I am not sure further discussion will be of use

Anyway enjoy life

 

[shivakannan]

If the puranas said a crow talked to a fox it is true. Just because you can not see it today does not make it false. Puranas do not need to fit according to science. 50 years ago science said genetic material was protein and today they say it is DNA and who knows what they will say tomorrow? What if they say crows can talk to foxes? That would be very amusing.

I am not saying science is bad. You want to intertwine modern science and puranas. It will not work. Keep them separate. I am not blabbering. What benefit do I get our of this? Am I getting money? No. If I want money I can play saxophone and I can publish research papers. I do this simply so that people are not misled to thinking they can read online pdfs by random bearded guys with huge kumkuma and learn without guidance of acharyas.


I never said Upanishad mantras are intended only for rituals. And what makes you think you understand Devivathin Kural more than me? Based on your previous posts you say puranas are just symbolisms which Mahaperiyava clearly is against. Doing Sandhyavandanam is a nityakarma and whether or not one understands it it is to be done. Parts of it such as angavandanam have medical benefits (said by the vaadhyar who taught me) who is probably much more qualified than you.

Today people are left to read online without a Guru and what is the result? In the past, though people may not have known meaning of the Vedas, they chanted and their yajnas and shraddhas benefitted the society, but today nobody does anything. Drinks, drugs, and impure activities dominate. This is what happens when people are left to themselves without accepting the words of acharyas blindly. Once study is done for student, he can than go on to perform rituals, and finally end his life with atma vicharam. But to go that level, we must accept the words of our ancestors blindly.

Pratyaksha pramana (Instant understanding of senses), Anumana pramana (Inference), and Agama pramana (Vedas / Shastras) are three types of pramana. If our brain can do scientific research while not accepyting anything blindly and become successful, why is there an Agama pramana? Some things we are to accept.

Adi Shankaracharya never said question the Vedas. He actually advocated for the opposite when Mimamsakas who questioned everything and accepted only logic were dominant.

Next of all, astronomical alignments / arrangements of celestial bodies are repeating and periodic. They could have so many possible dates.

Also, if you do not want to debate with me do not. I am not here to debate anyone. I do not want people misleading others. I do not tell anyone to listen to me either. I want people to seek proper acharyas who have learned with the traditional gurukula method, not modern so called Gurus like Jaggi. Somehow you say they are unqualified, and who are you to say that?

 

[a-TB]

If the puranas said a crow talked to a fox it is true. Just because you can not see it today does not make it false. Puranas do not need to fit according to science. 50 years ago science said genetic material was protein and today they say it is DNA and who knows what they will say tomorrow? What if they say crows can talk to foxes? That would be very amusing.

I am not saying science is bad. You want to intertwine modern science and puranas. It will not work. Keep them separate. I am not blabbering. What benefit do I get our of this? Am I getting money? No. If I want money I can play saxophone and I can publish research papers. I do this simply so that people are not misled to thinking they can read online pdfs by random bearded guys with huge kumkuma and learn without guidance of acharyas.


I never said Upanishad mantras are intended only for rituals. And what makes you think you understand Devivathin Kural more than me? Based on your previous posts you say puranas are just symbolisms which Mahaperiyava clearly is against. Doing Sandhyavandanam is a nityakarma and whether or not one understands it it is to be done. Parts of it such as angavandanam have medical benefits (said by the vaadhyar who taught me) who is probably much more qualified than you.

Today people are left to read online without a Guru and what is the result? In the past, though people may not have known meaning of the Vedas, they chanted and their yajnas and shraddhas benefitted the society, but today nobody does anything. Drinks, drugs, and impure activities dominate. This is what happens when people are left to themselves without accepting the words of acharyas blindly. Once study is done for student, he can than go on to perform rituals, and finally end his life with atma vicharam. But to go that level, we must accept the words of our ancestors blindly.

Pratyaksha pramana (Instant understanding of senses), Anumana pramana (Inference), and Agama pramana (Vedas / Shastras) are three types of pramana. If our brain can do scientific research while not accepyting anything blindly and become successful, why is there an Agama pramana? Some things we are to accept.

Adi Shankaracharya never said question the Vedas. He actually advocated for the opposite when Mimamsakas who questioned everything and accepted only logic were dominant.

Next of all, astronomical alignments / arrangements of celestial bodies are repeating and periodic. They could have so many possible dates.

Also, if you do not want to debate with me do not. I am not here to debate anyone. I do not want people misleading others. I do not tell anyone to listen to me either. I want people to seek proper acharyas who have learned with the traditional gurukula method, not modern so called Gurus like Jaggi. Somehow you say they are unqualified, and who are you to say that?

I said to enjoy life ..

There are so many misunderstandings of shastras, issues and contradictions in the above post alone that it is hard to respond back in a post. It is not worth going over each of the issues. Because there is a close mindedness in the post. That cannot be fixed.

Who am I to say , you ask - I am just a human being. Who is right is irrelevant. If one is only interested in what is right , then debates are possible.

Astronomy is cyclic but dating was the first date when the specific combination was observed. That is how Ramayana time was dated in one of the methods, .. But without understanding you had an irrelevant comment. That comes under the category of Vithandavdham.

The only reason I even participated in this thread is because you said something ignorant that women should not chant Gayatri Mantra, I dont think you are going to listen to anything that is said here. If you presented a good logic then I would be open to discuss. But that is not the case in this thread

You dont seem to know what is meant by Science. Science is not about a specific hypothesis. Science is only scientific method.

People who dont have basic understanding of science or vedanta etc create a opposing binary out of them.

In fact, Science is universal. Vedanta is universal. All truths are universal. That is why Vedic shastras (including rituals, upasanas), Puranas (only authentic ones), Science (as defined above) and deeper truths beyond science (Vedanta) are in full alignment. The reason people see issues is because they do not have right understanding of any of these. Puranas are imaginative stories to communicate a deeper truths. But one given to literality cannot understand that statement. Do you know that Bhagavatha Purana (one of the authentic ones) was written about Krishna thousand years (based on linguistic dating) after Mahabharatha time. Krishna did not life any mountain. But when the profound meaning of the story is taught, then it has any value. Most Gurus are clueless as to what the significance of that story for example

Do you know that Swami Vivekananda was the first one to tell the scientist Tesla to explore equivalence of mass and energy. These are recorded in letters. Science of those days was not advanced to support the teachings of Swami Vivekananda. Tesla took up the challenge but did not succeed He communicated his effort to Einstein who several years later published independently established the famous equivalence. Swami Vivekananda had passed away many years earlier. Swami Vivekananda had his own reasons for suggesting this and did not pull it out of thin air The famous scientist Tesla listened to him to spend months designing experiments because both had open mind to listen and explore. Only our shastras when correctly understood can show the harmony of all these areas

But the first prerequisite for this is wanting to know the truth at all cost. Truth is not so because your grand father did something or you were born in some caste. Openminded thinking is hard to achieve,

That is why I said - why bother, just enjoy life !

 

[renuka]

Even though I might not fully resonate with what Shivakannan ji has written, but he seems like a very dedicated young man who is holding on to his tradition and belief system.

So I feel we should encourage young people to be adherent to religion/ spirituality even though our views because of our age and understanding differs from their views.

For example when I told Shivakannan ji to drop the Mine feeling of My culture, My ancestry etc, his reply to me made sense..he said he isnt at the stage to renounce attachment yet and would like to hold on to it and be steadfast.

His reply makes perfect sense.
Younger people do need the sense of being attached to their culture/ religion to be steadfast.

May be since we members are mostly oldies( me included), we have started to shed our attachments and our views have started to be different and more into awakening our spirituality and not so much into rites, rituals and culture.
But at the same time we should not discourage younger people who are adherent to their religion and culture.

Its better for a young person to be adherent to religion/culture even if he or she has blind faith then to let youngsters be so called intelligent and analytical but lead non conducive lifestyles.

An angel with blind faith is way better than an analytical devil.

 

[shivakannan]

I am not going to reply to people who tell others to enjoy life but are themselves agitated by the truth and randomly commenting. However, Astikas, do not be misled by such people, you seek acharyas who have learned as per the tradition not those who think they are capable of learning on their own.

 

[shivakannan]

I said to enjoy life ..

There are so many misunderstandings of shastras, issues and contradictions in the above post alone that it is hard to respond back in a post. It is not worth going over each of the issues. Because there is a close mindedness in the post. That cannot be fixed.

Who am I to say , you ask - I am just a human being. Who is right is irrelevant. If one is only interested in what is right , then debates are possible.

Astronomy is cyclic but dating was the first date when the specific combination was observed. That is how Ramayana time was dated in one of the methods, .. But without understanding you had an irrelevant comment. That comes under the category of Vithandavdham.

The only reason I even participated in this thread is because you said something ignorant that women should not chant Gayatri Mantra, I dont think you are going to listen to anything that is said here. If you presented a good logic then I would be open to discuss. But that is not the case in this thread

You dont seem to know what is meant by Science. Science is not about a specific hypothesis. Science is only scientific method.

People who dont have basic understanding of science or vedanta etc create a opposing binary out of them.

In fact, Science is universal. Vedanta is universal. All truths are universal. That is why Vedic shastras (including rituals, upasanas), Puranas (only authentic ones), Science (as defined above) and deeper truths beyond science (Vedanta) are in full alignment. The reason people see issues is because they do not have right understanding of any of these. Puranas are imaginative stories to communicate a deeper truths. But one given to literality cannot understand that statement. Do you know that Bhagavatha Purana (one of the authentic ones) was written about Krishna thousand years (based on linguistic dating) after Mahabharatha time. Krishna did not life any mountain. But when the profound meaning of the story is taught, then it has any value. Most Gurus are clueless as to what the significance of that story for example

Do you know that Swami Vivekananda was the first one to tell the scientist Tesla to explore equivalence of mass and energy. These are recorded in letters. Science of those days was not advanced to support the teachings of Swami Vivekananda. Tesla took up the challenge but did not succeed He communicated his effort to Einstein who several years later published independently established the famous equivalence. Swami Vivekananda had passed away many years earlier. Swami Vivekananda had his own reasons for suggesting this and did not pull it out of thin air The famous scientist Tesla listened to him to spend months designing experiments because both had open mind to listen and explore. Only our shastras when correctly understood can show the harmony of all these areas

But the first prerequisite for this is wanting to know the truth at all cost. Truth is not so because your grand father did something or you were born in some caste. Openminded thinking is hard to achieve,

That is why I said - why bother, just enjoy life !

I never said women can not chant - I said those without yajnopaveetam can not chant according to the rules. I have clearly stated I am not trampling upon anyone's freedom - I want those who want to follow the traditions not to be misled. You have lied and tried to defame me. This is unacceptable.