Praksh Bajpai: When I ask, why are we called Hindus as a religion then I mean what are our Fundamental Beliefs? and certainly on those beliefs we shoul call ourselves Hindus and actually Sanatan Dharmi. Please elaborate……. Pranam Swamiji. Prakash Bajpai.
Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you. Fundamental beliefs of Hindus are as follows:-
(i) Belief in eternal Philosophy of Vedas.
(ii) Belief in Valmiki Ramayan, Tulsikrit Ramayan
(iii) Belief in Six shastras, Upnishads and other ancient Sanskrit granths written by Rishis.
As, I have already informed you that we all were called arya originally i.e., right from the beginning of the earth and we only believed in Vedic culture uptil mahabharat war i.e., about five thousand years ago.
I also paste my articles –
REASON NOT TO FOLLOW
Reason not to follow the eternal path of Vedas (voice of Almighty God) is that after Mahabharat war i.e., about 5,300 years ago innumerable warrior of both sides i.e., Pandavas and Kauravas died and remaining elders, mothers, sisters and babies were so shocked that they could not continue Vedas’ study, Yajyen and Yogabhyas etc., as a result, public has became ignorant of the knowledge oV vedas. God has given us five senses including ears. Whatever, we listen, we follow the same. The proof to decide about the difference between falsehood and truth is only Vedas, the eternal knowledge which emanates direct from God in the beginning of the earth. Suppose, Sun does not rise then only darkness will cover the world. Similarly when the light of wisdom i.e., Vedas are hidden then only self made path/illusion will exist and in the absence of vedas’ knowledge , people would not know the difference between truth and falsehood , the people will indulge in illusion and thus falsehood will be treated as truth which is called Avidya in yog Shastra sutra 2/5.
As regards God, He being omnipresent already resides within all living-bodies also but due to involvement in illusion mostly people can’t realise Him. So, no question of coming from outside and entering the human-body by God.
India was awarded with two main titles- ‘Vishwa Guru’ (spiritual guide of the world) and ‘Sone ki Chidiya’ (Golden Bird). If we go deep into ancient times by studying ancient scriptures, it will be revealed that above quoted titles were achieved by India on the basis of her eternal knowledge of Vedas. The country is well known for her rich culture and heritage. The base of Indian culture is formed by four Vedas. It has been the tendency of the outsiders that- “If you want to destroy the nation then destroy its culture and the nation shall perish away at its own accord.” To destroy India along with her culture, Aurangzeb in this process, destroyed Vedic culture preserved in Takshila and Nalanda universities where students from all parts of the world came to gain education.
Even Aurangzeb was a better enemy than the black sheeps like Jaychand in India. He caused harm to us directly, face to face and destroyed our culture but what to say about those black sheeps who pretend to be ours but always try to backstab us to ruin the Indian culture.
India has remained slave of Mughals for eight hundred years and of Britishers for two hundred years. During this period most of our ancient culture was purposely destroyed. Several learned persons of Non-Indian origin have also commented on Vedas but due to lack of knowledge of Sanskrit and Hindi or may be intentionally, they produced mostly false meanings as well as ideas of Ved mantras.
Uptil now, several agencies are trying to destroy eternal culture of India including Vedas, Valmiki Ramayan, Mahabharat etc. It is to be noted that Indian old and new saints are being praised in foreign countries. But our eternal culture which is universally applicable to whole of universe, i.e., four Vedas, is not being well praised now.
But what is the reason behind that swami Dayanand Saraswati or any other learned of Vedas is not being respected/praised by the people with vested interests. Answer is clear that all our saints including Swami Vivekanand, Swami Ramteertha etc., praised the outside culture more than Indian culture whereas Swami Dayanand praised only the eternal knowledge of four Vedas which emanates direct from God. While few agencies have been helping Mr. D. N. Jha to destroy our culture and insult our cow whereas foreigners and agencies could have objected Mr. D. N. Jha’s false views against mother cow.
Yes, it is also stated that Vedas are not sects and are always universally applicable to the entire mankind but the fact is not known even by Indians except in rare cases, then what to talk about foreign countries.
However in past, uptil Mahabharat war, whole world knew about the said fact of four Vedas. It is also very well known by the world that- ‘Society makes man perfect’. I mean to say that why Mr.D.N Jha has written against the immortal voice of Almighty God i.e., four Vedas stating that ‘Vedas do not prohibit eating beef’. Naturally, he might have lived in foreign countries and made enough contact with outsiders with the result the effect of society percolated in his blood. Otherwise how an Indian blood can go against eternal Indian culture?
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.
As you know, we the Aryans were for the first time called Sindus, then Indus and thereafter Hindus by the foreigners, keeping in mind that we were/are living on the banks of Sindhu River. So, Hindus was our nick name which has been imposed on us and we’ve become famous with the name ‘Hindus’. You know, America is a nation having combination of several races. Every citizen of America happily declares himself to be American irrespective of any race.
Similarly, we were called Hindus after the name of our Country Hindustan. All People, irrespective of their caste, creed etc., who live in Hindustan are Hindus. Uptil Mahabharat war and even several years after the great war, we used to be called as Aryans and Vedic culture was in vogue. But, time came and several races invaded India and our people also made their own way of worship because they had forgotten the Vedic culture. Vedic culture is only sanatan. The meaning of Sanatan is, which has not been made by anybody and which is eternal and everlasting. The present sects have originated within 2000-3000 years and were not present in Mahabharat time. As a result, the Vedic culture which was prevalent and universally applicable has been put aside and own paths of religion have came into existence. Only Hindus were left behind to follow the Vedas and above quoted granths and we have been termed as Hindus.
So, fundamental belief of Hindus is still Vedic culture wherein Almighty Formless God Who does not take Avtar, Who is Omnipresent , Who creates, nurses and destroys the universe, is to be worshipped by doing Yajyen/hawan, name jaap and practice of Ashtang Yoga under guidance of a learned acharya of Vedas and Yoga Philosophy. The said Vedic religion was followed by Sri Ram, Mata Sita, Dashrath , Harishchandra and several other people.
P K: Dear Guruji, Persuant to my previous question asked yesterday, i have few more on my mind. Recently my husband’s patri was shown to a pandit, who in turn suggested few upaay 1-He got a ketu pooja done, which went on for 9 days 2-daily dugdh and til snaan to shivling 3- daily water peeple tree 4-Harichara to cow on wednesday 5-daily feeding birds with daana 6-shani daan 7- Thursday fast for brahaspati. Some of this is doable, but in south india there is no shivling. We got a paarad shivling home. Snaan at home to shivling carries same weightage as done on sthaapit shivling in mandir or not? Also, what is the process fot the same? What is the correct vrat vidhi for guruvaar fasts and vaibhavlakshmi fasts in friday? Different books talk differently so am confused. also banana trees are not available here. What is the alternate. Cows are not available, then what is the alternate for harichaara? Aide this one pertinent question is that these are suggested by pandit basis his readings and interpretations. However, what should a normal person do when his work is getting affected. We work hard but do not get necessary results.Or our normal things get some kind of impediment. What should a person do in normal life so that planetary postions do not affect his growth, success, need for money and aspirations. Is there a holistic way of living that cuts through hurdles and gives what we want in life? Also, how do we recognise our purpose in life? What should be done to know it and understand that why we have taken birth? Please answer my scattered questions
Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you, my daughter. I would first like to tell you that in Vedas, there is no mention about janam-patri, teva, kaal sarp yoga, ketu pooja, present tantra-mantra etc., etc. So, learned never accept the said matter, being false and unauthentic. So, please donot believe in such matter. Vedas and ancient Rishis tell to worship only one formless God who creates, nurses and destroys the universe. So, the worship told by the pandit to you is against the Vedas, shastras, upnishads and Bhagwad Geeta etc. Yet, if you believe the pandit, you may go ahead, please. As regards, Vedic true, eternal worship of God, I would advise you the following-
GAYATRI MANTRA
Please, start the day by chanting Gayatri mantra in the early morning sitting on suitable asan like Sukhasan, Siddhasan or Padmasan etc. concentrate on the point between two eyebrows which is called “Agyachakra”. The Gayatri mantra should be chanted along with its meaning both times. Also, please try to perform daily hawan even with Gayatri mantra. Then try to study any of my books daily and put up question if any.
After 15 days chant the Gayatri mantra only thrice thereafter do the name jaap of Almighty God-“Om”. The jaap must be done daily by heart and not orally.
The Gayatri mantra is as follows —
OM BHURBHUVAHA SWAHA TATA SAVITUR VARENYAM BHARGODEVASYA
DHIMAHI DHIYO YO NAHA PRACHODYAT
Meaning of Gayatri mantra stating each word is as follows. Its meaning is based on Vedas and Sanskrit grammar. Grammatical hints are in short please.
Om has three Hindi words. Aa, Uu AND Ma. Aa is meant for Aakaar from which three names of God are built, Viraat, Agni, and Vishwadi. From Uu = uukar from which Hirannyagarbha, Vayu and Tejas names occur and Ma = makaar from which Ishwar, Aditya and Praajyan aadi, holy names of God occur. Rigveda mantra 1/164/46 says God is one but His names are several. But here OM the holy name of God is only being explained.
VIRAAT = Viraat word is made from dhatu ‘Rajrideeptau’ i.e., manifest. Therefore Viraat means He who manifests the universe. As God manifests the universe, thus Viraat is the name of God. Rigveda mandal 10, sukta 129 states that like potter makes pot from clay, similarly God creates universe from non-alive matter prakriti. Prakriti is unseen matter. From unseen matter, the whole universe is created in the visible form. Science also says that matter is never destroyed but changes its form. Suppose a paper is burnt, paper changes its form into ashes. Then ashes are crushed and thrown in air. At this moment, the paper changed into ashes becomes invisible but was never destroyed. Similarly the whole universe at the time of final destruction is turned into prakriti i.e., into unseen form.
AGNI = From dhatu, “ANCHU GATI POOJANAYOHO” the word “AGNI is made. Its meaning is: He who is a form of wisdom. “SARVAJAYEN” i.e., Omniscient. That is, knows each and every atom of universe and even beyond universe. He who is to be known, to be gained and is worshipful. So Agni is the name of God.
VISHWA = Vishwa word is made from dhatu, “VISHPRAVESHANE”. Its meaning is He in whom the universe is entering or He who is entering the universe. So being omnipresent, Vishwa is the name of God.
HIRANNYAGARBHA = i.e., ” JYOTIRVAYIHIRANYAM”. Its meaning is, who is the base of all sun, etc., luminous lokas or He who is the living place of all luminous lokas.
VAYU = from dhatu, “VA GATIGANDHANYOHO”, vayu word is made. Its meaning is He who holds, gives life and destroys and is the mightiest amongst all. So the name of God is Vayu.
TEJ = from dhatu, “TIJA NISHANE”, the word Tej is made meaning He who is self made and self-enlightened and gives light to sun, moon, stars etc. God does not take light from anywhere but gives light to sun, moon, stars, etc. so the unbroken, unobstructed/unproduced and eternal form of light is Almighty God and not sun, moon etc. So the name of God is Tej.
ISHWAR = from dhatu, “ISH ASHWERIYE”, the word Ishwar is made. Its meaning is whose knowledge is thoughtful and true and He who has unlimited wealth, fortune and glory etc. Therefore the name of God is Ishwar. Here it is not out of place to mention that soul (man/woman) has limited qualities and are dependent whereas God is independent and has unlimited qualities that is why He is God.
ADITYA = from dhatu, “DO AVAKHANDANE”, Aditya word is made. Its meaning is the one who cannot be broken into pieces and thus cannot be destroyed. So God’s name is Aditya.
PRAJAYEN (PRAGYA) = from dhatu, “JYEN AVABODHANE”, Prajayen word is made meaning whose wisdom is totally without any misunderstanding and thus he who knows every matter and behavior of whole universe without misunderstanding. So God’s name is Prajayen. So here also it is not out of place to mention that illusion can never attack on God and God is totally free from illusion.
BHUHU = “BHUHU ITI VAYEE PRANAHA” i.e., He who is the base of lives of universe, is most beloved, even more than Prann i.e., breath. So Bhuhu is the name of God.
BHUVAHA= “BHUVAHA ITI APANAHA” i.e., He who is totally free from any sorrow, and the soul removes his own all sorrows after coming in contact with Him. So the name of God is Bhuvaha.
SWAHA = i.e., “SWAHA ITI VYANAHE” who is omnipresent in the universe and is holding the same. So the name of God is Swaha.
SAVITUHU = He who creates the universe. So the name of God is Savituhu.
DEVSYA= who gives all pleasure/merriment, so the name of God is Dev.
VARENNYAM = He who is the most supreme and acceptable. God is most supreme and acceptable for worship.
BHARGAHA = the purest entity (though God is formless, but finding no suitable English word of Sanskrit word, “SHUDH SWARUPAM” the word entity has been used.)
TAT = i.e., the God i.e., of the purest entity.
DHIMAHI = i.e., we must hold (sort of meditation) because
YAHA = the God
NAHA = our,
DHIYAHA = mind(i.e., in our minds)
PRACHODYAT = by inspiration (fulfil the mind with wisdom)
MEANING
“We meditate the God who is the base of lives’ of universe, totally free from any sorrow, omnipresent, creates the universe, gives all pleasure/merriment, most supreme and acceptable, purest entity; May the God enlighten our minds with wisdom by His inspiration”.
Here it is not out of place to mention that idea of a (one) Ved mantra is based on ideas of several Ved mantras. So in the above Gayatri mantra, there are three things —-
Bhuhu, Bhuvaha, Swaha, Savituhu, Bhargaha, Devsya are some qualities amongst unlimited qualities of God. These are called Stuti i.e., to say about God with His real qualities and not self made etc.
Secondly Dhimahi means meditation i.e., one should always sit in meditation and do hard and pious deeds for which he will have to study Vedas in full, while discharging moral duties towards family and nation.
Third and last is DHIYO YO NAHA PRACHODYAT. It is a prayer to God explanation of which is cited above.
How to do havan
Please sit in the morning to perform havan. Havan must be in sunlight then it is more beneficial. Then half a bowl of fresh water with a tablespoon must be with you with small twigs especially of mango tree if possible, havan samagri, ghee, camphor and match box must be there with you. Please sit on sukh asan on four times folded blanket and blanket must be on mat.
Sukh asan i.e., sit on duly folded feet in comfortable position. Then first close your eyes and concentrate between two eyebrows and chant Gayatri mantra three times within heart and not by mouth. Then open your eyes.
Take one spoon of water in right palm. Chant this mantra, OM AMRITO UPASTRANMASI SWAHA and drink the water which you have put in your palm. Then again take the spoon of water in right palm then chant the next mantra, OM AMRITA APIDHANMASI SWAHA, and drink the water. Then again take the water in right palm and chant the mantra, OM SATYAM YASHAH SHRI MAYI SHRI SHRAYTAAM SWAHA, and drink the water. Then wash the right palm while sitting, with the same water kept in bowl.
Then put the twigs into havan kund with one piece of camphor and burn it. During this process chant the Gayatri mantra again and again till such time the fire is lighted sufficiently. Then chant the Gayatri mantra and at the last add the word Swaha and offer ghee with tablespoon, quantity equivalent to 4 to 5 drops. And if you are alone then also offer in fire pinch of havan samagri from your right hand’s finger and thumb avoiding forefinger. So this offering may be of 11 times, 21 times or 51 times as the time suits. It is the simplest way and I have not quoted the complete method of Yajyen. The havan with Ved mantras are always offered as the best worship of God only please. Do havan daily and both times
Havan Cd (describing procedure to do havan along with chanting of mantras) and book on procedure of doing Havan is also available, if you desire the same. I hope if you worship God based on Vedic philosophy, selflessly advised to you, God will help you. Purpose of human life is to realize God for which hard-working, earning, discharge of moral duties are essential. So, while discharging all our moral duties, we must worship God according to Vedas.