We need to know the answers to
these questions. We understand them well when we are receptive and open minded.
So with an open mind let us know the answers. Where can we find them?
For this we go to fundamentals. The answers normally which we seek from
counsellors, teachers, babas, satsangs, gurus, agencies, schools, philosophies, sermons,
tutorials and even this piece of write up, get adulterated and colored based on
the individual understandings, interpretations and state of mind of both reader
and that of writer. Therefore whenever we seek answers we should go back to the
gold standard.
What are the fundamentals? Fundamentals are – our
cognition (with riders which will be discussed as we progress in these
discourse), Vedas (Vedas are Sruti. श्रुती in Sanskrit means to hear. It is said that with deep
thoughts the Rishis heard their conscience and crystallized the answers to
questions in the form of hymns. The knowledge was passed from one generation to
another by memorizing it) – The Vedas contain
hymns. These are prayers, rituals and philosophy of life. The philosophical
portion in Vedas is upananishad उपनिषद. There are many upanaishads. Upanishads cover various aspects of life with
the aim of improving conscience of mankind. Brahmasutras are based on Vedas and outlines
philosophy covering life and answers various questions on life. The Vedas and
Brahmasutras give out reason of our existence, final destination and in doing this
guide us to lead a happy life.
Puranas (Smrutis – स्मृती means memory. They are called by this name because
Puranas were passed on from one generation to other as stories legends based on
the memory and therefore it was subjected to grandiose imagination sometimes)
elucidate history of mankind. The history at that time was never documented as
it is today. Rather it used to be passed on as legends, stories and poems from
generation to generations. Therefore mythology is often said to be
non-documented unchronicled history with lots of gaps.
A time came when a necessity was felt to sift and collate
the philosophical discussions from Vedas, Upanishads, Brahmasutras and compile
it in a concise form. Rishi Vyas did this onerous task and brought forth
Bhagvad Gita. Therefore Vyas is revered as Ved Vyas the first editor. He is is
referred as first Guru. Guru Pournima is celebrated to respect this Aadya Guru
by us. This month Guru Pournima is being celebrated and this part is dedicated
to Ved Vyas.
Bhagvad Gita or simply Gita has answers to the questions
about life. The way to lead the life as elucidated in Gita is equally useful
for initiated and uninitiated. It is useful for persons of different temperament,
and different schools of thought including those who are agnostic and atheists.
It is also equally relevant to different religions. This is because; in those
times when Gita was edited, there were no religions but only a way of leading life.
In fact there was no religion called as Hindu.
Gita is a philosophical document. Still it is considered
to be a Hindu scripture. This is because it is associated with God Krishna who is
believed by Hindu religion as a prominent Hindu God. Persons believing in other
faiths may find it difficult to assimilate. We know we can assimilate things better
if we have faith in the doctrine or in the concept. If faith is not there then the
path given in Gita will not change the person. Ultimately change comes from
inner voice. Gita or any other book can only guide. If Gita is studied with an
open mind, persons with different religions would find it equally suitable in
getting the all-important answers of life therefore keep reading ……………………
