Ritesh: Dear Swami Ji pranaam. Would you please advise me for followings?
1. I want to live life per the guidance of sanatan religion: But where to start and how. Reading all the Veds, Upnishad and other hindu/sanatan scriptures in order to find how one should live life, seems too big task to complete in reasonable time. What should I do to learn how, per the veds /God, I should live my life.
2. Where I can fine reliable / authentic translation of veds in Hindi,. Website given by you in answering others question i.e. http://www.vedicbooks.com/default.asp, has only Saamved.
3. Are meat eating and alcohol are prohibited by Hindu/Sanatan Scripture? Can you give references? Are there not mention in the scripture where animal /meat and alcohol was part of worship / ritual and consumed by people as Prasad?
4. Please correct me if my understanding is wrong, I think idea is to earn Arth ( wealth), using karmkaand ( part of Dharm), fulfill all desires( Kaam) and duties so that one’s mindset is more favorable for next level which is mokch ( salvation). Is there certain pert of ved or karmakaand which one should follow to achieve material success ( Arth)? Would you please guide me for that part of scripture?
5. When I think of completely surrendering to one and Nirakkar, I feel that I am abandoning those devi/devta whom I have been worshiping until now. I feel that I am being ungrateful or unthankful or opportunistic. Feel like I worshiped them when I needed things from them, now I have what I asked, I am leaving them. This feeling also get extends to the level that I get afraid, abondoning devi/devta would cause harm
6. Are shree Visnu or shreee Ram or Shree Krishn are God ( One that is almighty), or they are devta or they are messenger. I think it is clearly mentioned in Geeta that Shree Krishn is God.
Thanks
Swami Ram Swarup: (1) The meaning of Sanatan is eternal and everlasting. In this connection, I paste my article below:-

SANATAN DHARMA
Ved= Knowledge (Gyan in Hindi).
Upnishad= Up+Ni+Sad= Upnishad.
Up means near, Ni means sure, Sad means truth i.e., sitting near, under the pious feet of acharya, one should listen to Vedas to know the truth. The education through which an aspirant gets the knowledge of Almighty God is called Upnishad.

Sanatan Dharma= The Dharma (religion) which contains the eternal truth.

The word “Sanatan” means eternal. Rigveda mantra 1/62/8 states (SANAAT) sanatan (DIVAM) light of sun (BHOOMA) is received on the earth. The idea of the mantra is that the sunlight is generated/created from sanatan i.e., eternal matter and then is received on the earth.

There are two sanatan i.e., eternal reasons of creation. One is Almighty God who is alive and second is non-alive matter i.e., Prakriti. The meaning of sanatan is eternal i.e., the matter which is not made from any matter i.e., it has no date of birth or creation. It is eternal and everlasting. So I think you will now be able to differentiate between sanatan philosophy of Almighty God, Vedas and creation and the present sanatan dharma.

SANATAN DHARMA
Hindu laws enforced by the government must be spread through out India through media, TV, radio and other sources. However, we must also know about the laws framed by God in Vedas, Vedas being sanatan dharma. So, government and intellectuals should work hard to spread the knowledge of Vedas through school, college, media etc. As stated in Vedas that human-beings must get progress in both paths i.e., spiritualism as well as worldly matters (pious) like science etc. Otherwise, only the laws made by man are not enough to maintain the peace, to destroy the sins and to enjoy long, happy life. It is sad that nowadays sanatan dharma (Vedic path) which was universally applicable, is and shall always remain universally applicable, has been ignored and hence illusion is prevalent and in turn corruption, dishonour to women, blind faith, tension, unnecessary wars, diseases, theft, problems are in vogue. It is our duty also to spread the knowledge of Vedas to those who desire to seek the knowledge. Until and unless the people are made aware about Hindu laws mentioned in Vedas as well as in present constitution, nobody can get benefit of the same. As I already mentioned that fear of religion i.e., sanatan dharma i.e., Vedic law framed by God is only a path to destroy corruption, avoid divorces, atrocities over women etc. Main thing is to educate the people about the laws. You see, mostly injustice is being experienced in our country. The comments of honourable judge of supreme court Shri Markandaye Katju over the matter reflect the image of India depicting sorry state of affairs of nation- Dainik Jagran (Hindi edition, dated 5th November, 2009, reports Judge Katju say- “Everyone in India is corrupt and this corruption can never be wiped out from the country.”

That is why, it is told that knowledge of sanatan dharma- Vedic law about the marriage laws along with the laws mentioned in constitution of India should be made known to every citizen of India. Because educated men cannot be made fools easily. I shall also try my level best to put such important Vedic laws on website and in future I shall also try to write a book on the same. However, pioneer work in this regard has already begun wherein elaborate duties of husband and wife to lead a happy, married life have been enlisted in my book- Vedas- A divine light part III.

So, your views are appreciated to follow Sanatan path which is eternal vaidic path, knowledge of which emanates directly from God. So, I would advise you to study some of the followings vaidic books, if you desire. The books shall be sent on receipt of your postal address.

List of books is appended below, please —–
S. No. NAMES OF BOOK COST PAGES
1. PATANJAL YOG DARSHAN PT I 131.00 332
2. PATANJAL YOG DARSHAN PT II 300.00 295
3. VEDIC PRAVACHAN SANGRAH(Reprinted) 120.00 118
4. VEDIC SATSANG SANGRAH PT II 12.00 29
5. MANAV DHARAM SHIKSHA 21.00 88
6. ATMIK UDGAR 51.00 42
7. DIL SE DIL KI BAAT 21.00 20
8 YAJ KARAM SARVSHRESHTH ISHWAR POOJA 65.00 132
9. BRAHAMCHARYA DUKH NIVARAK DIVYA MANNI 100.00 173
10. MRITYU EK KATU SATYA 20.00 63
11. BHAJAN KIRTAN 40.00 64
12. SHRIMADBHAGWAD GEETA EK VEDIC RAHSYA (CHAP. 1-6) 400.00 739
13. SHRIMADBHAGWAD GEETA EK VEDIC REHASYA (CHAP. 7-12) 400.00 594
14. SANDHYA MANTRA 25.00 33
15. VEDIC PRAVACHAN SANGRAH PT II 120.00 124
16. SHRIMADBHAGWAD GEETA EK VEDIC RAHSYA (Chap. 13-15) 250.00 246
(IN HINDI 1-16)

17. VEDANTA & ETERNAL VEDAS’ PHILOSOPHY PT I 31.00 77
18. VEDANTA AND ETERNAL VEDAS’ PHILOSOPHY PT II 20.00 92
19. YOGA A DIVINE VEDAS PHILOSOPHY 65.00 123
20. VEDAS A DIVINE LIGHT Pt. I 80.00 190
21. PROTECT THE HOLY COW, SAY VEDAS 40.00 58
22. VEDAS A DIVINE LIGHT PT. II 121.00 279
23. VEDAS A DIVINE LIGHT PT. III 100.00 126
24. VEDAS A DIVINE LIGHT PT. IV 100.00 154
25. VEDAS A DIVINE LIGHT PT. V 140.00 104
(IN ENGLISH 17-25)
26. VEDA – DIVYA GNANA (TRANSLATED IN KANNADA)
(Originally in English as VEDAS A DIVINE LIGHT PT. I ) 120 202

LIST OF CASSETTES & CDs Sung by Swamijee
1. SANT VANNI CASSETTES (PT 1-8) 35.00 EACH
2. BHAJ GOVINDAM CASSETTE 35.00
3. VCDS VEDOIN KEE CHHAWON TALE PT1&2 50.00 EACH
4. ISHWAR KEE AWAZ SUNO (ACD) 36.00
5. SAB MEIN VYAPAK JYOTI EK (ACD) 36.00
6. SANT VANNI PT. 1-4 (ACD) 35.00 EACH
7. VALMIKI RAMAYAN (ACD) 36.00
8. ISHWAR BIN SUKH NAHIN (ACD) 36.00
9.SARVAVYAPAK ISHWAR MAHIMA SUNO(ACD) 36.00
10. SAB GOBIND HAI (ACD) 45.00
11. AMRIT VANNI VED 36.00

The study of these books shall give you deep insight into the vaidic knowledge and give you right direction to enter study of Vedas and begin eternal worship. Your views are appreciated regarding big task. So, I’ll advise you that the principle of gaining knowledge is to make contact with learned acharya of Vedas and Ashtang yoga philosophy because Vedas is not a book. So, it has to be listened from learned acharya. In this connection, I paste my article below:-

Vedas’ Philosophy

God has made universe and blessed us with human body to do pious deeds to attain salvation only. He has not made any heaven or hell. All have to face the result of their deeds, good or bad here only, even by taking rebirth. (Rigveda mantras 10/135/1,2 refer)
God has not only made universe but has also given knowledge of four Vedas where answers to your and everyone’s questions have been given. There are four Vedas:

1. Rig Veda – gives knowledge of science, matter of the universe like sun, moon, air, body etc., etc.

2. Yajurveda – gives knowledge of all the deeds and duties to be performed by men, women, students, leaders, king, agriculturist etc., etc., etc.

3. Samveda – gives knowledge how to worship God who gives peace and long happy life etc. In this way, details of Yoga philosophy, qualities, supreme deeds and nature of the God are also given.

4. Atharvaveda – gives details of God, medical science and details of medicine etc.

Actually in four Vedas there is unlimited knowledge. Yajurveda mantra 40/8 says that God is everywhere, is Almighty, formless, devoid of nervous system, purest, away from sins and does not have to face any result of any karmas (deeds), knows every soul, knows what is in everyone’s mind, no body has made God, but God creates universe, has given the eternal knowledge of four Vedas and always gives the said knowledge at the beginning of every universe to know the science and deeds to all concern. Similarly four Vedas say about God that God is an omnipresent, omniscient, formless, beyond imagination and beyond calculation. Actually God has unlimited qualities. There is only one God who creates, nurses, destroys the universe and recreates. Atharvaveda mantra 4/1/1 also says that God gives the knowledge of Vedas at the beginning of the earth to four Rishis of non-sexual creation. And thereafter only public listens Vedas through Rishis Munis as yet and become learned. Rig-Veda gives knowledge of Almighty, Yajurveda gives knowledge of karmas (deeds), Samveda tells about worship-Yoga philosophy and Atharvaveda about medicines and God. Actually all Vedas commonly says about God also, so this is about Vedas in short. But the knowledge of Vedas is endless.

It is a fundamental law that knowledge is always given by somebody. Otherwise knowledge can’t be gained at any cost. If a new born baby is nursed well in a dense jungle and is not educated then he will not be able to gain any knowledge even if he becomes young or old. So we have to think about the origin of the knowledge prevalent in the world today. In this connection the Vedas themselves say that God gives this knowledge to four Rishis. As said by Rishi Patanjali in Yoga shastra sutra 1/26, God is the first Guru of the four Rishis. Yajurveda mantra 31/7 also refers. This is all in short about Vedas.

The Vedas are not a book, rather it is a knowledge originated in the heart of Rishis. At the time of beginning of the earth those Rishis preached Vedas by mouth and all others remembered the same orally. At that time there was no pen, pencil, paper, etc. This process of studying Vedas orally remained till Mahabharata time. Muni Vyas too remembered Vedas traditionally by heart. Then Muni Vyas for the first time wrote the Vedas on Bhoj patra about 5300 years ago. In 16th century when printing press came into existence then the Vedas were printed. Still Vedas are not those which have been printed but those which are preached by mouth by an Acharya/yogi and the printed Vedas are called Sanhita.

Now if somebody worships a statue etc., then it is their own creation please but Vedas deny. According to Vedas the best worship of the God is Yajyen for which all Vedas are self-proof. Yajurveda mantra 31/16 says that the learned persons worship God by Yajyen.

So many people have asked me that most of the scholars/preachers of different religion state that their religion incorporates all matters of the world including science. What about Vedas? I wrote so many Ved Mantras describing science matters therein. For example, Yajurveda Mantra 3/6 states “Ayam Gauhu Swaha Pitram Puraha Prayan Mataram Prishnihi Aakrameet Asadat”.

Meaning:
This earth revolves around the Sun in the space and it also rotates on its own axis. Vedas are eternal like God because Vedas emanate from God. Now, according to Vedas, this present creation is about 1 Arab, 96 crores, 8 lakh 53,111 years old. So are the Vedas but as said in Rigveda Mantra 10/191/3 the present creation is same as was the previous one and this process of creation is eternal. So are the Vedas which emanate from eternal God. This all concludes that Vedas are the oldest in this creation also and no other book of science, maths or pertaining to spiritualism is written before Vedas.

Like the above example of rotation and revolution of earth, the significance of whole present science is mentioned in Vedas. We can see that whatever is happening in the universe, is all according to the Vedas. For example, occurance of six seasons, actions of Sun, moon, process of death, birth, worship, yoga philosophy, atomic energy, agriculture, animal husbandry, knowledge of politics, administration, architecture, solar energy, knowledge of home appliances like mixer, grinder, business rules, about men, women, children, marriage, Brahamcharya, education, clothes etc., etc., i.e., knowledge right from a straw to Brahma is all in Vedas. God is Almighty and has unlimited powers. So through His power He is able to originate the knowledge of Vedas in the heart of four Rishis without pencil, paper, help of mouth or any other worldly assistance.

We, i.e., the whole world depends on Almighty God but God is forever independent. That is why, He is God. We are the souls who reside in human bodies. We need assistance of senses, perceptions, mind and body to do deeds but not God.

Nowadays, so many saints are writing books. What is the background to write their books? Background is clear that they have first studied or listened the preach from their Gurus, keeping aside the matter of truth or falsehood. And after studying or listening the same, they became able to write the books. So this is also fundamental law, based on which, the ancient Rishis first listened Vedas and when they became learned then only they wrote the Vedic books like Valmiki Ramayana, six shastras, Mahabharat (Bhagwad Geeta), Upanishads, etc., etc. So, first the knowledge of Vedas is initiated in the universe and afterwards other books come into existence.

Somebody may say that human beings have knowledge by their nature to create anything like books etc., but we see that the newly born baby who is nursed in a jungle, in the absence of knowledge of a learned person, he becomes incapable to do anything. Thus, he
can’t be M.A, M.Sc, doctor etc. So there are two types of the words and meanings. First, eternal which are from Almighty God and second, natural made by human beings. Eternal word meanings are always from Vedas i.e., from God. After listening/studying Vedas, human beings become learned and then too based on their own natural knowledge, they make their own words and meanings, literature etc. But it is very much clear that in the absence of knowledge of Vedas, no one can become learned. Nowadays, also people live in dense jungle and do not lead a civilized life because they are not learned as cited above. Vedas are not sects because they emanate direct from God and God is one for all human beings. God creates sun, moon, air, water, food etc., which are meant for the best use of all human beings for their long, happy life. So are the Vedas. So all human beings must accept Vedas as an eternal knowledge from God, for the benefit of whole creation.

You see, the other granths, written by ancient Rishis and present ones are completely based on Vedas’ knowledge. I mean to say, first of all learned Rishi-munis studied Vedas, gained knowledge from Vedas and then wrote shastra-upnishad, Mahabharat (Bhagwad Geeta) etc.

Here, I would also like to paste my article for your information:-

REVERT BACK TO VEDAS

It is the essence of Vedic spiritualism that whenever an aspirant enters into it then learned acharya preaches him that Vedas are the divine voice of God, which by the power of God, are originated in the heart of four Rishis, at the beginning of each creation. Learneds who indulge in deep study of Vedas know that Vedas are alive knowledge which emanate directly from God and hence they have not been written by anyone on the earth, in the shape of a book. Since, the said knowledge is applicable to all humans right from the beginning of earth hence Vedas are not sects.

Infact, Kapil Muni, after traditionally studying Vedas and realising the truth after hard practice of Ashtang Yog, also states the said truth in his Sankhya shastra sutra 5/51 that Vedas are alive knowledge hence ved mantras wield the power and self-capability to make such faithful aspirants, who are involved in deep and sincere study of Vedas, to understand the meaning and idea of ved mantras. This is the reason that Kapil Muni states that Vedas are self-proof to justify the truth. To elaborate, knowledge given in ved mantra or any fact stated through ved mantras does not require to be validated/authenticated by other shastras or any other book [but like our Rishi-Munis, Rajrishis
and their public used to study Vedas traditionally with faith and sincere efforts, process being the Vedic order of Almighty God, for all human-beings, the said practice is not in vogue at present
times].God knows when inhabitants of India would be able to adopt the said moral duties, entrusted by God, of studying and following the Vedas, which destroys all the effects of sorrows and makes our future bright with long life and also spreads international brotherhood along with other unlimited benefits.

Secondly, universe has been created about one Arab, ninety six crore, eight lakhs, fifty three thousand and one hundred and thirteen years ago.

So, logically, Vedas have also been created at this time-period. Rishi-Munis acquired Vedas’ knowledge by listening to Vedas traditionally from acharya and did agnihotra/yajyen, name jaap of God and Ashtang yog practice as preached in Vedas. In turn, they realised God and got the knowledge by doing pious deeds while leading the family life, making their future happy and bright, according to Vedas. Then they further educated people about the same because it has been
the benevolent nature of every learned person, who gains Vedic knowledge and experiences, divine pleasure, to share it with others. About five-six thousand years ago, Rishis wrote six shastras,
upnishads, Mahabharat (including Bhagwad Geeta) and Valmiki Ramayan much before all these books, based on the knowledge of Vedas. All these great writers – the Rishis, have eulogised Vedas in their literary works and based on their experience have admitted that Vedas are the divine voice of God.

That is why, Kapil Muni in his Sankhya shastra sutra 1/66 and Patanjali Rishi in his Yog shastra sutra 1/7 have shared their experience to educate us that the preach of any Rishi (Mantradrishta
Rishi) is also considered as a proof to reach at truth. And also the holy books written by the Rishis based on Vedic culture are also considered as proof called ‘Partah Pramann’, Vedas being Swatah
Pramann. Is it not our bad luck that the said secrets of Vedas are now mostly unknown to people and at this juncture, so called preach of any modern saint (sant who is against the Vedas) which does not tally with Vedic culture and which is definitely considered by learned of Vedas as totally false/unauthentic, is being accepted happily by the innocent public? If we consider impartially then we would find that the said matter is definitely harmful to the society, being against the Vedas because it does not come within the parameter of Vedic authenticity. Now, question is that who will bell the cat?

Duly indulged in illusion and mostly intention being after the materialistic articles etc., hardly anybody spares the time to study the literary works of Rishis like Upnishads, Shastras, Nighantu,
Ashtadhyayee, Shatpath Brahmin Granth and above quoted holy books which contain abundant proofs of ved mantras. Hence, when one will fail to study these great literary works of Rishis, under the guidance of learned acharya of Vedas. Then naturally anyone will cast doubt over the Vedas which implies non-awareness of Vedic knowledge. Nowadays, people study the so-called spiritual books written by ordinary people but not those written by Rishis. It shall not out of place to mention here that Atharvaveda mantra 7/105/1 preaches us to study Vedas or to study the spiritual books written by Rishi-Munis. The mantra strongly stresses not to study such books which are written by ordinary people. This secret has been made unknown to the public by several saints, that Vedas, Yajyen and yogabhyas are difficult and need not to be studied/performed. People do not know that God states to study Vedas and perform daily agnihotra/Yajyen, name jaap of God and practice of Ashtang yog under the expert guidance of learned acharya.

Due to ignorance of the same, people are not able to understand that they are doing sins by not obeying the God’s order of studying Vedas and doing yajyen etc. On the other hand, they are accepting the juicy lecture of saints, who are against the Vedas and who are mostly professional. Moreover, all the present sects along with their pious books have emerged about two thousand to two thousand and five hundred years ago. As compared to this, Vedas have been on this earth since
One Arab, ninety six crore, eight lakhs, fifty three thousand and one hundred and thirteen years ago. As mentioned above, Vedas are not a book. That is why, it has become difficult to repose faith in Vedas, in the absence of deep study under guidance of learned acharya of Vedas and Ashtang Yog.

Yet, it is a well-known fact spread by the tapasvis, Rishis-Munis by their preach and above quoted spiritual books that Vedas are eternal and immortal knowledge which emanate directly from God. This fact is even supported by renowned scientists like Maxmuller and many others who believe in authenticity of Vedas. It is further a well-known fact that Vedas have been preserved in world libraries with respect and honour, accepting Vedas as first and the most ancient literature. I mean to say that Vedas are the first knowledge which came on the earth. It was spread orally through the tradition of acharya and disciple, right from the beginning of the earth, as mentioned above.

So, Vedas were remembered by heart by everyone. About five thousand three hundred years ago, for the first time, Vyas Muniji, who himself remembered the Vedas by heart traditionally, wrote them on Bhojpatra for the benefit of mankind. He completed the said pious task on the day of poornnima, about five thousand three hundred years ago. Since, then the poornnima has been named and remembered as Vyas Poornnima. Further, when printing press came into existence in sixteenth century, the Vedas written on Bhoj patra by Vyas Muniji were printed in the form of book which is called “Samhita” and not ved. Samhita means collection of ved mantras which has been printed. Half of the intellectuals of the world believe Vedas to be the divine voice of God and yet half of the intellectuals believe that Vedas have been written by some great scientist who has no parallel to himself in the entire world. But learned of Vedas know that God is the scientist of all scientists and no one is born even equivalent to such God nor shall be born in future. Then what to talk about being above the God. It is also pertinent to mention here that eighteen chapters of Bheeshma parv of Mahabharat have been secluded, named and printed as Bhagwad Geeta. Infact, Yogeshwar Sri Krishna Maharaj has praised and eulogised Vedas in Bhagwad Geeta. The above stated facts are known only to learned of Vedas. The saints who are ignorant of the knowledge of Vedas are naturally ignorant of the Vedas’ knowledge contained in Bhagwad Geeta and are therefore compelled not to explain the shloka of Bhagwad Geeta, briefly and truly wherein the reference and truth of Ved mantras exists. Why? Because they have not studied Vedas.

However, most of the present literary works and most of the saints are reiterating the fact that Vedas are divine voice of God. In this connection, Almighty, omnipresent, formless God has already stated in Atharvaveda mantra 12/5/40 that those who do not study Vedas but take a piecemeal (portion) of Ved mantras, only which suits them, by means of studying other books etc., or listening from anywhere else [not based on traditional study of Vedas] will be punished by me (God). Isn’t it surprising that yet no one is taking the initiative to study Vedas. On the contrary, those deeds which are against the Vedas and promote blind faith are being done on large scale. To experience the truth, we will have to revert back to Vedas.

(2) To get authentic translation of Vedas in Hindi, you are advised to make contact with:-
M/S Vijay Kumar Hassanand, Nai Sadak, Delhi-110006.
The website of M/S Vijay Kumar Hassanand is –
www.vedicbooks.com

(3) Non-vegetarian intake and alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited in vedas i.e., in eternal knowledge which emanates directly from God. In this connection, I paste my article below:-

Vegetarians

We have to obey the preach of Vedas which emanates direct from God at the beginning of the earth. For carnivorous animals like lion, tiger, wolves, cat, dog etc., God allows to take non-vegetarian food. So the said act to take non-vegetarian food is not their sin. Similarly in Vedas for human beings, God states to take vegetarian food which is not a sin. Secondly, for human beings, Vedas strictly prohibit non-vegetarian food. That is why, we must take vegetables, food-grains etc., when they are fully ripe.

Vegetarians and non-vegetarians are two categories. Accordingly the construction of body i.e., teeth, small intestine and large intestine, and digestive system has been made by God.

Human beings come in vegetarian category. Our teeth and digestive system always differ from cat, dog, lion etc. Some animals like cow, buffalo, goat, elephant etc., also come in Vegetarian category. We take water by sipping but the animals who are non-vegetarian i.e., meat eater they do not sip but lick. Whatever we eat, that food develops our mind, body and creates natural behaviour. For example if we take a cub who is newly born and nurse him by giving milk and thereafter vegetarian food only and on the other hand to another cub we provide him meat, then when they will be younger their habit will differ. The cub taking vegetarian food will not be as violent as the cub who took meat.

Now medical science also says that the energy in vegetarian food is more than that in non-vegetarian food. Vegetarian food gives long and ill free life. Vegetarian elephant is stronger than non-vegetarian lion.

Nobody can take meat until one gives violence to animals or birds etc., which is a sin. Our stomach becomes a graveyard where we gather meat by eating. As regards life in vegetarians it does not harm to them while plucking from plants etc. because every vegetarian plant has short life and is meant to give food to the human life. But to us meat is not entitled. Science has recently told that non-vegetarians are more susceptible to cancer disease and teeth degeneration as compared to vegetarians.

Non-vegetarian food is prohibited as per Vedas, shastras, Upnishads and all the ancient holy books. In vegetarian food an ocean of calories and vitamins is available by the mercy of God. Please check from a dietician about the same. Because it is lengthy one and I cannot explain here. For example dal, is full of proteins, soybean has more protein than any non-vegetarian food, which has ability to inhibit cancer also where as non-vegetarian does not. Green vegetables like palak, methi, etc., are the richest source of iron and vitamin A. So is the case of milk, curd, rice, fruit, etc.

The knowledge of Vedas emanates direct from God at the time of beginning of earth. So in this creation, the Vedas are the oldest knowledge originated about one arab 97 crore years ago. In all four Vedas, God has prohibited non-vegetarian, please.

Atharvaveda mantra 6/140/1 also states that Oh God! May my teeth, like the teeth of wolf not take non-vegetarian food. Non-vegetarian has only some limited energy and vitamins whereas cow-milk is a complete food. Dry fruits, vegetables, curd, fruits etc., i.e., all other vegetable food has been made by God for us which are more beneficial than non-vegetarian food. Manusmriti shloka 2/177 strictly prohibits to take non-vegetarian food and any type of addiction. The nature of the animals or human beings who take non-vegetarian food is more violent than those who take vegetarian food. In this connection, you may consider lion, tiger, wolves, jackals etc. As regards power of vegetarian you may think about elephant who is the most powerful than other human/living beings and is vegetarian.

Onion and garlic are included as vegetarian food and full of vitamins, they protect from heat stroke, make stomach strong and make strong eye sight etc., but both are of Tamogunni nature and therefore only Brahmachari must not take the same.

Vegetarians and non-vegetarians are two categories. Accordingly, the construction of body i.e., teeth, small intestine and large intestine, and digestive system has been made by God.

Human beings come in vegetarian category. Our teeth and digestive system are different from that of cat, dog, lion etc. Some animals like cow, buffalo, goat, elephant etc., also come in Vegetarian category. We take water by sipping but the animals who are non-vegetarian i.e., meat eaters, they do not sip but lick. Whatever we eat, that food develops our mind and body and creates natural behaviour. For example, if we take a cub who is newly born and nurse him by giving milk and thereafter vegetarian food only and on the other hand to another cub we provide meat, then when they will be younger their habits will differ. The cub taking vegetarian food will not be as violent as the cub who took meat.

Now medical science also says that the energy in vegetarian food is more than that in non-vegetarian food. Vegetarian food gives long and ill free life. Vegetarian elephant is stronger than non-vegetarian lion.

Nobody can take meat until one inflicts violence on animals or birds etc., which is a sin. Our stomach becomes a graveyard where we gather meat in it by eating. As regards life in vegetarians, they are not harmed when we pluck or gather food from plants etc. because every plant has short life and is meant to give food to the human life. But we are entitled to meat. Science has recently told that non-vegetarians are more susceptible to cancer disease and teeth degeneration as compared to vegetarians.

Non-vegetarian food is prohibited as per Vedas, shastras, Upnishads and all the ancient holy books. In vegetarian food an ocean of calories and vitamins is available by the mercy of God. Please check from a dietician about the same. Because it is lengthy one and I cannot explain here. For example dal, is full of proteins, soyabean has more protein than any non-vegetarian food, which has ability to inhibit cancer also where as non-vegetarian doesnot. Green vegetables like palak, methi, etc., are the richest source of iron and vitamin A. So is the case of milk, curd, rice, fruit, etc.

In Rigveda mantra 10/27/6 God states that (Darsham) I see and know them (Annindran) who do not have faith in God and are atheists and (Shritpaan) who devour the flesh of others.

(Eshu) upon them (Uu Nu) definitely and soon (Pavyaha Vavrityuhu) befall My punishments.
Idea of the mantra is that The God is Omniscient i.e., He knows everyone. So, He knows those persons as well, who consume non-vegetarian. The said act being against the Vedas becomes a sin and God sooner or later punishes such people.

HUMAN-BEINGS SHOULD ONLY TAKE VEGETARIAN FOOD

Mostly the non-vegetarian eaters claim that as the lion does not eat grass, they being like lions also do not take vegetarian food. In the absence of the knowledge of Vedas, nobody answers that why the lion does not take grass. It is because the lion faithfully follows the fundamental law of God whereas man or woman do not obey the said principle of taking vegetarian food.

So when the Vedas strictly prohibit non-vegetarian food for human-beings then it becomes mandatory for human-beings to obey the Vedic law, it being Almighty God’s voice. When we see that Almighty God has created all matters of the universe for the benefit of the human-beings, then it will be for our benefit that we take vegetarian food.

Cow is the first creation amongst living-beings which indicates that complete diet in the form of cow’s milk should be taken which generates physical and mental power within the consumer. After the cow, God created horse. Horse symbolises physical power. So when a person takes complete diet as cow’s milk, he attains complete physical strength to use the same by pure mind in the shape of a human–being which is third creation of Almighty God. So cow gives complete food, horse indicates physical strength and its best use such as manufacturing vehicles with horse-power engines, machines etc., and a person makes such vehicles etc., by taking complete food.

Hence, it is unfortunate that due to lack of Vedic knowledge, people are slaughtering cow which gives complete food, horses which symbolise power and even destroying human-beings who have mind to exploit food and power for the benefit of human-beings. So the first three creations of Almighty God must be loved and not destroyed. Our love for God’s creations will make the God to shower His love on us and the destruction of His creations will force the Almighty God to befall curse on us. If I am not mistaken God’s curse is being seen everybody in the whole world, indication of which is mentioned in Atharvaveda.

I also suggest you to read my book “Protect the Holy Cow say Vedas”, which shall give you comprehensive knowledge regarding fact that animal sacrifice or any other violence in Yajyen is strictly prohibited in Vedas. I also paste my article

Pious Indian land of Rishi-Munis, Sri Ram, Sri Krishna and thereafter of several holy saints i.e., to say a number of great dignitaries have been taking birth on Indian soil to listen to Vedas, perform holy Yajyen and to protect the Brahmins (Vedic scholars), Cows, and to serve the human-beings and thus to make the nation strong. Uptil Mahabharat war, just one monarch ruled the entire earth. After the Mahabharat war, the study of Vedas etc., declined. As a result, the worship against the Vedas originated and thus the unity of human-beings was shattered. It resulted in division of the earth into small parts and now several countries have come into existence. This situation has arisen due to decline in knowledge of Vedas. The study of holy books written by ancient Rishis, example- Shathpath Brahmin Granth, Nirukta, Nighantu, Ashtadhyaee, Mahabhashya, Varnnochcharann shiksha also declined. Hence, foreigners as well as Indians have started writing books on Vedas interpreting their own meanings which is totally against the essence of Vedas’ philosophy. For example- Saayannacharya has written a wrong meaning of Atharvaveda Mantra 1, kand 9, sukta 4 that in a Yajyen bull must be sacrificed and the pieces of his flesh must be distributed amongst the devotees in Yajyen. How a learned can even think about such a false meaning inspiring violence? When Atharvaveda Mantra 6/140/1 states-

“YAU VYAGHRAVAVROODHAU JIGHATSATAHA PITRAM MATRAM CHA.
TAU DANTAU BRAHAMANNASPATE SHIVAU KRINNU JAATVEDAHA.”
(Atharvaveda Mantra 6/140/1)

The Devta of this mantra is “Brihaspati, Danta”.

Meaning:- (YAU) The teeth (VYAGHRAU) like the teeth of wolf (AVROODHAU) have been generated (PITRAM MATRAM CHA JIGHATSATAHA) wants to kill mother and father i.e., wants to take flesh. So Oh! (JAATVEDAHA) omnipresent God (BRAHAMANNASPATE) lord of knowledge of Vedas may (TAU DANTAU) those teeth (SHIVAU KRINNU) be beneficial for us so that we may not be non-vegetarian.

The meaning of Shivau is auspicious, friendly, beneficial. Deep consideration of the mantra would reveal that our teeth will only be beneficial /friendly to others when we will not be even think about inflicting violence to others. That is why, Mantras states that teeth should not consume flesh, it being sin. Manusmriti also states that without inflicting violence on others, meat can not be taken. So one must always avoid non-vegetarian food.

Manusmriti Shloka 2/177states (VARJET MADHU MAANSAM PRANNINAAM HINSANUM) i.e., non-vegetarian food, addictions, intoxications and the violence to all living beings is strictly prohibited.

Oh! God my teeth which are like the teeth of wolf should not take non-vegetarian food. The idea of the mantra is this that our teeth of upper jaw and lower jaw should never take non-vegetarian food like a wolf. It reveals that God has made difference between human-beings and animals.

So the real meaning of Atharvaveda Mantra 9/4/1 quoted above is this that the bull should be nursed well so that it may be able to generate new generation of calves resulting in increase of yield of milk and its availability to every household. The meaning of said mantra is as under:-
Devta of the Sukta is “Rishabhaha”. So meaning of Rishabhaha is bull.
In the mantra, there is no sign of violence or distribution of flesh to devotees as told by Sayannacharya.

(4) Yes, please Vedas tell that we’ve to get progress both in worldly pious deeds (which includes earning wealth also) and spiritualism for example there is a prayer in ved mantra “Syam Patyo Rayeennam” i.e., Oh! God may I become owner of wealth. King Dashrath, Harishchandra , Pandvas etc., were richest dignitaries and simultaneously , they got vaidic knowledge and spiritualism.

(5) Vedas tell only to worship Formless God because according to Vedas there is no existence of Idol devi-devtas and avtarwad is not possible, in Vedas.

Idol worship is not mentioned in Vedas

If an aspirant will concentrate over mouth of idol then for sometime he will concentrate on chin, nose, head etc., but concentration on one point will not be achieved. Secondly, Vedas do not preach to concentrate outside the body. Yog shastra sutra 3/1 also states, DESHBANDHASYA CHITTASYA DHARNA” i.e., concentrate on a point of body like agyachakra, tip of the nose or heart. So we cannot go against the ved-shastras. Yes, idol worship has been started within two thousand and five hundred years. That is why, Vedas do not tell for idol worship but if people desire, they can go ahead.

Pictures, drawings etc., may not be considered idols but it is an art and not worship of God. We must know that knowledge of Vedas emanates direct from God and idol worship has been made by human beings. So now we have to decide whether we obey God or human beings.

If we still follow the path made by humans then no problem, one must go ahead. On the other hand, follower of Vedas must continue his own path.

In four Vedas, the media to realize the God has been stated as – Study of Vedas under guidance of acharya which is a real media and as mentioned in the Vedas, one has to follow the preach mentioned therein viz., performance of Yajyen, name jaap of God , regular contact with learned acharya of Vedas, ashtang Yoga Practice under his guidance etc. The said media is stated by God Himself in Vedas. Man, an artist, clay and every matter right from straw to sun, moon, air, space etc., is the creation of God. It thus concludes that we have to worship and realize the creator and we must not be attracted towards creation. Attraction is the task of senses, perceptions and mind which is destroyed but the creator is immortal. No other media is stated in Vedas except the human body through which the said worship is done by a Yogi, Rishi-muni or aspirant.

Vedas-shastras state that God is omnipresent and according to Yajurveda mantra 40/6 it is true but other mantras state that God is “Ninnaya” that is hidden in the universe and we have to locate the
hidden God and not the visible, non-alive matters of the world.

T.V., radios etc., all articles are man-made and controlled by some mechanism. And examples of man-made mechanism are actually not applied on Almighty, omnipresent God. Any mechanism, for
example- rocket launching , launching of satellites etc., involves the mind of a man and mind has limited power otherwise mind could have searched the hidden Almighty God also but Vedas state that mind, intellect , senses etc., have limited power and God is beyond imagination , beyond description, beyond calculation. That is why, our ancient Rishis, Rajrishis practised Vedic path that is did practice of Ashtang Yoga Philosophy, yajyen etc.

As such they exercised control over mind, intellect, senses etc. A Yogi when makes the mind dead etc., and forgets even himself (soul) then he realizes the God. This eternal Vedic path of Yoga philosophy has been very well preached by Rishi Patanjali in his Yog Shastra.

God is not a matter to be seen with eyes. So how can He be seen alone in everything with the destructive eye?

Ego is not one-sided matter. If there is ego, neither a formless God is realized nor difference between idol or formless God is established. It is ego that most of the people respect the idol worship as well as formless God’s worship mentioned in Vedas but when an aspirant follows the Vedas, his mind becomes stable, then he only accepts worship of formless God and not others. Whereas, the worshipper who worships idol, he accepts formless God also i.e., he cannot ignore Vedas and can not accept one path alone. We must deeply think over it that why is it so?

God being formless has not preached regarding any of His substitute or symbol, so the aspirant who knows Vedic philosophy accepts the God’s preach accordingly. When God in four Vedas, has not
stated about His mark or representative then how the follower would accept the same? Vedas have been preaching the formless worship as quoted above eternally whereas the worship of idol has been made for the last about two thousand five hundred years ago by the human-beings. So there is difference of worship of formless God and idol.

Idol worship is the worship where the sentiments and emotions of heart are involved and all the said involvements are man-made as well as destructible. How a mind/intellect having limited power can dig out the Almighty, formless, hidden God from the creation? God is Almighty i.e., He has unlimited powers whereas soul who is being assisted by mind, intellect and senses etc., has limited power.

Yajurveda mantra 1/5 and Rigveda mantra 3/56/1 states that even God cannot transgress His rules. So how can God be transformed according to our emotions and be forced to accept our sentiments which are not according to His laws of nature.

All Vedas state that His laws of creation remain unchangeable. So there is no value of our sentiments etc., contrary to His rules and regulations. In the said Rigveda mantra, God strictly
states “that all mountains, seas, rivers and even the Yogis who have realized Him (God) are incapable to change His rules and regulations and the way of worship etc.” So our self-made worship, emotions and sentiments etc., are of no use until these are according to Vedas.

As regards flag, yes it is invaluable not only for soldiers but for countrymen as well. However, the flag of each country is different. Will any other countryman sacrifice his life for our Tiranga? We, the Indians are enough to sacrifice our lives to maintain the dignity of our adorable Tiranga. So flags are different, the countries being different but God is one and only one for entire universe. So worldly example in the matter of formless, Almighty God is not applicable, please.

Also the matter of image being very clear to the devotee when it speaks to him in his own language of devotion, forces a learned man to say that the said speech between his mind and soul is worldly
speech and even destructible whereas when a Yogi realizes God, he is completely unable to speak, hear, see, smell, eat, think etc. In this connection, the description of Yog shastra sutra 4/30,31, 32
pertaining to Dharmamegh Samadhi refers.

Yes, only currency notes are valuable. Similarly the Yogis –like Yogeshwar Sri Krishna Maharaj, Sri Ram, Vyas muniji, Guru Vasishth, Atri Rishi, Patanjali Rishi and the present Yogis-Rishis –Munis who have realized God, following the Vedic path are valuable. The stamp of beloved God is everywhere that is in sky, water, vegetation, in each living being etc. But as far as worship is concerned then the follower of Vedas only worships formless God who creates, nurses and destroys the universe, alone being Almighty. He is Almighty, therefore, He does not need any assistance from anyone.

This is never forgotten that the image has been brought from Jaipur etc., so if one can worship an image then why can’t one worship all pervading, omnipotent, omniscient, merciful God, who is
the source of everything, who is eternal, unchangeable, life of life and soul of soul etc. Why do we change Him from being unchangeable to changeable idol?

Practice makes man perfect. So the beginner will get the sanskar (effect) on his chitta of idol worship and the same will never be omitted again. Secondly, according to the Vedas idol worship is not authentic. You see, there is no shape of soul. Atharvaveda mantra 10/8/25 states that size of soul is less than the tip of hair i.e., soul is the minutest matter which remains unseen. But when an aspirant tries to know about the soul, he knows based on qualities. We know about a person according to the description of his qualities- good or bad. Accordingly, we know Ravanna, King Harishchandra etc., based on their bad and good qualities respectively. So is the case of formless
God. God has given His description/His divine qualities in Vedas only.

After studying the Vedas, we first know the God based on Shabda Brahma i.e., ved mantras. Thereafter, when we worship Him according to Vedas, we attain Samadhi and realize Him. This fact has also been mentioned in Shantiparv of Mahabharat wherein Bheeshma tells Yudhishthir that
Oh! Yudhishthir, he who gets perfection in ved mantras first, then he realises God.

When Formless, Almighty God has not stated in any ved about the idol worship then how will He be pleased by idol worship? Yajurveda mantra 32/3 states “NA TASYA PRATIMA ASTI” i.e., God cannot be measured. So there cannot be any idol of God because He is immeasurable. However, if people get peace in following idol worship, they may continue. Here I am only discussing the fact of Vedas.

Touching of hand and body etc., is materialistic matter which can only please mind, intellect through skin but it can’t be quoted in respect of Formless, Almighty God.

Whole world can be considered as the body of God but in reality God does not have body because God is alive whereas world is non-alive matter. So God is separate and world is separate. God
remains immortal whereas world is destructible.

The image will be destroyed one day but not God. When there is no body of God then how will we be able to offer flowers, sandal wood paste, food etc., to Him. Yajurveda mantra 40/8 states God to be the purest and He needs not to be purified by bathing, changing clothes and applying sandal wood paste etc. It is an idol or body of human-being which requires purification again and again.
External form of worship will strengthen the idol only because we will be singing, describing the attributes of idol/creation and not to Formless God. If we in the beginning are not able to judge the true, divine qualities of formless God then our love and faith will remain unstable.

Such aspirant will only feel nearness to the idol and not formless God who is already within him and who already resides the nearest to the soul i.e., within the soul.

We will have to study the Vedas which state that idol worship is not permitted by God. Yet, if an aspirant wants to worship an idol then I am telling again and again that he can go ahead at his own. On receipt of your e-mail, I am giving answer based on Vedic philosophy only that what Vedas say about idol worship. Vedas do not speak about idol worship and avtarwad. However, people are free to go ahead on their own and do whatever they like.

When I will see any art which is liked by soul through eye, definitely it will be admired and the scene which is disliked will be ignored. So if many people admire the idol of Ganesh sitting on conch, admiration is natural. As far as Vedas-shastras and other holy ancient books written by Rishis are concerned in the worship of formless God, spirit has no concern. Neither spirit exists nor has any concern with the worship of God.

Avtar

God is only one who creates the universe and no other can create the universe except God. Please think deeply is any one except God empowered for creation, etc.? The pious qualities of God are unlimited whereas qualities of soul, which resides in human body, are limited. That is why He is God. This fact is also mentioned by Rishi Patanjali in his Yog shastra sutra 1/24, “KALEASHKARAMVIPAKASHYAIHI APRAMRISHTAHA PURUSHVISHESHAHA ISHWARAHA” i.e., He who is not indulged in any sorrows/sufferings (kalesh), in any kind of deed (karma) and result thereof (vipakya), He is supreme in souls and is called Ishwar (God), whereas, soul is indulged in all the said matters according to deeds done in previous, and in the present life. So this is also a difference between God and souls and therefore soul can never be God based on the different qualities.

Amongst unlimited qualities of God, few may be enumerated-that God creates, nurses and destroys the universe. God is omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent and Almighty, beyond description, beyond imagination, and beyond calculation. Nobody on the earth can deny such qualities, but these qualities are to be discussed and considered deeply and he who does the same is called MUNI as per Vedas and shastras.

Let us think over one quality of God – Being Almighty. Almighty means God has all powers and thus God, to control the universe and to do any kind of deed for the same, can not be dependent on another, at any cost, being Almighty. Again shastras say, which is a true saying too, that there must be reason behind for any creation, matter etc. God is a reason to create the universe. Parents are the reason to give birth to a child. Ravana took Sita forcefully which became a reason for war between Shri Ram and Ravana etc. So as per Vedas there must be a reason of avtar and after studying eternal knowledge of Vedas and thinking deeply, there seems no reason to take avtar by Almighty God. As in Yajurveda mantra 2/26, so is in Shwetashwataropnishad shlok 6/8 wherein it is mentioned that there is no reason to form a God and thus God is also formless i.e., nobody can make God but God creates universe from non-alive prakriti. Secondly the said Upnishad says that the deeds of God of creation, nursing, and destruction of universe are eternal, natural, and automatic. So naturally God needs no avtar to destroy Kalyug, earth, or devils etc., being Almighty i.e., God has all powers and is independent. Not God but only His powers are enough to control, create, nurse, destroy the universe. That is why Upnishad says that God has no desire to create etc., but it is eternal and natural and this sort of desire is named “IKSHAN” and not desire to create etc.

Suppose God has to kill a devil and He takes avtar and God kills the devils by arrow etc. It means God is not Almighty and independent because God has taken help of Avtar (Human body) and arrow, gun, etc., which is impossible.

This all I have told based on fundamental law of eternal knowledge of four Vedas. Yet if anybody says about avtar then it is their own views and they are satisfied with their views and can not be commented because they could have been realizing at their own but so far as eternal knowledge of Vedas is concerned, Avtar is not possible.

So, it is upto you, whether you follow eternal Sanatan path where only Formless God Who creates, nurses and destroys the universe is worshipped or to continue idol worship which does not exist in Vedas and hence unauthentic , being against Vedas.
(6) Regarding Vishnu etc., I paste my article below:-
Are Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh Gods?

Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh are not God. Vedas tell that there is only one formless God who never takes birth. He creates, nurses and destroys the universe. His power is enough to create and control the whole universe. He is Almighty i.e., He has all unlimited powers and therefore He does not need any assistance to create, nurse and destroy the universe by Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh. If God needs assistance then He will not be called Almighty. So God does not need any support but we all humans as well as all living beings need His support and blessings every time. However, in Vedas, there are innumerable names of Almighty God according to His divine qualities. So Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh etc., are also the names of the formless Almighty God. Brahma means the greatest. Vishnu means omnipresent and Mahesh means the greatest.

It is the personal matter of worship or not to worship. So atheists are also there. But it is very clear that God in Vedas as clarified that He Has blessed the human being with human body to worship and realise God. Nobody can attain happy life in the absence of worship of God. One more thing is clear from Vedas in which God states –Oh man/woman you live on the earth given by God and all comforts provided by the God. And if you do not remember/worship God then it is sin and punishment is awarded by the God.

Very few persons know that present science has also come out from Vedas, especially Rigveda. The knowledge of Vedas also emanates from God. So, it is clear that scientist also enjoy science which is given by God. God is not only the matter of blind faith. It is the matter of discussion with a learned acharya of Vedas and Yoga philosophy who from Vedas, shastras and Upnishads etc., and scientifically also prove the existence of God. For example- we see the creation and can think deeply that who has created it or is it a job of man/woman, scientist etc., then automatically after long discussion we would reach on the conclusion that men/women/scientist have not created the universe and then He who has created is called Almighty God.

Vishnu is also a name of formless, Almighty God based on quality. Quality is a sunder- “Vishnu” word is made from “Vishlari” Dhatu and the sense of Vishlari” is omnipresent. So he who has the quality of being Omnipresent at all times without a second’s break, He is Vishnu and no other Vishnu exists equivalent to this God. Similarly, Brahma= “Vri Vridhau” i.e., the biggest amongst the universe. Naturally, He is Almighty God. So, the name of Almighty God is also Brahma. Similarly, according to Yajurveda mantra 16/41 shiv means he who is beneficial/causes welfare, is shiv. The most beneficial, who creates and nurses the universe is Almighty God. So, Shiv is also name of Almighty God.

I’ve already clarified above that avtarwad is not possible, according to Vedas.

Varesh: If the lower beings (birds animals etc) donot accumulate karmas, that means that the karmas earned only in this human form are paid off in the 84 lakh birth. Am I correct ? please clarify & oblige.
Swami Ram Swarup: All living beings i.e., we, the human beings and the other species etc., are involved in karmas’ theory. Therefore the animals, birds etc., have taken birth in lower yonis other than human beings . The souls who reside in bodies of animals, birds etc., did the bad deeds in previous lives and as a result have been provided with the said bodies. Difference between us and animals etc., is this that we can do worship of God whereas animals etc., are not allowed. Animals, birds etc., have to face the result of their previous lives’ deeds only so they are called to be in “bhog yonis” . ‘ Bhog yoni’ means they are not free to do new kriyamann karmas but face the result of previous karmas only. Whereas we the humans are free to do new kriyamann karmas either good or bad. But the main aim of human-life is to realize God by following vedic path, failing which we’ve to face sorrows not only in 84 lakh yonis but unlimited yonis.

Rishi: What is Kul and its importance?
Swami Ram Swarup: Kul means tribe. God has provided us with human body. So far, we’ve taken unlimited births. In the beginning of the earth, God has made four varnnas i.e., Brahmin, Kshatriya, vaishya and shudra based on karmas and not by birth. Suppose, a person takes birth in Brahmin or any other family, so he is from Brahmin kul and so on. However, the kul based on deeds is changeable vide Yajurveda mantra 31/11. Importance of kul is to discharge their duties accordingly and faithfully.