Quest the Vedic Answer

Answer: No, never! The soul is an infinitesimal conscious entity and has limited capacity to acquire knowledge, because at one time its contact remains in one place, hence it gets the knowledge of that limited place and not the knowledge of the whole.

GOD is infinite by nature. His essence, powers, attributes are all infinite. He can, therefore, never be subject to ignorance, pain, bondage, etc. The soul, even when emancipated, remains finite in knowledge, though pure in nature. Its attributes, powers and activity all remain finite. Hence it can never acquire full knowledge of God.

GOD is All-pervading and all reside in Him. God and the human soul stand in relation of the Pervader to the pervaded i.e. one who pervades. There is no other single word in English to express the idea. He exists in everything inside and outside.

GOD is infinite and will remain infinite, whereas the soul is finite in knowledge and power and will remain finite by their nature respectively. How can the infinite knowledge of God fit into the finite knowledge of the soul! ?

Whatever knowledge is required in acquiring emancipation, that capacity exists in the soul. God is Omniscient, Omnipresent, and Omnipotent by nature whereas the soul's attributes are limited, finite and infinitesimal in dimension.

GOD is complete, always remains complete. To acquire complete knowledge of God is a far-fetched thing, if the soul can acquire the knowledge required for its emancipation, it will be a kind of good luck for the soul.

Quest # 77: When, how and who has written the Vedas? Is there full and complete knowledge in the Vedas?

Answer: The Vedas are the true knowledge of God. In the beginning after human beings had been created, the Supreme Spirit made the Vedas known to Brahma through Agni, etc., i.e., Brahma learnt the four Vedas from Agni, Vayu, Aaditya and Angira (Manu Smriti 1-23). God revealed his true knowledge to them because among all men those four were purest at heart. God revealed the same knowledge in the beginning of the Universe as He did it in the previous creations, because the Vedas are the eternal word of God. The Vedas contain complete knowledge required by man for attaining emancipation.

The four Vedas are --The Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda. They contain subjects like Science, Action, Communion and Knowledge, respectively. God used Agni, Vayu, Aaditya and Angira (who were Jivas in human bodies) as His instruments only for revealing the Vedas. The Vedas are not the product of their minds. God is “Sarvajya” (Omniscient) i.e. all knowledgeable, the relation between the Vedic words and their meanings also were established by Him.

God’s knowledge is eternal and infallible therefore, the relation between the letters, words and meaning in the Vedas subsist for all times. They are the same in the present Kalpa (the time of the Universe) as they were in the past and shall remain the same in the future also. Hence it is said in the Rigveda 8-4-48 that the Great Creator God has made the sun and the moon just as He had made them before! “The plan of the creation of the sun and the moon in the present Kalpa is the same as that which existed in God's knowledge in the previous Kalpa, because His knowledge is not liable to increase or decrease or vary.” [*Yathaa Purvamakalpayat" (Rigveda 8-4-48)]

There are 20,416 mantras in the four Vedas. All these mantras are eternal because they are a part of God's knowledge. And there cannot be increment or decrement in the number of mantras. There cannot be any change, alteration or addition because the Vedas are called "Shruti" i.e. by listening from the beginning of the creation, by student-master relation, it has come in the shape of book in the present. Even today there are many pundits (spiritual teachers) in south India who remember by heart and recite all mantras from the Vedas.

The knowledge derived from the Vedas and explained in simple language is called Granthas or Aarsha Granthas (virtuous books). The language of the Vedas is called Dev-Vani or Prakritik-Vani (language), which is commonly, knows as "Sanskrit", which belongs to no country and is the mother of all languages.

Sage Patanjali, the author of the Mahabhashya, says--"the words are eternal whether they are Vedic (peculiar to The Vedas) or Loukika (used by the generality of mankind), because they are composed of letters which are imperishable and immovable and are not subject to elision, augmentation and substitution. Words are eternal because in them there is no elision (Apaya), disappearance, nor augmentation (Upajna), nor substitution (Vikara).

The whole world knows and believes that "the Vedas are the oldest books on earth". The Vedas contain in them all the true sciences, as they are not the scripture of mere ritual and sacraments, They are the repositories of all true knowledge including science and procedure of rituals and ceremonies. It is only he who can search the treasure of knowledge lying concealed in the Vedas.

Quest # 78: Do you believe the Ramayana - Maha-Bharata to be authoritative?

Answer: There will be no clarification in our believing or not of this Quest. But what is true always remains true. What is true in these historical books must be believed and what is false and unbelievable i.e. against the laws of the nature or science or against the Vedic theory, should not be believed, whatever it may be.

Shri Ram Chandra was the son of Dashratha, the great king of Bharata. He was an obedient son and went on exile to the jungles for fourteen years, obeying his father's order. He was a believer and knower of the Vedas and performed Vedic rituals like Sandhya and Yajna daily. He performed his duty towards his father, mother, brothers, wife, and towards the people of his country. He was loyal to his duties and that is why he is known as "Maryaada Purushottam". After fourteen years of exile, when he returned to Ayodhya, the capital city of Bharata at that time, he became the king.

His kingdom i.e. Ram Raajya was the best period of our country. King Ram Chandra was so virtuous and holy that peoples started worshiping him as God.

"The life-sketch of Krishna given in the Mahabharata is very good. His nature, attributes, character, and life history are all like that of an Aapta. Nothing is written therein that would go to show that he committed any sinful act during his whole life, but the author of the Bhagvata has attributed to him as many vices and sinful practices as he could. He has charged him falsely with the theft of milk, curd, and butter, etc., adultery with the female servant called Kubja, flirtation with other people's wives in the Raas mandal* and many other vice like these. After reading this account of Krishna's life, the followers of other religions speak ill of him. Had there been no Bhagvata, great men like Krishna would not have been wrongly lowered in the estimation of the world." (Satyarth Prakash XI)

One should make his life style according to these Holy personalities like Rama and Krishna, and follow their teaching and acquire their attributes while looking at their photos. Shri Rama and Shri Krishna were both knower and believer of the Holy Vedas, hence one should follow the foot-steps of our ancestors like Maryaada Purushottam Rama and Yogeshwara Krishna and have faith and belief in the Holy Vedas.

One should study history, like the Ramayana and Mahabharata and the history of the world, and accept the truth, and whatever is wrong unacceptable or against the teaching of the Vedas should be rejected.

The Vedas are the books of Divine revelation and His knowledge and is correct and complete, hence one should study the Vedas and improve his true knowledge and get freed from all the suffering of the world.

Quest # 79: Are Ramayana, Geeta, Mahabharata, Puraanas, Bible, Quran etc. not authoritative books or God's word?

Answer: God's word is only the Vedas, and books which contain the truth according to the teachings of the Vedas, must be accepted. The Vedas are said to be authoritative because they contain an exposition of “Dharma”.

The meaning of the aphorism is that all men should acknowledge the eternal authority of the four Vedas, because they enjoy the performance of Dharma as a duty and are the word of God. (Vaisheshika 1-1-3)

Ramayana, Geeta, Mahabharata, etc. are books written by human beings and are called as history. Possibilities are that there may be mistakes and errors in these books and moreover there are many names of people, places of Indian origin and incidents like wars registered which show that these books are not revealed by the Supreme Being. They are written by men and are the history of our great nation Bharata (Now India). Sage Valmiki wrote the great historical book “Ramayana” and in the same way Great Sage Vyasa wrote Mahabharata and Geeta is a small portion of Mahabharata. The Geeta is said to be the voice of Yogeshwara Shri Krishna.

Shri Ram and Krishna both were great kings and their lifestyle and details of their kingdom was written in these books. How can one believe these books as holy and books of eternal truth revealed by God and are true! The Vedas are for mankind and for their upliftment and betterment.

The Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda and the Atharvaveda are the subjects of knowledge, action, Communion and science respectively and all the true knowledge is distributed in these, according to the capability and capacity of the soul to acquire the knowledge. The Vedas do contain the root principles of all the science. Of these! The first in importance is Theosophy i.e. the knowledge of God. The Vedas also contain the root principles of Science, Mathematics, Astronomy, Gandharva Veda (music), Aayur Veda (medicine), astrology, and etc. etc. hence only the Veda is God's word.

God’s knowledge is always revealed in the beginning of the creation and not millions of year later. Suppose for the time being, if we believe that all books of different religions to be true and God's word, then God is proved to be unjust and unlawful. Because many centuries after the creation of men, who had committed sinful actions unto now are not guilty of their sins as they were not given His true knowledge in time, and it is too late for them to receive the fruits of their sins. This shows that God had not given His knowledge to those men who were born and died before these so called holy books. But we believe God to be Just and Omniscient and knower of the three period of time. Hence God flows His eternal knowledge with the creation for the betterment of all men. So the Vedas are the only theosophy to be believed and known.

To believe on the words of an Aapta i.e. spiritual teacher is justified if they are in accordance to the Vedic teachings and if they (teachings) are against the teachings of the Vedas it is certainly not to be believed. Indeed! Geeta, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Quran, Bible etc., whatever true teachings or incidents are written in these so called holy books should be accepted, there is no harm in accepting them and treating them as history and not as God’s words.

"The collection of the four books, viz., Rika, Yajur, Sama and Atharva, which have been uttered by God contain true knowledge are the Vedas. People learn what is pure and what is not true from these Vedas."

Doubts # 80: Are the literatures written by Rishis acceptable as proofs i.e. authoritative?

Answer: Whichever books, written by the sages or great spiritual masters or Aaptas*, If they follow the teachings of the Vedic theories, are believable and authoritative scriptures, But, All men should, therefore, believe the Vedas to be self-authoritative and repositories of all sciences and eternal. They are self-authoritative and repositories of all sciences because they are the word of God, and possess the quality of being eternal. They are eternal because they remain unchanged through all ages. No other proof is admissible to prove the authoritativeness of the Vedas. Other proofs serve only as auxiliary or corroborative evidence. The Vedas, like the sun, carry their own authority with them. As the sun illumines all objects, both great and small, so do the Vedas shining with their own light shed their light on all sciences.

[*Aapta i.e. pious, truthful, unprejudiced, honest, and learned men.]

Maharishi Swami Dayanand Saraswati says in "Light Of Truth" chapter III {We have recommended only the books of Rishis for students to study, because they were men of great knowledge, masters of all the sciences, and also imbued with piety. But the books of mean scholars have being condemned, because they had only a smattering of knowledge, and were not free from prejudice either. How can their writing, then, be free from the fault of their authors?

"Out of all the above-mentioned books (we have recommended the students to study), --The Vedas, Angas (Limbs)*, Upangas (sub-limbs)**, Brahmans*** and Upavedas (sub-Vedas) --The Vedas alone are held to be Divine in origin, the rest were made by Rishis--seers of the Vedas and nature. Should anything be found even in their writings contrary to the teaching of the Vedas, it is to be rejected, for the Vedas alone, being Divine in origin, are free from error and axiomatic (Swatah Pramana). In other words the Vedas are their own authority; whilst other books such as the Brahmans are Par-Pramana i.e., dependent upon the Vedas for their authority. They stand or fall according to their conformity or conflict with the Vedas."}

[* Angas are six in number: --Phonetics science of morals and duties, Grammar, Philology, Music and Astronomy.]

[** Upangas are six in number: --Purva Mimansa, Vaisheshika, Niyama, Yoga, Sankhya and Vedanta.]

[*** Brahmans are four in number: -- Aitreya, Shatapatha, Sama and Gopatha.]

Whatever is enjoined by the Vedas, are right, while whatever is condemned by them we believe to be wrong. Among the Shruties, manu Smriti alone is authoritative, the interporated verses being excepted.

It is best, therefore, to reject all these so called authoritative and recognize The Vedas alone as the proper authority in all matters and act accordingly.

Quest # 81: Why to believe the Vedas to be authoritative and of Divine origin and true?

Answer: "The book in which God is described as He is viz., Holy, Omniscient, Pure in nature, character and attributes, Just, Merciful, etc., and in which nothing is said that is opposed to the laws of nature, reason, the evidence of direct cognisance, etc., the teaching of the highly learned altruistic teachers of humanity (A’ptas), and the intuition of pure souls, and in which the laws, nature, and properties of matter and the soul are propounded as they are to be inferred from the order of nature as fixed by God, is the book of Divine revelation. Now The Vedas alone fulfil all the above conditions, hence they are the revealed books.” [Light Of Truth----VII]

Man is finite in knowledge of his surroundings where he stays and does mistakes hence cannot be perfect, because he is infinitesimal unity, whilst God is infinite, All-pervading, Omniscient, so His knowledge ---The Vedas are the only ATHOROTATIVE AND TRUSTED by all. The Vedas being Divine in origin, are free from error and axiomatic (Swatah-Pramana), in other words the Vedas are their own authority, whilst other books, dependent upon the Vedas for their authority.

"As the parents are kind to their children and wish for their welfare, so has the Supreme Spirit, out of kindness to all men, revealed. The Vedas by whose study men are freed from ignorance and error, and may attain the light of true knowledge and thereby enjoy extreme happiness as well as advance knowledge and promote their welfare" [S.P. VII]

Since time immemorial, till the Great War of Mahabharata the scholars treated The Vedas as the repository of all true knowledge and interpreted them accordingly. If The Vedas had not possessed science the various scientific developments would not have taken place.

Great sage Vyasa, the author of the Vedanta Darshana unequivocally accepted this idea. Shri Shankaracharya comments in his Sutra "Shastrayonitvat (1-1-3)" ---The Vedas are the scriptures of all true-knowledge. He attributes them with the adjectives "Saravidyo-pvrinhita" and "Sarvajnakalpa"

The great sage of modern era “Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati” confidently declared in his book "Rigvedaadi-Bhaashyabhumika" ‘in which he collected some very conspicuous facts of science “The Vedas are the scripture of all true knowledge, is such a gift to mankind on his part that he deserves the gratitude of posterity.”

Quest # 82: The Vedas are the creation of God. Any proof?

Answer: There are many proofs in the Vedas that show that the Vedas are the books of Divine revelation.

The Yajurveda (31-3) explains that Agni = Rigveda (glorification), Vayu = Yajurveda (communion), Aaditya = Samaveda (emancipation) and Angira = Atharvaveda = sacred word i.e. God's word.

· “Tasmaad Yajyaat Sarvahuta RrichahSaamaani jagyire” (Rigveda 10-90-9) i.e. “God has created the Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva Vedas”.

· “Brahma Padavaayam BraahmanemaAdheepatihi” (Atharvaveda 12-5-4) Which mean, “God is knower and revealer of the Vedas”.

The Yajur Veda (31-7) says: "The Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda and the Atharvaveda were produced by the Supreme and perfect Being, Parabrahman, who possesses the attributes of self-existence, consciousness and bliss, who is Omnipotent and universally adored. The meaning is that the four Vedas were revealed by God alone."

· The Atharvaveda (10-23-4-10) says--- "Who is that Great Being who revealed the Rig Veda, the Yajur Veda, the Sama Veda and the Atharva Veda? He is the Supreme Spirit who created the universe and sustains it."

· The Yajur Veda (XL-8) says--- "The Great Ruler of the universe, who is self-existent, All-pervading, Holy, Eternal and Formless, has been eternally instructing His subjects --the immortal souls --in all kinds of knowledge for their good through the Veda."

[For further information inquisitive readers should refer and study --Atharvaveda 12 Th. Khanda, 5 Th. Sukta and mantra # 1 to 73]

(Atharvaveda 19-5-13, 12-5-4, 10-7-14) (Yajurveda 2/21, 23/61, 23/62, 31/7), the all-sustaining God is the author of the Vedas.

Quest # 83: How many Vedas are there three or four?

Answer: There are four Vedas, which contain the knowledge of three subjects, i.e. Knowledge, action and communion. [Glorification--communion--emancipation]

The books called the Rigveda, the Yajur Veda, the Sama Veda and the Atharva Veda---mantras Samhitas only and no other.

One who believes that there are three Vedas is completely wrong and should rectify him self. The Vedas are four in number.

Quest # 84: Why there are only four Vedas?

Answer: God has given us a beautiful body hence it is our duty to protect it. What is the use of this precious body if there is no knowledge. Human race is the best because only in this race one gets a proper knowledge of the soul, Prakriti and God, and this he acquires only from the Vedas.

Knowledge, deeds, communion and emancipation (science) are the four subjects of the Vedas and are complete when combined, otherwise there is no use of studying only one subject or the other.

God has revealed His true knowledge to men only because man has intellect to grasp the proper knowledge from the Rig-Veda and after getting that proper knowledge he should act accordingly, which is taught in the Yajur-Veda. There is a possibility that man may become egoistic after getting knowledge and performing good deeds, so God has given him the Sama- Veda for balancing him i.e. communion with God. When man has developed himself with knowledge, virtuous deeds and communion with the Supreme Being, he becomes happy in his life, but still wanders in search for something more. Lastly God provides the Atharva-Veda in which man gets the knowledge of true science i.e. the science of the soul and the Supreme Soul (God). The bliss of God is possible through the Atharva Veda. Hence all the four Vedas are essential to acquire the correct and complete knowledge of the matter (Prakriti), the soul and God with which he is free from all sorrows and pains, when he renounces the worldly attraction and temptation, and gets the Bliss of God.

When a man acquires the knowledge of the four Vedas (Knowledge--deeds--communion--science), he is qualified enough to proceed to his life's goal i.e. to get the bliss of God.

The four Vedas are the four pillars of success in a man's life, hence the four Vedas are essential. "WHAT IS MAN'S CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY TO ACQUIRE THE TRUE KNOWLEDGE FOR HIS EMANCIPATION, GOD HAS REVEALED THE TRUE KNOWLEDGE COMPLETE AND CORRECT IN THE VEDAS NO LESS, NO MORE."

There are mantra revelated by knowledge in the Rigveda. The Yajur Veda mantras are revelated by actions i.e. what is right and what is wrong, and what to do and what is prohibited by virtue. In the Sama Veda most mantras are about communion with God. Lastly in the Atharva Veda there are root mantras of science on different subjects along with mantras related to medical science.

THE GREAT SAGE MAHARISHI SWAMI DAYANAND SARASVATI HAS SAID IN THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF ARYA SAMAJ " THE VEDAS ARE THE SCRIPTURES OF TRUE KNOWLEDGE AND IT IS THE PREMIER DUTY OF ALL ARYANS TO RECITE AND TEACH THE VEDAS.

God is Omniscient and only He is the true friend of the soul, because the soul has limited power and knowledge. God is the greatest teacher and guide who revealed His knowledge in the beginning of the world after human life had been created, for the betterment of mankind.

"As parents are kind to their children and wish for their welfare, so does the Supreme Spirit, out of kindness to all mankind revealed the Vedas by whose study men are freed from ignorance and error, and may attain the light of true knowledge and thereby enjoy extreme happiness as well as advance knowledge and promote their welfare" [S.P. VII]

"The Vedas are the true knowledge of God. In the beginning after human being had been created, the Supreme Spirit made the Vedas known to Brahma through Agni, etc., i.e., Brahma learnt the four Vedas from Agni, Vayu, Aaditya and Angira (Manu Smriti 1-23)."

Quest # 85: If infinite God's full knowledge is in the Vedas, then knowledge of God will become finite?

Answer: Whatever knowledge, the soul required for its salvation, God has revealed the same in the Vedas. To get more knowledge than required is of no use. God is Omniscient. He knows better about the soul's capacity for acquiring knowledge.

GOD is infinite by nature, His essence, powers, attributes are all infinite, so is His knowledge. The soul is an infinitesimal unity hence, remains, finite in knowledge, though pure in nature. He acquires the knowledge according to its capacity. God has given him correct and complete knowledge; no less no more.

Quest # 86: How many mantras are there in “the four Vedas? What are called "A’rsha Granthas" or Religious books?

Answer: There exists the four Vedas, i.e. the Rigveda, the Yajur Veda, the Sama Veda and the Atharva Veda.

(1) In the Rig-Veda there are 10 Mandalas (Volumes), 85 Anuvakas (Sections), 1028 Suktas and 10589 Mantras (verses)

(2) In the Yajur Veda there are 40 Adhyaaya (Chapters) in which contains 1975 Mantras.

(3) In the Sama Veda there are 1875 Mantras. And

(4) In the Atharva Veda three are 10 Mandalas (Volumes), 20 Khandas (Sections) and 5977 Mantras.

The total mantras in the four Vedas are 10589 + 1975 + 1875 + 5977 = 20,416 i.e. Twenty thousand four hundred and sixteen mantras.

Readers will be surprised to know that the total letters of the four Vedas is 864000, which is God's creation and are eternal. The Vedas are the religious books for all mankind.

There are four UpVedas+ or Sub-Veda (Here the word ‘Veda’ stands for education), under which comes six Vedangas (Limbs)*, six Upangas (sub-limbs)**, i.e. six school of thought propounded by seers and sages, four Brahmans*** and --the Vedas alone are held to be Divine in origin, the rest were made by R'shis--seers of the Veda and nature. There are ten Upanishads.

[They are four in number: --(i) the Ayurveda or the medical scriptures; (ii) the Arthaveda or the technological sciences; (iii) the Dhanurveda or the science of archery; devastating weapon and missiles and diplomacy; and (iv) the Gandharvaveda or the science of music.]

{* They are six in number: --(I) Shiksha [Phonetics science of morals and duties]; (ii) Kalpa [geometry]; (iii) Vyakarana [Grammar]; (iv) Chhanda [metrics i.e. Philology]; (v) Nirukta [etymology] and (vi) Jyotisha [astronomy and astrology].}

{** They are six in number: --Purva Mimansa, Vaisheshika, Nyaaya, Yoga, Sankhya and

Vedanta these are also commonly called the six schools of Indian philosophy. They have profound respect for the four Vedas. These philosophical system show that human mind soared to highest peak of the imagination. Usually most people believe Vedanta means ending portion of the Veda, which is wrong. The real meaning of "Vedanta" is so called "the theory of the Vedas." Here ‘Anta’ stands for the theory and not for the end.}

[*** They are four in number: -- Aitreya, Shatapatha, Sama and Gopatha.]

[++ There are also ten Upanishads e.g. I'sh, Kena, Katha, Prashna, Munduka, Muanduka, Aitreya, Taitreya, Chhandogya and Vrihadaranyka. Upanishads, which deal with the spiritual science as well as physical science in some cases, are the offshoots of the careful examination of the Vedic verses.]

Whatever is enjoined by the Vedas, are right, whilst whatever is condemned by them we believe to be wrong. Among the Shruties, manu Smriti alone is authoritative, the interporated verses being excepted.

Quest # 87: What does "Shakha" (division of the Vedas) mean and how many Shakhas are there in the Vedas?

Answer: According to the great sage Gemini, writer of Meemansa Shastra (1-130), the teaching pattern it is called "Shakha". Branch, part or division etc. are not the correct meaning of Shakha but these Shakhas are the pattern of teaching --the way of teaching, --the style of teaching of the Vedas.

It is written in the Mahabhashya-Karika (Ashtadhyayi 4-1-63) that Charan is meant for Gotra, here Charan means --the style of teaching. In short the branches of The Vedas means the style / pattern of teaching and they are not division or tree-like branches.

According to the Mahabhashya, it is written that there are 1131 branches of the Vedas. In the Sarvanukrammi its number is 1130, in the Chakraviyuh its number is only 116. Swami Dayanand Saraswati has quoted the number of the branches of The Vedas as 1127, in his immortal book "Light of Truth".

First it was the great sage named "Shakal" who had taught the style of teaching of The Vedas. Shakal is very ancient. By way of Mandalas--Anuvakas--Suktas, Shakal has popularized his brand what is known as that "the teaching of Shakal". It is said that all other patterns of teaching (Shakhas) are come in existence after Shakal. Where there are Mandalas, Anuvakas, Sukta, they are known as Shakal’s literature.

Quest # 88: Is there any quotation in the Vedas about "Nakshatras" (Galaxies), and how many Nakshatras are there in the Universe?

Answer: Yes! There are quotations of the Nakshatras i.e. Galaxies in the Vedas.

Refer the Atharva Veda 19-7- mantras # 2, 3,4, 5. Also see in the Atharva Veda 19-8- Mantras # 1 and 2.

{Krittika - Rohini - Mrigashira - Aarda - Punarvasu - Pushya - Aashlesha (Ashlesha) - Magha - Purva-phalguni - Uttra-phalguni - Hasta - Chitra - Swati -Vishakha - Anuradha - Jyeshtha - Mula - Purvaashadha - Uttaraashadha - Abhijeet - Shravana Shravishtha - Shatabhishaj - Purva-Bhadrapada - Uttara-Bhadrapada - Revati - Purva-Ashvani - Uttaraa-Ashvani - Bharni.} There are twenty-eight Nakshatras described in the Atharva Veda.

· "Nakshatrebhihi Pitaro Dyaamapishan"(Rigveda 10-68-11) which mean the Divine power has beautified the sky with the Nakshatras.

· "Hariranyaasyam Bhavati Swadhaavaan Shukro Anyasyaam" (Rigveda 1-95-1) means “Sun gives light in the daytime and Nakshatras illuminate at night”.

According to the Surya Siddhanta (the theory of the sun) there are 28 galaxies from Ashvani to Revati.

Quest # 89: Are there comments in the Vedas about "Rashis" (Horoscopes)?

Answer: Of course! There are many descriptions about the Rashis in the Vedas. Astronomy is that division of science which with the heavenly bodies. In India this branch of science was highly developed. Here we want to enlighten the readers on necessary and important astronomical facts about Rashies i.e. Horoscope. Study of the Vedas reveals this fact: --

“Dwaadash Pradhayashchakramekam Treeni naabhyaani Ka U Tachchiketa,

Tasmintsaakam Trishataa na shadkavorpitahaa Pashtirna Chalaachalaasah”

(Rigveda 1-164-48)

Which mean that there are 360 parts in 12 divisions of the wheel of a Savatsaras (solar year), in which there are three Nabhis i.e. cold, heat and rain. Mantra says that 360 portions of this wheel are immovable.

“Tastraahataastreeni Shatani Shnkavah Shashtishcha Kheelaa Avichaachalaa ye”

(Atharva Veda 10-8-4), which also says that this wheel of time has its existence, which is wheel of Horoscopes.

{Refer Atharvaveda 10-8-4, Rigveda 1-16411 and 1-164-46 for the detailed verses quoted for twelve divisions or signs and twelve months of year.] The twelve signs are at present named, are as follows ---

Aries i.e. Mesha (Mrach 20 to April 18), Taurus i.e. Vrisha (April 19 to May 19), Gemini i.e. Mithuna (May 20 to June 20), Cancer i.e. Karka (June 21 to July 21), Leo i.e. Sinha (July 22 to August 21), Virgo i.e. Kanya (August 22 to September 20), Libra i.e. Tula (September 21 to October 22), Scorpio i.e. Vrischika (October 23 to November 21), Sagittarius i.e. Dhanuh (November 22 to December 22), Capricorn i.e. Makra (December 23 to January 19), Aquarius i.e. Kumbha (January 20 to February 18) and Pisces i.e. Mina (February 19 to March 19).]

Quest # 90: Are there any comments in the Vedas about "Yajna" (Sacred fire)?

Answer: Yes! There are hundreds of mantras in The Vedas who describe about performing of Yajna, which is the best deed for man on earth. The Yajur Veda is full of mantras about Yajna i.e. what, when, why and how to perform Yajna. The Yajur Veda is the Veda of Karma-kaanda i.e. what are essential duties of a noble man and what actions are to be avoided by man, all these things are described in the Yajur Veda.

“Yajna: Beginning from Agnihotra (the fire-ritual) unto Ashvamedha (the house-ritual), or the material transaction and physical science which are used for the welfare for the universe are called Yajna."

The Yajna or Yagya are as old (ancient) as the Vedas. The Rigveda is the first Veda, in which the very first mantra says: ---

“Agni Meede Purohitam Yajyasya Devamritvijam, Hotaaram Ratna Dhaatamam.” (Rigveda 1-1-1-1)

In this very first mantra of the Veda it is clearly described the words "Yajna", "Prohit", "Ritvij" and "Hotaa", hence it clear that Yajna is to be performed in the guidance of purohits - Ritvij - Hotaa, hence Yajna are as ancient as the Veda itself.

· "Aram Krinvantu vedim Samagnimindhataam Purah” (Rigveda 1-170-4)

Means it is a commandment of the Supreme Soul that "Decorate the Yajna-Vedi i.e. your Places where Yajna is performed, and do lit the sacred fire in it and raise it.

· "Aa Vakshi Devaam Iha Vipra Yakshi Cha” (Rigveda 2-36-4)

Means "O learned man! Invite the gods and perform Yajna i.e. sacred fire.

· "Juhota Pra Cha Tishthata” (Rigveda 1-15-9)

Means it is a God's order to perform Yajna and develop.

· "Pra Yajyamanmaa Vrijanam Tiraate" (Rigveda 7-61-4)

· Means performing sacred Yajna solves all problems of life.

· "One's intellect is purified with the Yajna" (Rigveda 3-32-12)

There are many mantras in the four Vedas related to Yajnas, which inspire to perform holy and sacred Yajnas, in return of which all actions are done properly and purely.

“Rricham Tvah Poshamaaste Pupushvaan Gaayatram Tvo Gaayati Shakvareeshu,

Brahmaa Tvo Vadati Jaatavidyam Yajyasa Maatram Vi Mimeeta U Twaaha” (Rigveda 10-71-11)

In this mantra, there are four names of the persons who look after the essential duties of performing the ritual related to Yajna i.e. Hotaa, Udgaataa, Brahama, and Adharvyu, whose duties are --to correct the pronunciations of the holy mantras, --to sing mantras accordingly, to watch and advice for corrected proceedings of the Yajna and to construct the appropriate position of the Vedi where Yajna is to be performed, respectively. Yajna is scientific and essential duty of man to perform.

Quest # 91: The Vedas are written in Sanskrit Language, which is difficult to understand. Then how can one follow the Vedas?

Answer: The Sanskrit language is not so hard as you understand. The language of the Vedas is not Sanskrit, but it is called "Deva Vani" i.e. "the Divine language", which is God's language. It is true that by learning Sanskrit language, one can easily follow the teachings of the Vedas.

For understanding the correct meaning of the Vedic mantras, one has to work hard and practice, because without interest and hard work nothing is achieved in life. To acquire God’s knowledge, one should learn Sanskrit from a learned teacher and study The Vedas from a spiritual master. The Sanskrit language is hard, but not impossible to learn. Only by studying The Vedas, one gets true knowledge.

"A will will find a way."

Quest # 92: Sanskrit is a hard language to understand?

Answer: It is natural that mother tongue seems to be easy compare to any other language. It is easy and takes less time to study Sanskrit other than to learn English, French, German, Russian, Urdu, Hindi or Punjabi etc.

If one try to learn, he must have true interest, then only he can learn and even understand some of mantras of the Vedas within one month. What is not possible with hard work; even hard work becomes easy, but without action there will be no reaction. Sooner or later one has to get the fruits of his action.

Quest # 93: What is it called "Dharma”? What is its definition? What is the religion of human being?

Answer: The natural instinctive attributes of anything is called "Dharma" or "Duty" e.g. Dharma of fire is light and heat, hence if there is light, heat and illumination in fire, it is called fire, otherwise without these attributes fire cannot be defined as fire.

The term “Dharma” is one of the most intractable terms in Hindu philosophy. Derived from the root Dhar (Dhrita-dharne) which means to uphold, sustain, support, the term Dharma denotes "that which holds together the different aspects and qualities of an object into a whole". Ordinarily, the term Dharma has been translated as religious code, as righteousness, as a system of morality, as duty, as charity, etc. But the original Sanskrit term has a special connotation of its own which is not captured by any one of these renderings. The best rendering of this term Dharma is, "the law of being meaning "that which makes a thing or being what it is” For example, it is the Dharma of the fire to burn, of the sun to shine, etc.

Dharma means, therefore, not merely righteousness or goodness but it indicates the essential nature of anything, without which it cannot retains independent existence.

Everything has its own nature, actions and attributes i.e. Dharma. If we are to live as truly dynamic men in the world, we can only do so by being faithful to our true nature. The system of the whole Universe is sustained by the virtue of natural laws, hence it is preserved in the space. In the universe everything is in order because of law of truth, that is Dharma.

In Manusmriti the word "Dharma" is defined as --- Dharma is that when the existence stay while acquiring that thing”; human Dharma is humanity, but what is humanity? What are the natural and fundamental attributes of man, one should know all these things.

Vaisheshika Shastra (1-2) says "Yatomyudayanihishyeyasasiddhi Sa Dharmah” i.e. the Dharma is that by which one gets everything for his life's requirements (Bhoga) and communion with God i.e. Liberation or Emancipation (Moksha).

According to the Vedic philosophy ---study of true knowledge from the Vedas and practice of virtuous deeds accordingly is called "Dharma" from which all kinds of essential things required for living is acquired and lastly the soul is emancipated by true knowledge.

The great sage Manu has described the natural and basic attributes of "Dharma" by acquiring of which man becomes virtuous and religious minded. There are ten attributes of the moral code i.e. Dharma;

“Dritihi Kshamaa DamoAsteyam Shouchamindriyanigraha, Dheervidyaha Satyamakrodho Dashakam Dharma Lakshanam” (Manusmriti VI - 92)

Means "(I) Resolution, (II) Patience, (III) Self--restraint, (IV) Honesty, (V) Purity, (VI) Restraint of the organs, (VII) Devotion, (VIII) Knowledge (of the Vedas), (IX) Truth and (X) Absence of anger. These are the tenfold of the Vedic Dharma or the right conduct of life for mankind.

Means "The Vedas, the Smritis, the practice of men, good and true, in conformity with The Vedas---the word of God, and the satisfaction of one's own soul---these undoubtedly, are the four criteria of true conduct of life i.e. religion, which enable one to distinguish between Right and Wrong." "In other words, it is by these alone that the true religion is ascertained."

According to Swami Dayanand Saraswati: -- “Dharma” (Righteousness): Righteousness lies in showing guileless obedience to divine decrees, in being impartially just and in acting in a way that benefits all. That righteousness is fully validated by perceptual proofs and is in conformity with the Vedic injunction. Hence men everywhere must act righteously. [Aryoddesyaratnamala]

God is one, hence there exists only one Dharma i.e. religion for all men, not many. What are extras are not religions, but are beliefs, Mazahab, Panth or groups, etc. Which are made by man of different thinking, different groups in different environment according to their beliefs, depending on places, time and their personal gains or ignorance, But when we talk about religion i.e. Dharma (Righteousness) it is One for all. Religion exists for the betterment and upliftment for man and not for the separation of one man from another. Religion shows man the right path of life, the true meaning of life; otherwise, there is no any difference between man and an animal.

“Aahaara Nidraa Bhaya Maithunashcha Saamaanya Metatpashurbhirnaraanam,

Dharmo Hi Teshaamadhiko Visheshah Dharmena Heenah Pashumihi Samaanah.”

(Manu 2-12)

Means there are commonness in man and beast as ---sex, fear, eating and sleeping, the only difference is that of "Dharma", which exists more in man; otherwise, non-religious man is like an animal.

In short Manu says "the approval of one's soul" is the religion of man. Man is called a man because of his moral codes i.e. Dharma that shows him the right way of living, gives true knowledge of right and wrong and gives him the knowledge of duties towards his family, society, nation and the world, otherwise man looks like a man, But actually he is not worthy to be called a man. "Aachar Parmo Dharma" (Manu 1-108) i.e. Character or righteous living as taught by the Vedas as well as Smritis* in conformity with the Vedas, is the high virtue. [Writings of A'ptas in conformity with God.

Men have exploited the “Dharma” according to their wishes and because of that the modern generation keep themselves away from all these things.

[* Writings of A'ptas in conformity of the Vedas. An A’pta is a pious, truthful, unprejudiced, honest and learned person]

Quest # 94: What is "Yajna”? Why should we perform "Yajna”?

Answer: "Yajna: Beginning from Agnihotra (the fire-ritual) unto Ashvamedha (the house-ritual), or the material transaction and physical science which are used for the welfare for the universe are called Yajna."

The word "Yajna" is derived from its root word "Yaj" i.e. (i) Deva-Pooja i.e. worship of deities, (ii) Sangati-Karan i.e. association and friendliness and (iii) Daan i.e. charity and sacrifices.

Every deed without selfishness can also be called Yajna, which is the ancient virtue of all times.

(i) Deva-Pooja: i.e. to respect elders [Father, Mother, Teachers, Learned persons guests etc. to obey and respect them accordingly.] and also to perform Agnihotra (fire rituals).

(ii) Sangati-Karan: i.e. to make friendship and love with the same age group, by this there will be no enmity and,

(iii) Daan: i.e. to help and give protection to younger ones. To give them shelter and look after them. To teach them proper knowledge and guide them in the right direction.

Deva-Pooja, Sangati-Karan and Daan balance the life of a man. Homa or Agnihotra (fire rituals) is materialistic symbol of Yajna by which environment is purified, hence health is improved. Whatever substances are put in the fire (fire of Yajna), it maximizes the attributes of that Substance and air spreads it in to the atmosphere. There are many advantages of Agnihotra. Yajna is beneficial for all living-beings, because whatever is put in the holy fire (Yajna), the fire returns the same in manifold to air, air returns it to clouds which also does the same thing i.e. clouds give back to earth by way of rain. What man had scarified in fire, the same is returned to him in manifold by way of Yajna. Yajna also controls pollution. Food, vegetables, herbal is enriched and purified, hence performance of "Yajna" is essential and the best deed for man in the world.

Yajna is good for all, by performing "Homa" the society is benefited and enjoys a pleasant life [Of course we also are the members of society]. All living beings gain from Yajna. Pain, sorrows, unhappiness, miseries, all kind of diseases and tensions are gone by performing the best deed for man i.e. "Yajna". Yajna or Havan is to purify the atmosphere and the mind of the performer and those who join in it. It serves to elevate the human mind by enabling it to bless, praise and adore the divine giver of life and happiness.

The fire in the Yajna means a lot too. If valuables are burned then the fire is symbolized human welfare. Havan-Samagri and other odoriferous ingredients along with Pure Ghee are burned then the fire disseminates the essential oils in the atmosphere when these scents are inhaled, the fumes seek the tissues of the body, which is beneficial to the body. The central and overall meaning of the Yajna involves sacrifice and cooperation with others to achieve desired goals. The spirit for sacrifice and sharing is at the core of Yajna.

Yajna (Homa or Agnihotra) --it is a worship of Jada deities’ i.e. insensate objects or dead inert matters so in that way nature's balances is mentioned. By this method of scarification we also learn to give and donate. Recitation of all mantras of Agnihotra ends in "Idam Na Mama", which means, "It is not mine". In this way egoism does not develop in the mind of man who performs Yajna, hence attributes of individuality (Ahankara) is perished.

life [Of course we also are the member of society]. All living beings gain from the Yajna. Pain, sorrows, unhappiness, miseries, all kind of diseases and tensions are gone by performing the best deed for man i.e. "Yajna". Yajna or Havan is to purify the atmosphere and the mind of the performer and those who join in it. It serves to elevate the human mind by enabling it to bless, praise and adore the divine giver of life and happiness.

The Veda says ---"He who wants blissful life (heaven) must perform Yajna".

Quest # 95: Can the eater of flesh become Mahatma i.e. Super-soul?

Answer: Eater of any kind of flesh can become a monster, not a great soul or a saint. One, who wants to become a saint or a mystic, has to learn to respect his own soul first. One who only want of flesh, kills some animals or other living being, it is understood that he has no respect for other living-being and their own souls. Because of taste of his tongue and selfishness, animals loose their lives. If you cannot give life to anyone, you do not have the right to kill anyone. God gives it, none has any right to take the life of anyone. He is criminal and beast who do such dirty deeds in his life. Even God does not excuse them.

All souls are equal and same, but according to their past deeds and Sanskaaras they get different bodies to get the fruits of their past actions. Is there anyone who wants to be killed or disrespected by any living being or to be tortured by others? No! Every living being protects him self from any pain and misery. The life is precious to everyone, and everyone wants to live a longer life, so let him or her live life in their own way. Do not disturb anyone. This is a sinful act. Eating flesh, the body increases, fat increases only flesh and obesity invites all kinds of diseases, which is a big sin again. It is a big sin to be sick purposely.

The mind, intellect, inner conscious and individuality is infected by use of such food, which is obtained through injuring and killing of animals by way of theft, dishonesty, breach of faith, fraud and hypocrisy.

Meat eating is not permissible for men. It is food for the beast. Nature has provided food-grains, vegetables, fruits and many kinds of roots, which are energetic and determined by the science of moral and religion and the other by the science of health.

· "Men should abstain from flesh diet and intoxicants" (Manu 5-5).

· "Intoxicants, such as wine, ganja, cannabis and opium etc., let them never use those articles that are prejudicial to the growth of intellect" (Manu 4-21).

Lion is a wild animal, who eats flesh by hunting its prey, only when it is hungry. On the other hand, man is a social animal, he lives in a society of human being, he has intellect, he is supposed to be civilizes, so why this inhumanity? Is it humanity to catch dumb and mute animals by fraud --tie them --cut their throat and their body and eat their flesh? Is this human nature? To cook a dead body in home utensils, cook bones and flesh in wine and whisky, in the end put the dead animal's body in your stomach, is this human's moral code and conduct? Man has surpassed the limit of humanity. Flesh-eater cannot become a saint or a super-soul, yes, he can become a "Monster", not even a ordinary man. He who has made his stomach a cemetery, an impure house, can imagine other cruel things? He is to call a demon --devil, not a deity.

To serve mutton and Liquor in the temple &c. on some auspicious occasion as ‘Prasadam’ is the greatest sin. This shows how a man can be disgraced. Temples are believed to be the most sacred places where prayers are offered and is a place of worship. Dharma teaches ‘Ahimsa’ not ‘Himsa’. Is this humanity to eat dead animal’s flesh? Due to bodily characteristics the flesh is food for animals of jungle i.e. lions etc. mostly animals with claws. Is man a jungle animal?

According to the Vedic theory human should eat "Sattvik foods" i.e. pure food determined by the science of moral and religion, and the other by the science of health and perform his virtuous actions. He only is worthy to be called a man.

Quest # 96: Do ghosts, witchcraft, bad omens, ghosts, demons, devils, monsters, rascals, wandering-spirits, etc. exist? If yes! How can one get rid of them?

Answer: Any word, which exists, has a meaning. Bhootas, ghosts, Rakshasa, Devils, Demons, Monsters, Bad omens etc. etc. these words must have some meanings. In the Hindi language, time that is gone and does not exists now is called "Bhoota" i.e. the past. Yes, this is Bhoota.

Ignorant and illiterate people who live in villages and backward area, are so simple that they believe whatever they listen. They even believe that Bhoota (devil) is some painful soul of a departed one who may have died in an accident or in terrible condition, and now wandering in the atmosphere and disturbing the lives of living-beings with some extraordinary super natural powers.

There is also an other belief that when a man expires, becomes Bhoota, if his wishes are not satisfied or his desires are not fulfilled in his life time, hence he wanders in the atmosphere and come and go by his will; which concept is completely wrong and baseless.

Cruel people who have very bad character, whose deeds and nature are impure, do injustice with others, killing and rapping are their business. People who have no mercy in their hearts, no sweetness in their talks, cruelty in their eyes, monster-like actions, dangerous personality are called Devils. To eat fleshy things, to drink intoxicants, to kill without any reason, to torture &c., these are the attributes of a monster, demon horrible person, which look like a man, but actually he is a beast.

There is a human race named "Rakshasa", who are mostly illiterate, ignorant and live in jungles. They are away from civilization and hence they are called "Rakshasa" because in them there is nothing like man's attributes nature and characters. They do not what is religion and moral code or the purpose of their lives.

The imagination of a devil like creature for an ordinary man is that it would be like a big-tall man with big teeth, dangerous face, burning red eyes, two horns on his forehead, long hairs etc. that is only an imagination, there exists no such monster or creature or man. In other words, it is the weakness of mind and heart. It is a profitable business for selfish fellows who benefit themselves by telling lie stories about monsters and demons, and take money and other precious ornaments from ignorant people to get rid of their shadows. There is no reality, actually these Tantrik (who do all these types of things) people are fake and misguide illiterate people, who are already in pain and make their life more miserable. It is our wise advice to all, not to follow these kinds of Tantriks or such people who misguide our readers for the sake of money.

Beware of this fake Tantrik --Mantrik --Yogi --Jogi --as they look like a big pundit. Full-stop red, green, yellow, white on their forehead --long hairs --long mustache --big beard --colored face painted with designs --tattoo on their face, arms, legs and other parts of the body --they are really multifaceted monsters, because of these fraud people true yogis or spiritual teachers suffer.

Always believe in God alone. There exists no such black magic or so-called Tantrik Vidya or so. Believers of these kinds of thing always fall down and never upgrade their lives. How can these fake people change one's life or alter his past actions and tell the future? God is Omnipotent - Omniscient - Omnipresent and Greatest of all. He is just. Even He cannot change or alter some one's future, because He is the greatest Judge. Are these false and fake tantriks greater than God is? Or is God's power lesser than these so called these fake tantriks?

There are many temples in our great country "India" where these ghosts --devils --monsters --bad omens -- rascals live in the form of so called "Pujari"* who misguide these illiterate, simpleteous and ignorant people, grab their bread and belongings. These Pujaris of many temples in India and abroad (of Kaal-Bhairava temples in Ujjan in the state of Madhya Pradesh) eat flesh and take intoxicants like ganja, opium wine etc. and do indecent acts with women from respected families in the name of God. Devotees offer Desi (country) liquor and foreign make whisky to the statue of Shankara (Kaal-Bhairav) in a plate that is absorbed by the statue (or it is collected behind the idol of Gods). Even beggars outside of these temples demand for wine and flesh. In Mahaakaal temple (Ujjan), women devotees with the ashes of newly cremated person clean the Shiva-Linga early in the morning. There is more then 400 Shiva-Temples in Ujjan. There are many temples there devotees cut mute animals in the boundary of places of worship and the same first offered to the Gods (the idols) and left-over flesh is distributed to devotees and their friends as Prasadam. Righteous and true devotees are hence affected and hated because of these unreal and fraud Pujaris. Beware of these Monsters!

Many temples distribute flesh and liquor on the auspicious occasion of “Holi” (Change of season from winter to summer) to their Bhaktas (worshipers). Again on the auspicious occasion of “Shiv-Ratri” (the auspicious night of Lord Shiva) they distribute “Thandai” i.e. milk shake mixed with almonds and “Bhaang” (intoxicants). Are these human characters? Of course! These people are really devils-monsters. They can be called with any name!

Trust in God only. Believe in yourself. Have faith in inner conscious. Be a noble man. Perform virtuous deeds according to the law of nature. Self-confidence is the sharp weapon for these kinds of rascals, monsters, devils, demons etc. etc.

Themselves also call the five great elements “Bhootas”, as they are dead inert matters, which cannot do anything.

Quest # 97: Who is called "the Guru " i.e. "the preceptor" or the teacher? Is it necessary for one to have a Guru?

Answer: Any one who is attributed with good attributes can be called a teacher. One who teaches is called a teacher, a master or a "Guru*".

He who gives the knowledge of the Vedas and performs Vedic righteous rituals is called a teacher.

Manu Smriti 2.149, says "He who confer the benefit of the Veda on any one, be it little or be it much, he (the disciple) should know him to be here his Guru, by reason of that benefit through the Veda."

A Guru or teacher is a guide who leads one from the darkness like ignorance to the light like knowledge and also who leads one to the path of truth from untruth.

According to the Indian culture there are four Gurus: mother is the first Guru of a man and then comes father, teacher and learned person as his masters.

Guru means (Gri = to speak) The teacher of all-true knowledge and learning who revealed the word of salvation (i.e. the Veda) in the beginning of the world, the teacher of even all the early teachers. He is immortal. "He is the Guru of even the most ancient teachers. He is immortal. Time cannot influence Him." (Yoga Darshana, Samaadhi Pada # 26)

Mother and father is the creature of this physical body but the teacher provides intellect hence he is called "teacher."

"As his father and mother beget him mutually out of lust, one should know that (birth to be merely) his cause of existence, when he is born from the womb.” (Manu 2.147)

"But the birth which the teacher who has completed the Veda, duly brings about for him by the "Gayatri", that is the true (birth), free from old age, eternal. (Manu 2.148)

"Everybody's father is called the "Guru" since he brings up the baby right from the time from of injecting sperm in the ovum to supplying daily needs after birth. The one who dispels the darkness born of ignorance from human heart by giving the light of truth is also called a "Guru" or an "Aacharya". (Aryoddeshyaratnamaalaa)

It is a saying ---"there is no goal without a master." It is true without teacher no one gets the proper and true knowledge even when one studies by him self. The teacher improves knowledge hence better to have a Guru. The Guru always wants to improve the career of his disciple.

True knowledge is one that gives the true knowledge of God, by which the soul visualise* God. (*God's bliss is experienced with the true knowledge within the soul.)

God bestows the Vedas, and thus God is the original source of all knowledge. Manu says in Manu Smriti 2.7 that the Vedas contain all knowledge.

Quest # 98: How should the relation between the preceptor and the disciple be?

Answer: There are three categories of teachers’: (1) Schoolteacher; (2) Principal and (3) Spiritual teacher or Master.

1: School teacher: He is the creator of pupils' character, gives knowledge of new directions in new subjects, develops his intellect so that he is able to think.

[“Aacharyah Kasmat? Aacharya Aacharam Grahayati Aachinoti Arthan Aachinoti

Bhuddhimiti Vaa” (Nirukta 1-4-12)]

2: Principal: He gives the knowledge of the Vedas or some parts of the Vedas to his pupil (disciple) and takes fee from him in return for his personal expenditures.

“Eka Desham Tu Vedasya Vedangaanyapi Vaa Punah,

Yo-Dhyaapayati Vrittyarthamupaadhyaayah Sah Uchyate” (Manu-Smriti 2.141)

"But he is called sub-teacher (Upaadhyaaya) who for (his) livelihood teaches a single portion of the Veda, or again the Vedangas.")]

3: Spiritual teacher or master: He is the third category teacher who goes to his disciple's house and performs rituals according to the teaching of the Vedas and also looks after the Gurukulas i.e. schools.

After a long period of time all types of teachers are called as "Guru". The word Guru defined as: --

· He who is attributed with good qualities is called a Guru.

· Learned one worthy of worshipping is also called a Guru.

· He who provides the knowledge of the Vedas is called a Guru.

· He who teaches any type of knowledge is called a Guru.

· Even he who gives a little knowledge is called a Guru. [Manusmriti 2.149]

· He who dispels darkness-like ignorance is called a Guru. [Girati Sinchati Karnayorjyaanaamritam Iti Guruhu]

· He who preaches the deep doctrine of the Vedas is called a Guru. [Girati Ajyaanaandhakaarm Iti Guruhu]

· He who explains the laws of sciences is called a Guru. [Gaarayate Vijyaapayati Shastrarahasyam Iti Guruhu]

The meaning of above said in short is that the Guru is one from whom any kind of (Para or Apara) knowledge is acquired. And true master (sat-Guru) is one who teaches the knowledge of the Vedas. He is Sat-Guru who leads his disciples towards truth and repels untruth from their lives. He, who takes away ignorance, removes darkness and shows his disciples the path of salvation and enlightens their lives with the light of knowledge, is really a true teacher i.e. true spiritual master.

“Gururbrahama Gururvishnurgururdevo Maheshwarah,

Guruhu Saakshaat Param Brahma tasmai Shragurve Namah”

The above said verses is very popular in which the Guru is considered as Lord, because of his greatness towards humanity.

In Indian culture, mother, father and teaches learned ones and spiritual masters are called and treated as Gurus according to their positions. There can be hundreds of Gurus as there are many fields for knowledge to acquire. No Guru can have the full knowledge of all fields. God is the greatest Guru of all ancestors Gurus, because He only gives the knowledge of the Vedas.

Quest # 99: What is "Paraa" and "Aparaa Vidyaa"? How much knowledge is there in the Vedas?

Answer: Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati in his well known book "Introduction to the commentaries on the Rigveda and the other Vedas" writes, " In the Vedas knowledge is of two kinds, one is 'Aparaa' -physical sciences, and the other 'Paraa' (spiritual knowledge)." The Aparaa Vidyaa or physical science is that which studies physical material from a grass blade to the universe and deals with the qualities of matter or nature, and to employ them to make scientific inventions by their proper use. The second Paraa Vidyaa (Spiritual knowledge) deals with the attainment of the Eternal-indestructible Almighty God. This spiritual knowledge is superior to the physical knowledge, because the final aim of physical knowledge is to gain efficiency in the spiritual knowledge. The preview of the spiritual knowledge covers the study of the Almighty God -the creature of the universe. Material knowledge covers the study of the universe, nature and cause of the creation and maintenance of the universe.

“Andhantamah Pra Vinshanti Ye-Vidyaamupaaste,

Tato Bhooya-Iva Te Tamo Ya-U Vidyaayaa Rataha” (Yajurveda 40/12)

Means there are two kinds of knowledge: One study of the matter called Avidyaa or Aparaa and other study of spiritual world called Vidyaa or Paraa. Both the knowledge are essential for Liberation i.e. Salvation.

Nowadays people are more attracted towards Avidyaa i.e. physical science, but true knowledge of the Vedas leads towards inner knowledge of the soul and Super soul.

“Avidyaayaa Mrityum Teertvaa Vidyayaa-Mritamashnute” (Yajurveda 40/14)

“Vinaashena Mritym Teertvaa Sambhoottya-Mritamashnute” (Yajurveda 40/11)

Means from Avidyaa one acquires material knowledge and from Vidyaa i.e. the knowledge of the spiritual world, one is emancipated from bondage of birth and death and gets salvation.

The Veda is the only book on earth that deals with 'Paraa' (esoteric or spiritual) as well as 'Aparaa' (exoteric or worldly) sciences.

Quest # 100: Is it essential for one to have Guru?

Answer: Great Devarishi Narada had said (in Narada Parasharamadhaviya part 1 page # 154): It is useless to study by own self, it is like a lady bearing a child without her husband. So it is necessary for one to have true teacher under whose guidance he gets the proper knowledge.

·"Sa Gurooryah Kriyam Kritvaa Vedamasmai Prayachchhati” (Kathopanishada 2/8)

means the teacher is essential to acquire proper knowledge.

It is said in mandukopanishada (1-1-12) that: ---

“Taddhijyaanaarth Sa Gurumevaabhigachchhet Samitpaanihi Shretriyam Brhamanishtham” Which means a student should acquire the knowledge from a teacher who has educational knowledge of the Vedas.

“Aacharyo Mriyuvarunah Soma Oshadhayo Payah, Jeemoota Aasantsatvaanah Tairidam Swaraabhritam” (Atharvaveda 11-5-14)

Means that the Guru is rigid like death (Mrityu) and pure like air (Varuna), who removes all kinds of impurities; and who gives good attributes to his students. The Guru is also like "Soma" i.e. medicine and drink, the deep meaning of that is to have control on senses like speech, touch, Vision, taste and smell, by which life is enriched with noble attributes hence and the student always lives a happy, disciplined and peaceful life.

"Sa Esha Poorveshaamapi Guruhu Kaalanaanavachchhedat” (Yoga Shastra, Samaadhi Pada 26) means "As in the present time we become enlightened only after being taught by our teachers, so were in the beginning of the world, Agni and the other three Rishis (sages), taught by the Greatest of all teachers---GOD."

The true master is one who improves inner-conscious of his disciples and leads them from darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. (Darkness is the symbol of ignorance and light is the symbol of knowledge that is why God is said to be illuminated i.e. Omniscient). Hence it is essential to have teacher i.e. the Guru.