Varun: Pradam Swamiji, How can existance of soul be proved, one of the common arguments given in favour of soul is that the moment soul leaves body, the body stops smelling and starts smelling, well that can be because the body does not get nourishment thats why it behaves so. In case of brain dead people and people under life support the body function though consiousness is not there.
Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you.
First of all, the eternal philosophy of Vedas proves that soul is eternal. Thereafter, all shastras, Upnishads and ancient holy granths also say that soul is eternal. In this connection, my article is also appended bellow.
When body does not get meal then body becomes dead. But we must know that body is already dead, being made of five matters of Prakriti. Senses, perceptions, mind and intellect are also dead but function due to the presence of alive soul and the body also does not decay due to the presence of alive soul. Every matter like tree, plants, body of all living beings, grows only due to the presence of alive souls and nothing else. You see, body of a newly born baby, if becomes dead, its growth immediately stops. A newly born baby of the same date is afraid of death why? Because he is afraid of death due to his all previous lives’ wherein he experienced it and therefore the effect of experiencing the death is imprinted on chitta. You see, why a person gets birth in a rich family and other gets birth in poor family. One student has brilliant mind while other has dull mind. Whereas Almighty God is supreme judge, Who cannot do injustice. In this matter, Vedas say that we all are facing the result of previous lives’ deed- good or bad in the shape of happiness and sorrows respectively. If a thorn pinches the body, who feels it body or soul?
Naturally, soul feels through body because soul is alive matter and body is non-alive matter.
Consciousness remains in the body even after brain hemorrhage and heart stoppage and I think science has also proved it.
QUALITIES OF SOULS (JEEVATAMA)
Soul is alive. Soul has to face the result of his deeds. Soul takes body of human beings, animals, birds, trees etc., according to deeds of past lives. Soul feels sorrow, happiness etc., through body. When soul leaves body, it feels nothing but carries all karma to be faced in next birth through his chitta’s (chitta) vritti (vritti).
Souls are innumerable but are constant in number having similar qualities like being pure, immortal, alive etc. Soul is infinitesimally small, is invisible. The bodies of all living beings contain souls.
Not God but soul has desire, hatred/malice, merriment, sufferings, attachment etc. While attracting itself towards materialistic articles made of prakriti soul forgets his original form. As a result, soul recognizes himself as body. This is the stage of soul being unwise.
“NA TAM VIDATH YA IMA JAJAANANYUDYUSHMAKAMANTARAM BABHOOVA,
NEEHAREINN PRAVRITA JALAPYA CHASUTRIP UKTHASHASCHARANTI.”
(RIGVEDA MANTRA 10/82/7)
(TAM) that God (NA) not ( VIDATH) known (YAH) who (EMA) all worlds (JAJANN) creates and (YAT) from you (ANYAT) separate from other souls(YUSHMAKAM) from you (ANTARAM) with in all (BABHOOVA) is (NIHAREINN) fog like smoke (YAT) that God (PRAVARITAHA) covered (JALAPYAHA) baseless discussion (ASUTRIPAHA) satisfied only in Prann [breathing system] (UKTHASHASAHA) only paying lip service (CHARANTI) deals or behaves.
Meaning: Like an invisible matter which is covered with fog similarly dealing in only lip service and indulging in baseless discussion and are satisfied in their breathing system, Oh! Man-woman, you do not know the God who creates the five matters/ universe and the God who is separate from other souls and who is within all.
The Garud and skand puranns does not tally with Vedas, hence learned and the ancient rishi-munis do not accept it. I also paste my article on rebirth.
Rebirth and different yonis
Idea of Yajurveda mantra 39/6 is that after leaving the human body, the soul goes to several matters in the space etc., and then according to good or bad deeds takes next birth. Yajurved mantra 39/7 states that those souls who do sins they take birth with violent nature like wolves, bear and those who give fear to others in human body, they take birth in body with dangerous nature like crocodiles, poisonous snakes, tigers, lions, wild boars etc., those who give fear to others, they will be of timid nature also like rabbits, deer etc. Those who give justice and make others fearless, they will take next birth in a fearless nature. Those who are indulged in illusion, they will take birth in a place where the atmosphere will be full of illusion (Yajurveda mantra 40/3 also refers).
Those who are learned Yogis but are not yet attained salvation, they will take next birth in a place where there will not be any illusion but divine enlightenment. Those who have not controlled their five senses, five perceptions and mind then in the next birth they will be of restless nature. But those who have controlled their senses etc., will be of calm, peaceful nature. Those who have followed eternal knowledge, they will also be of peaceful nature in the next birth.
Atharvaveda mantra 9/10/16 states that those who are not learned in this birth, they will get the birth as “sthavar” rooted plants etc., as birds and as animals etc., and those who are learned they take next birth as rishi-munis. So the soul based on his sins or pious deeds takes birth in upper class or lower class. The above said Atharvaveda mantra also states that the soul in the human body knows each and everything that is each outer matter of the world but due to involvement in illusion, soul does not know himself.
As Manusmriti states in shlok 1/43-46 the soul according to deeds takes birth as animal, non-violent deer etc., carnivores like tiger, leopards etc., devils, human beings. The said are of “jarayuj” type i.e., those who take birth from their skin i.e., tissue. Soul takes birth as “undaj” type i.e., those who hatch from eggs like birds, snakes, crocodiles, fish, tortoise, etc. Soul takes birth in “Swedaj” type i.e., those who take birth from sweat, humidity, moisture, for-example, lice, mosquitoes, flies, bed-bugs, etc.
Soul also takes birth in Udbhij i.e., who takes birth from within the earth like plants who emerge from seeds etc., and are stable at one place like trees etc. So there are four above quoted main origin (yonis) of which the total number comes as 84 lakhs.
Subtle body means when soul leaves the body, it has its subtle body i.e., five prann (vital airs), five organs of senses, five sukshma bhoot, mann and buddhi.
Based on the previous lives’ deeds, the soul gets rebirth either in human body or that of body of animals, birds etc. Rigveda states that without arguments and putting forth questions to learned acharya, the truth can’t be established, that is why, Arjun put forth several questions to Sri Krishna Maharaj and in Upnishads, the followers of Rishis did so. Otherwise, in Sankhya Shastra sutra 3/81, Kapil Muni states-
“itrathandhparampara”
i.e., the traditions of blind faith spreads. So, religion should not be converted into a blind faith. No rishi has failed to describe the matter of life after death, please. Because the topic is clearly mentioned in four Vedas and Upnishads and you see, the ancient and present Rishis are learned of Vedas and do practice of Ashtang Yoga Philosophy. So they know about present birth, previous births and rebirths in future or salvation. It requires listening of Vedas from an acharya. However, ordinary people do not know about previous births, present birth or future in present life or after rebirth etc. No experience can be gained after death, please. It is always gained in present life.
In this connection, based on the philosophy of Vedas, Kapil Muni states in Sankhya shastra Sutra 3/78 that if the experience of realization of God and salvation etc ., is not gained in the present life, then we would not be able to listen the true preach from any experienced Rishi/Yogi and mere bookish knowledge is of no use.
Yajurveda mantra 7/4 also state that rishi/Yogi should get experience of realization of God in present life to protect ‘Som’. Som means experience of divine pleasure after the realization of God/salvation etc.
Actually, most of the false prophets have spread falsehood and we are indulged in illusion. For the last more than four thousand years, we’ve not been able to listen Vedas from Rishi-munis and hence the problem. Man cannot describe the period between death and birth. That is why, Vedas tell about three stages of a soul- who takes birth in human body – when a baby takes birth from mother, he is said to be in Manushya Yoni i.e., ordinary person; when he grows up and is attached with learned acharya of Vedas and Yoga Philosophy and takes Vedic Deeksha from him and thus himself becomes learned of vedas while discharging family duties just like Sri Ram, Mata Sita ancient Rishi-munis etc. then he is stated to be in “ Dev/Devta” Yoni. In case of woman, she is “Devi”. On the contrary when he makes contact with bad society and commits sins etc., then he is said to be in “Asur Yoni” i.e., devil. So there are three Yonis of a person: – (i) ordinary man (ii) Dev or Devta/Devi (iii) Rakshasa/Devil.
Only in dev/Devta yoni, the learned becomes able to know the period between death and birth, by virtue of listening to Vedas, doing name jaap of God, daily Yajyen/hawan and hard practice of Ashtang yoga Philosophy under guidance of a learned acharya.
Yes, everybody must be brave, hard worker, honest and should do deeds i.e., discharge his moral duties but problem arises when a person decides about his braveness, hardworking, honesty, worship and doing of deeds (moral duties) at his own, which is called illusion. Because in the absence of eternal Vedic knowledge, how has he known his deeds, honesty, donation to poor, help etc? So, one must make contact with learned acharya to listen Vedas and know about duties etc., as quoted above.
Anonymous: I am worried about my family life as my first marriage did not work. Also because of my very weak health I am not happy in my professional life .I have ambitions both in spiritual as well as material world. Please guide me.
Swami Ram Swarup: Namaste. Every tapasya, discharging of moral duties for family, society and nation is based on good health and mental power. So, you should take care of your health, first. I have written a book- Brahmachraya- Ek dukh nivarak manni (in Hindi) worth Rs.100/-, excluding postal charges and would advise you to study the same which will sure be beneficial for you in the matter of health etc. Simultaneously, you should not stop your daily routine of earning, worshipping God etc. To maintain Brahmcharya, morning walk is essential for your health. Also, take plenty of boiled and cooled water, daily. I also paste my article for your success in life by gaining blessings of God.
Shubh Karma
Hard working, devotion, dedication, honesty, services to the parents and elders to follow eternal religion mentioned in Vedas, practice of Ashtang Yoga, discharging moral duties to get progress in education, science simultaneously with spiritualism like, daily havan, to be in contact with the learned Acharya, to get his advice, are some of the pious deeds which make the future bright and obliterate the sorrows, problems, diseases, etc.
One must wake up early in the morning for early morning walk and exercises, must sit on meditation and chant holy name of God, must be away from any addiction and non-vegetarian. Such pious actions lead to long, happy life and bright future.
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
