The Hindu : Need to follow Vedic teachings

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Feb 11, 2003

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Need to follow Vedic teachings

CHENNAI FEB. 11 . Human nature is such that it will be constantly seeking ways of self-improvement. In olden days the system of "Gurukula" (teacher-taught personal relationship helped a pupil to achieve this goal. The student not only memorised the Vedas and learnt other scriptural exercises but also served his master and imbibed discipline, which moulded his character. Even now in the midst of their busy schedule many desire to get rid of their ignorance, be well equipped and offer service to God, but feel helpless as to how to do it. Their attitudes differ and expectations vary.

There is a story of a parched area where plans to construct a tank raised hopes among every one. A Vedic scholar looked forward to carry out his rites and ablutions, a housewife to enjoy a tension-free daily chores, a potter to do his business successfully; but one man, on the night prior to the day when the reservoir was to be opened for public use, jumped into it, committed suicide thereby polluting the water and upsetting all calculations. After spelling out the Vedas for the benefit of entire humanity, the Lord was worried whether the divine instructions will be put to proper use or will they be exploited for personal gains. Two sages once got into a furious argument over the interpretation of certain scriptural passages when their exchanges degenerated and they parted with bitterness. Later, before going to bed the one who started the controversy, repented for his attitude and proceeded to meet the other to make amends for his conduct. But he stumbled on about ten others sleeping in the hall, before falling at the feet of his counterpart. Thus in order to set right a wrong, he committed further mistakes. This is similar to a person taking a loan but repaying the interest only.

The Lord's anxiety was that the Vedas should be interpreted properly and that people should strictly adhere to the injunctions in them. For this purpose He took incarnations and demonstrated how the Vedic regulations should be adopted in one's life. Appearing as Rama in this world, he walked on the path of virtue. The contents of the Vedas have not only been incorporated in the Ramayana, but the Azhwars and saints who came later further elaborated the theme. One of the Acharyas, Sri Vedanta Desika, in his "Paduka Sahasram" brings out the message of the epic and the relationship between God and His creations, said Sri M.V. Anantha Padmanabhan in an introductory discourse on this work.

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