7 September 2009
2 September 2009
laughindrums20 August 2009
Kalamezhuthu - The art of creating very large pictures on floor is more than 2000 years old .
The art of creating very large pictures on floor is more than 2000 years old, with coloured powders have been in vogue for ages as a ritual art form. It is typically south indian and unique to Kerala.It is a harmonic blend of Dravidian and Tribal traditions.
As an art form it has found a significant place among our rich spectrum of fine arts and is the only art form that exists with a three dimensional perspective not found in any other art form that exisits from the ancient world.In most other parts of India this art exists as a domestic routine of Hindus, who consider it auspicious to draw certain patterns at the door step and courtyard to welcome a deity into the house. It is called by names like Rangoli, Kolam etc.
Usually Kalamezhuthu is conducted as part of the general festivities in the temple, or as part of a major ritual like Nagapuja. The rituals related to the Kalam are performed by the artists themselves, usually the traditional drummers. Offerings like rice and other grains are heaped in appointed places in and around the drawing and the room is decorated with flowers, leaves and garlands. Lighting is of utmost importance in these rituals. Only oil lamps are used. Singing hymns in praise of the deity is the most important part of the ritual. The type of songs vary considerably (from folk to classical) depending on the deity being worshipped. The drawing starts at appointed time and shall be erased immediately after the rituals related to the Kalam are over.
All these rituals are performed in places of worship called "Kavu" (roughly translated as grove) or small temples. Besides general welfare of the village, these rituals aim at warding off of such calamities like Small Pox and other epidemic diseases, by the benevolence of the goddess. This belief is stemmed in the story of Bhadrakali defeating and killing Darikasura, whose associates terrorised the entire universe by spreading terrible contagious diseases. Theeyattu is one of such performing arts, popular in the central part of Kerala. Like most others of similar lines, Theeyattu also is accompanied by a number of mandatory rituals, some of them artistic and others purely ritualistic, often associated with Bhadrakali worship.
Kalamezhuthu & Pattu
The word Kalamezhuthu may be roughly translated as Powder Drawing. This is a magnificent form drawing performed by drawing large figures using coloured powders. No tools like brush are used for the purpose. The powder is spread on the floor in the desired pattern with bare hands, letting it in a thin stream between the thumb and the index finger. These large pictures are drawn on the floor of the temple hall or specially prepared pandal (pavilion) rendered sacred by purifying rituals and decorated elegantly with tender leaves and colourful flowers.
The picture (called Kalam) is drawn according to stringent guidelines in respect of pattern, details and dimensions. The powders are made out of naturally available material. The are of five colours, representing the five elements (Water, Air, Sky, Fire and Earth) called Panchabhootas, which constitute everything created. These materials are Rice (white), Charcoal of husk (black), Turmeric (yellow), a mixture of lime and turmeric (red) and green leaves of certain trees.
The process of Kalamezhuthu starts at noon on the day when Theeyattu is to be performed during the night. The ritual starts with singing songs in praise of Ganapathi, Saraswathi, Guru (celestial preceptor) and other gods. The singing is accompanied by drums and gongs. The figure drawn is that of goddess Bhadrakali, in the fierce mood after killing Darikasura. She is portrayed with eight hands, each bearing a different weapon (like sword, spear, discus, pestle, bow etc..), except two. One of these holds aloft the severed head of Darikasura by the hair. The other hand holds a platter to collect the blood dripping from the severed head. When the drawing completed, lighted oil lamps are placed in strategic positions to further brighten the colours.
Sandhya kottu (Percussion concert at dusk)
All the percussion instruments used in the performance join in a concert at sunset. This is a ritual announcing to those staying around that a performance is due that night. This had a particular significance in the old days when modern publicity methods were not available. Ethirelpu (Procession)
This is a ritual in vogue almost in every temple as part of the festivities. The idol designated for the purpose will be taken out in a procession around the temple. It will be preceded by girls bearing decorated platters and percussion concert.
Kalam Pattu
Songs in praise of the goddess are sung near the Kalam. In this she will be narrated from head to foot and vice versa, with the accompaniment of designated percussion instruments.
Gurudi
This is a mandatory ritual performed before Theeyattu to appease the demonic spirits (Bhootha) who assisted the goddess in her ordeal. This is a tantrik ritual resembling a sacrifice.
Theeyattu
The performance part of the art is done by a single actor called Theeyattunni. He enters the venue, lighted by a huge oil lamp, with the make up of goddess Bhadrakali, minus the headgear. He chants several hymns invoking the benevolence of various gods for the success of the performance and welfare of the audience. He wears the huge headgear in front of the audience. From that moment onwards he represents the goddess. The performance is presented as if Bhadrakali is reporting the incidents leading to the killing of Darikasura to her father, Lord Siva, represented here by the lighted lamp.
The performance develops through several chants, dances of thandava style, gestures and gesticulations. The gestures are rarely in strict accordance with Hastha Mudras of classical dance. The script, prose or verse, of the goddess is rendered by the actor, whereas all others are rendered by one of the accompanists.The act is concluded by the enacting of the killing of Darikasura, representing the destruction of evil
Sadly there are few communities left in kerala to continue with this amazing,three dimensional art form
Kings/Kingsley
As an art form it has found a significant place among our rich spectrum of fine arts and is the only art form that exists with a three dimensional perspective not found in any other art form that exisits from the ancient world.In most other parts of India this art exists as a domestic routine of Hindus, who consider it auspicious to draw certain patterns at the door step and courtyard to welcome a deity into the house. It is called by names like Rangoli, Kolam etc.
Usually Kalamezhuthu is conducted as part of the general festivities in the temple, or as part of a major ritual like Nagapuja. The rituals related to the Kalam are performed by the artists themselves, usually the traditional drummers. Offerings like rice and other grains are heaped in appointed places in and around the drawing and the room is decorated with flowers, leaves and garlands. Lighting is of utmost importance in these rituals. Only oil lamps are used. Singing hymns in praise of the deity is the most important part of the ritual. The type of songs vary considerably (from folk to classical) depending on the deity being worshipped. The drawing starts at appointed time and shall be erased immediately after the rituals related to the Kalam are over.
All these rituals are performed in places of worship called "Kavu" (roughly translated as grove) or small temples. Besides general welfare of the village, these rituals aim at warding off of such calamities like Small Pox and other epidemic diseases, by the benevolence of the goddess. This belief is stemmed in the story of Bhadrakali defeating and killing Darikasura, whose associates terrorised the entire universe by spreading terrible contagious diseases. Theeyattu is one of such performing arts, popular in the central part of Kerala. Like most others of similar lines, Theeyattu also is accompanied by a number of mandatory rituals, some of them artistic and others purely ritualistic, often associated with Bhadrakali worship.
Kalamezhuthu & Pattu
The word Kalamezhuthu may be roughly translated as Powder Drawing. This is a magnificent form drawing performed by drawing large figures using coloured powders. No tools like brush are used for the purpose. The powder is spread on the floor in the desired pattern with bare hands, letting it in a thin stream between the thumb and the index finger. These large pictures are drawn on the floor of the temple hall or specially prepared pandal (pavilion) rendered sacred by purifying rituals and decorated elegantly with tender leaves and colourful flowers.
The picture (called Kalam) is drawn according to stringent guidelines in respect of pattern, details and dimensions. The powders are made out of naturally available material. The are of five colours, representing the five elements (Water, Air, Sky, Fire and Earth) called Panchabhootas, which constitute everything created. These materials are Rice (white), Charcoal of husk (black), Turmeric (yellow), a mixture of lime and turmeric (red) and green leaves of certain trees.
The process of Kalamezhuthu starts at noon on the day when Theeyattu is to be performed during the night. The ritual starts with singing songs in praise of Ganapathi, Saraswathi, Guru (celestial preceptor) and other gods. The singing is accompanied by drums and gongs. The figure drawn is that of goddess Bhadrakali, in the fierce mood after killing Darikasura. She is portrayed with eight hands, each bearing a different weapon (like sword, spear, discus, pestle, bow etc..), except two. One of these holds aloft the severed head of Darikasura by the hair. The other hand holds a platter to collect the blood dripping from the severed head. When the drawing completed, lighted oil lamps are placed in strategic positions to further brighten the colours.
Sandhya kottu (Percussion concert at dusk)
All the percussion instruments used in the performance join in a concert at sunset. This is a ritual announcing to those staying around that a performance is due that night. This had a particular significance in the old days when modern publicity methods were not available. Ethirelpu (Procession)
This is a ritual in vogue almost in every temple as part of the festivities. The idol designated for the purpose will be taken out in a procession around the temple. It will be preceded by girls bearing decorated platters and percussion concert.
Kalam Pattu
Songs in praise of the goddess are sung near the Kalam. In this she will be narrated from head to foot and vice versa, with the accompaniment of designated percussion instruments.
Gurudi
This is a mandatory ritual performed before Theeyattu to appease the demonic spirits (Bhootha) who assisted the goddess in her ordeal. This is a tantrik ritual resembling a sacrifice.
Theeyattu
The performance part of the art is done by a single actor called Theeyattunni. He enters the venue, lighted by a huge oil lamp, with the make up of goddess Bhadrakali, minus the headgear. He chants several hymns invoking the benevolence of various gods for the success of the performance and welfare of the audience. He wears the huge headgear in front of the audience. From that moment onwards he represents the goddess. The performance is presented as if Bhadrakali is reporting the incidents leading to the killing of Darikasura to her father, Lord Siva, represented here by the lighted lamp.
The performance develops through several chants, dances of thandava style, gestures and gesticulations. The gestures are rarely in strict accordance with Hastha Mudras of classical dance. The script, prose or verse, of the goddess is rendered by the actor, whereas all others are rendered by one of the accompanists.The act is concluded by the enacting of the killing of Darikasura, representing the destruction of evil
Kalamezhuthu is unique form of ancient art found only in Kerala South India. Here it is essentially a temple art. The patterns to be drawn and the colours chosen are traditionally stipulated, and the tradition is strictly adhered to. Kalams are drawn in connection with the worship of Devi, Naga and Sastha. Certain variations of the rituals are found in Tantric rituals too. In each case the patterns, minutest details, dimensions and colour choice are mandatory and not arbitrary. The patterns vary considerably depending on the occasion, but rarely by the choice of the artist. Even the order of creation is laid down. The drawing of the large picture develops gradually about a central line, drawn with the black powder. Sketching, if done, is also with powder only. The coloured picture is developed patch by patch, growing outward.
Sadly there are few communities left in kerala to continue with this amazing,three dimensional art form
Kings/Kingsley
18 February 2009
South Indian Music and its English and South Indian names
In brief South Indian Music and its English and South Indian names
“In Carnatic music, the octave is divided, as in other major systems, into twelve parts, but the seven notes are given sixteen different names(though some of their melodic values overlap).The first note(Sa)and its fifth perfect or dominant(Pa)are constants. Among the other notes, Ri,Ga,Da and Ni have got three values each, while Ma has two values.”
In the history of Indian music, great musicologists and composers such as Bharata, Mªtanga,Purandara Das and Tyªgarªja treated it as a purely melodic system.In fact all the musical systems of the world had been melodic in the past.Harmonic progressions only started to be used in music in 1600 A. D.The European musical system was the first in the world,to successfully introduce harmonic progressions in music.Since then,efforts have been going on to experiment harmonic elements in South Indian music too.Yet an integral South Indian harmonic system is not yet mature.
A comprehensive research into the harmonic grammar of South Indian music has
never been done before.This pioneering exploration assesses one by one,the chordal
structure of seventy-two fundamental scales (mÂlakarta rªgams),and the chordal
structure of sample derivative scales (janya rªgams). The critical evaluation of the
chordal structure of scales brings forth the salient features of South Indian harmony.
This survey also exposes certain original features of South Indian harmony such as
basic dyads, solitary-roots and avoided-roots.
The first sphere is common sphere for the South Indian melodic school and for the South Indian harmonic school.It includes twelve notes, sixteen note-positions (svara stªnams),the scheme ofseventy-two fundamental scales (mÂlakarta rªgams),the scheme of countless derivativescales (janya rªgams),the scheme of hepta-rhythms(sapta tªlams)and the scheme ofnine feelings (nava rasams).The second is the exclusive sphere of the South Indianharmonic school.It includes octaves of semitonal intervals,structure of chords,methods of harmonic refinement,inversions of the chords, the grammar of harmonicprogressions and harmonic musicography(sangeeta lipi).
THE SCHEME OF FOUR DISSONANT NOTES (VIVDI SVARAMS)
In South Indian music, there is an intricate scheme of four dissonant notes (vivªdi
svarams). E double flat, D sharp, B double flat and A sharp (sudha gªndhªram, shatsrutirishabham, sudha nishªdam and shatsruti dhaivatam ) are the four components of thisscheme. One should remember that without the scheme of four dissonant notes (vivªdisvarams), only thirty-two consonant fundamental scales (samvªdi mÂlakarta rªgams)could exist. The production of dissonant notes is done by alloting two values, to fourkeys of the octave. In the consonant mode, these four keys will function as consonantnotes. But in the dissonant mode, the same four keys will function as dissonant notes.
THE SCHEME OF SIXTEEN NOTE POSITIONS (SVARA STNAMS)
This scheme of South Indian music, envisages sixteen intervals in an octave.
There are four note positions (svara stªnams) in this arrangement, which are additional to the twelve semitones.They are E double flat, D sharp, B double flat and A sharp (sudhagªndhªram, shatsruti rishabham, sudha nishªdam and shatsruti dhaivatam ).
Without the scheme of sixteen note positions (svara stªnams), the formation of seventy-two heptatonic scales (sampoorÖa rªgams)1 would be impossible. The English names,traditional South Indian names and abbreviations of sixteen note-positions (svarastªnams) are as follows.
SIXTEEN NOTE-POSITIONS OF AN OCTAVE
ENGLISH NAMES ORIGINAL SOUTH INDIAN NAMES
1 C (tonic) Shadjam (Sa)
2 D flat (Db) Sudha rishabham (Ri.1)
3 D natural (D) Chathusruti rishabham (Ri.2)
4 D sharp (D#) Shatsruti rishabham (Ri.3)
5 E double falt (Ebb) Sudha gªndhªram (Ga.1)
6 E flat (Eb) Sªdhªrana gªndhªram (Ga.2)
7 E natural (E) Antara gªndhªram (Ga.3)
8 F natural (F) Sudha madhyamam (Ma.1)
9 F sharp (F#) Prati madhyamam (Ma.2)
10 G natural (G) Panchamam (Pa)
11 A flat (Ab) Sudha dhaivatam (Dha.1)
12 A natural (A) Chathusruti dhaivatam (Dha.2)
13 A sharp (A#) Shatsruti dhaivatam (Dha.3)
“In Carnatic music, the octave is divided, as in other major systems, into twelve parts, but the seven notes are given sixteen different names(though some of their melodic values overlap).The first note(Sa)and its fifth perfect or dominant(Pa)are constants. Among the other notes, Ri,Ga,Da and Ni have got three values each, while Ma has two values.”
In the history of Indian music, great musicologists and composers such as Bharata, Mªtanga,Purandara Das and Tyªgarªja treated it as a purely melodic system.In fact all the musical systems of the world had been melodic in the past.Harmonic progressions only started to be used in music in 1600 A. D.The European musical system was the first in the world,to successfully introduce harmonic progressions in music.Since then,efforts have been going on to experiment harmonic elements in South Indian music too.Yet an integral South Indian harmonic system is not yet mature.
A comprehensive research into the harmonic grammar of South Indian music has
never been done before.This pioneering exploration assesses one by one,the chordal
structure of seventy-two fundamental scales (mÂlakarta rªgams),and the chordal
structure of sample derivative scales (janya rªgams). The critical evaluation of the
chordal structure of scales brings forth the salient features of South Indian harmony.
This survey also exposes certain original features of South Indian harmony such as
basic dyads, solitary-roots and avoided-roots.
The first sphere is common sphere for the South Indian melodic school and for the South Indian harmonic school.It includes twelve notes, sixteen note-positions (svara stªnams),the scheme ofseventy-two fundamental scales (mÂlakarta rªgams),the scheme of countless derivativescales (janya rªgams),the scheme of hepta-rhythms(sapta tªlams)and the scheme ofnine feelings (nava rasams).The second is the exclusive sphere of the South Indianharmonic school.It includes octaves of semitonal intervals,structure of chords,methods of harmonic refinement,inversions of the chords, the grammar of harmonicprogressions and harmonic musicography(sangeeta lipi).
THE SCHEME OF FOUR DISSONANT NOTES (VIVDI SVARAMS)
In South Indian music, there is an intricate scheme of four dissonant notes (vivªdi
svarams). E double flat, D sharp, B double flat and A sharp (sudha gªndhªram, shatsrutirishabham, sudha nishªdam and shatsruti dhaivatam ) are the four components of thisscheme. One should remember that without the scheme of four dissonant notes (vivªdisvarams), only thirty-two consonant fundamental scales (samvªdi mÂlakarta rªgams)could exist. The production of dissonant notes is done by alloting two values, to fourkeys of the octave. In the consonant mode, these four keys will function as consonantnotes. But in the dissonant mode, the same four keys will function as dissonant notes.
THE SCHEME OF SIXTEEN NOTE POSITIONS (SVARA STNAMS)
This scheme of South Indian music, envisages sixteen intervals in an octave.
There are four note positions (svara stªnams) in this arrangement, which are additional to the twelve semitones.They are E double flat, D sharp, B double flat and A sharp (sudhagªndhªram, shatsruti rishabham, sudha nishªdam and shatsruti dhaivatam ).
Without the scheme of sixteen note positions (svara stªnams), the formation of seventy-two heptatonic scales (sampoorÖa rªgams)1 would be impossible. The English names,traditional South Indian names and abbreviations of sixteen note-positions (svarastªnams) are as follows.
SIXTEEN NOTE-POSITIONS OF AN OCTAVE
ENGLISH NAMES ORIGINAL SOUTH INDIAN NAMES
1 C (tonic) Shadjam (Sa)
2 D flat (Db) Sudha rishabham (Ri.1)
3 D natural (D) Chathusruti rishabham (Ri.2)
4 D sharp (D#) Shatsruti rishabham (Ri.3)
5 E double falt (Ebb) Sudha gªndhªram (Ga.1)
6 E flat (Eb) Sªdhªrana gªndhªram (Ga.2)
7 E natural (E) Antara gªndhªram (Ga.3)
8 F natural (F) Sudha madhyamam (Ma.1)
9 F sharp (F#) Prati madhyamam (Ma.2)
10 G natural (G) Panchamam (Pa)
11 A flat (Ab) Sudha dhaivatam (Dha.1)
12 A natural (A) Chathusruti dhaivatam (Dha.2)
13 A sharp (A#) Shatsruti dhaivatam (Dha.3)
16 February 2009
Scientific Temper and Vedic Science
Before you can go indepth,I would like to introduce the Tantri's and Gurus.Please visit the links given below:
http://www.tharananellur.org
http://www.namboothiri.com
In the Vedas the focal point is the human being and the knowledge contained there in is for the welfare of the entire mankind. This knowledge also helps the human beings to develop scientific out look. The Vedic science is only in the context of his/her material and spiritual welfare. Unlike the present day, physical sciences are part of Vedic metaphysics, which unequivocally explain that physical sciences pertain mostly to the external world that is objectively real and not absolutely real.
To get a feel of Vedic physical sciences: reference to a few hymns are given in the very beginning. The Sun never sets or rises and it is the earth, which rotates (Sama Veda121). The gravitational effect of solar system makes the earth stable (R.V.1-103-2, 1-115-4 and 5-81-2). The axle of the earth does not get rusted and the earth continues to revolve on its axle (R.V. 1-164-29). The science of Time and its subtle nature is described in (R.V.1-92-12 and 1-95-8). The need to study the properties of water, air and fire for discovering and manufacturing aircrafts, ships and other vehicles capable of moving in the firmament, land and water are mentioned in Rig Veda 1-3-1,2, 1-34-1, 1-140-1 and many other hymns. Reference to infinite number of both gross and subtle atoms and the energy principle as spirit of God in each atom is given in R.V. 5-47-2 and Sama Veda 222. Atoms and sub atomic particles are not inert and have unsuspected vitality owing to this energy principle. Physical sciences relating to agriculture, medicine, astronomy mathematics particularly algebra, toxicology etc. are described in R.V.1-71-9, 4-57-5, Sama Veda 121 and many other hymns.
However, the greater emphasis is on the development of scientific temper amongst the members of Society with a view to curb spread of blind faith, hypocrisy, miracle and ostentatious worship of God. Thus the knowledge of Vedic sciences is meant to save the human beings from falling in utter darkness as Isa Upanishad and the last chapter of Yajur Veda caution us. The unity in diversity is the message of Vedic physical and metaphysical sciences. While matter is the cause of diversity owing to three primordial subtle particles of purity, activity and passivity present in it, the spirit (jiva) provides the necessary unity.
The physical sciences have traversed a long journey of over two thousands years independent of Vedic metaphysics. During this long journey they came to certain contradictory conclusions. Many scientists held that the Sun is moving and the earth is static and vice versa. The gross matter and its atoms are inert as observed by the scientist of classical mechanics and now in the 20th century particle physics have found that atom is no longer inert and matter also experiences “fatigue” and many more contradictions. The Vedic science remained consistent during all this period. However, science is now itself proving in the laboratory some of the Vedic scientific truths.
In the 20th century with the bursting of atom into pieces through particle physics, faith in the Vedic science has grown stronger.
The atom is no longer inert and has unsuspected vitality. Vedas had already mentioned about 4 to 5 thousands years ago the existence of “spirit” (Jiva) as energy principle in all gross and subtle atoms. Chhandogya Upanishad says, “From this engenderment beams of light shot up and down, gross matter was formed and Prakrti - the divine Nature too expanded in all ten directions, as the Sentient One spread Itself every where - high, low, here and beyond.” Rig-Veda (5-47-2) refers to infinite number of both gross and subtle atoms born from the Eternal Cause. The subtle primordial matter is the cause of origin of gross matter and spread itself every where like the light of the Sun and go round the earth and sky. Vedas thus in a metaphysical language tell us the existence of rays, waves, wavicles and even subtle particles in gross atoms and all consisting of subtle primordial matter of three gunas. It is the Creative Force - the spirit, which hides behind animate and inanimate things/ life, moves us, move the planets and moves the Universe.
Sama Veda 222 describes the same scientific truth as; “HE keeps His wonderful form in every atom and pervades earth, middle region and the sky.” Rig Veda 1-81-5 and 1-83-2 mention about the subtle cause of this vast Universe in the form of various kinds of atoms and particles. The atoms follow the eternal laws described as Rta in the Vedas. Rig Veda 1-22-18 says, “ HE ordains these laws”. Vedas even refer to subtle particles (tan matras), which are more powerful and fast moving than gross atoms, and particles. Such subtle atoms and particles are found in ether, light, Time and Space in the outer phenomenal world and also exist in the inner world of divine instruments. Thus such subtle particles are found in manas - the inward looking mind, buddhi - intellect etc. These finer atoms and particles are not seen through sense organs, or any material instruments.
It has taken over 4000 years for the scientists to find out in the laboratory that gross atoms are not inert, which Vedic sages and seers had already found through their transcendental research. It may perhaps take another a few thousands of years more to find subtle atoms and particles but certainly the scientists will not find these in laboratory with the help of gross instruments. The “Ashvinaus” - the epithet for scientists in the Vedas, have to utilize their inner divine instruments for the welfare of mankind on the principle of Idd Nan Mmam - nothing for self all for society. The ignorance of scientists, economists and even religious leaders about the subtle atoms has now become the major cause of over exploitation of the earth as a quarry, leading to all kinds of pollution, environmental hazards and other moral and social degradation. Finding no divinity in matter, man’s ego exploitation continues and he finds even a sense of pride in this negativity, duly supported by modern physical sciences bereft of any spiritualism.
There is life in the gross atoms of maha bhuta though an ordinary person bereft of spiritual knowledge cannot visualise. Lucritus explains this phenomenon beautifully. When you see fighting men at a distance or from a height, you will perceive them at rest owing to limitations of our sense perception. Same way we find block of steel at rest. The inner life of steel, human beings cannot perceive. What philosophers in the West and Vedic rsis and munnies in the East, found a few thousands years ago was found in the laboratory only in the 20th century. An eminent Indian scientist Sir Jagdish Chander Bose proved this metaphysical finding. He found with the help of gross instruments in the laboratory some kind of “fatigue” in metal just like human beings. Gross atoms even in an inanimate thing are born, develop and lose vitality and die. They have mind of their own.
In the early 20th century scientists went on experimenting and finally made the gross atom burst into pieces under the impact of particle Physics and Chemistry. Since then science is changing very fast and too frequently. Biology is changing rather fast from one certainty to another. One day it is all environments and another day is hereditary and next day both combined. Psychology which refuted consciousness which in the Vedas is due to the presence of divine soul in the gross body, has started feeling its existence but without linking it with the manifested soul (Jivatma). The eminent scientist Eddingnton’s proposition says, “recognizing that all the physical world is entirely abstract and without actuality, apart from its linkage to consciousness - even time and space are spun out of consciousness.” In atom a large number of sub-atomic particles have been found, including some waves and wavicles and no material nuclei at the bottom.
Unlike Vedas where science is part of metaphysics, the modern scientists are largely resisting its merger with the science of soul, beauty and virtue, which Bhagavad Gita describes as the sovereign science.
http://www.tharananellur.org
http://www.namboothiri.com
In the Vedas the focal point is the human being and the knowledge contained there in is for the welfare of the entire mankind. This knowledge also helps the human beings to develop scientific out look. The Vedic science is only in the context of his/her material and spiritual welfare. Unlike the present day, physical sciences are part of Vedic metaphysics, which unequivocally explain that physical sciences pertain mostly to the external world that is objectively real and not absolutely real.
To get a feel of Vedic physical sciences: reference to a few hymns are given in the very beginning. The Sun never sets or rises and it is the earth, which rotates (Sama Veda121). The gravitational effect of solar system makes the earth stable (R.V.1-103-2, 1-115-4 and 5-81-2). The axle of the earth does not get rusted and the earth continues to revolve on its axle (R.V. 1-164-29). The science of Time and its subtle nature is described in (R.V.1-92-12 and 1-95-8). The need to study the properties of water, air and fire for discovering and manufacturing aircrafts, ships and other vehicles capable of moving in the firmament, land and water are mentioned in Rig Veda 1-3-1,2, 1-34-1, 1-140-1 and many other hymns. Reference to infinite number of both gross and subtle atoms and the energy principle as spirit of God in each atom is given in R.V. 5-47-2 and Sama Veda 222. Atoms and sub atomic particles are not inert and have unsuspected vitality owing to this energy principle. Physical sciences relating to agriculture, medicine, astronomy mathematics particularly algebra, toxicology etc. are described in R.V.1-71-9, 4-57-5, Sama Veda 121 and many other hymns.
However, the greater emphasis is on the development of scientific temper amongst the members of Society with a view to curb spread of blind faith, hypocrisy, miracle and ostentatious worship of God. Thus the knowledge of Vedic sciences is meant to save the human beings from falling in utter darkness as Isa Upanishad and the last chapter of Yajur Veda caution us. The unity in diversity is the message of Vedic physical and metaphysical sciences. While matter is the cause of diversity owing to three primordial subtle particles of purity, activity and passivity present in it, the spirit (jiva) provides the necessary unity.
The physical sciences have traversed a long journey of over two thousands years independent of Vedic metaphysics. During this long journey they came to certain contradictory conclusions. Many scientists held that the Sun is moving and the earth is static and vice versa. The gross matter and its atoms are inert as observed by the scientist of classical mechanics and now in the 20th century particle physics have found that atom is no longer inert and matter also experiences “fatigue” and many more contradictions. The Vedic science remained consistent during all this period. However, science is now itself proving in the laboratory some of the Vedic scientific truths.
In the 20th century with the bursting of atom into pieces through particle physics, faith in the Vedic science has grown stronger.
The atom is no longer inert and has unsuspected vitality. Vedas had already mentioned about 4 to 5 thousands years ago the existence of “spirit” (Jiva) as energy principle in all gross and subtle atoms. Chhandogya Upanishad says, “From this engenderment beams of light shot up and down, gross matter was formed and Prakrti - the divine Nature too expanded in all ten directions, as the Sentient One spread Itself every where - high, low, here and beyond.” Rig-Veda (5-47-2) refers to infinite number of both gross and subtle atoms born from the Eternal Cause. The subtle primordial matter is the cause of origin of gross matter and spread itself every where like the light of the Sun and go round the earth and sky. Vedas thus in a metaphysical language tell us the existence of rays, waves, wavicles and even subtle particles in gross atoms and all consisting of subtle primordial matter of three gunas. It is the Creative Force - the spirit, which hides behind animate and inanimate things/ life, moves us, move the planets and moves the Universe.
Sama Veda 222 describes the same scientific truth as; “HE keeps His wonderful form in every atom and pervades earth, middle region and the sky.” Rig Veda 1-81-5 and 1-83-2 mention about the subtle cause of this vast Universe in the form of various kinds of atoms and particles. The atoms follow the eternal laws described as Rta in the Vedas. Rig Veda 1-22-18 says, “ HE ordains these laws”. Vedas even refer to subtle particles (tan matras), which are more powerful and fast moving than gross atoms, and particles. Such subtle atoms and particles are found in ether, light, Time and Space in the outer phenomenal world and also exist in the inner world of divine instruments. Thus such subtle particles are found in manas - the inward looking mind, buddhi - intellect etc. These finer atoms and particles are not seen through sense organs, or any material instruments.
It has taken over 4000 years for the scientists to find out in the laboratory that gross atoms are not inert, which Vedic sages and seers had already found through their transcendental research. It may perhaps take another a few thousands of years more to find subtle atoms and particles but certainly the scientists will not find these in laboratory with the help of gross instruments. The “Ashvinaus” - the epithet for scientists in the Vedas, have to utilize their inner divine instruments for the welfare of mankind on the principle of Idd Nan Mmam - nothing for self all for society. The ignorance of scientists, economists and even religious leaders about the subtle atoms has now become the major cause of over exploitation of the earth as a quarry, leading to all kinds of pollution, environmental hazards and other moral and social degradation. Finding no divinity in matter, man’s ego exploitation continues and he finds even a sense of pride in this negativity, duly supported by modern physical sciences bereft of any spiritualism.
While some of the Greek philosophers observed four main elements, Vedic metaphysicists had found five maha bhuta i.e., earth, air, fire, water and ether.
There is life in the gross atoms of maha bhuta though an ordinary person bereft of spiritual knowledge cannot visualise. Lucritus explains this phenomenon beautifully. When you see fighting men at a distance or from a height, you will perceive them at rest owing to limitations of our sense perception. Same way we find block of steel at rest. The inner life of steel, human beings cannot perceive. What philosophers in the West and Vedic rsis and munnies in the East, found a few thousands years ago was found in the laboratory only in the 20th century. An eminent Indian scientist Sir Jagdish Chander Bose proved this metaphysical finding. He found with the help of gross instruments in the laboratory some kind of “fatigue” in metal just like human beings. Gross atoms even in an inanimate thing are born, develop and lose vitality and die. They have mind of their own.
In the early 20th century scientists went on experimenting and finally made the gross atom burst into pieces under the impact of particle Physics and Chemistry. Since then science is changing very fast and too frequently. Biology is changing rather fast from one certainty to another. One day it is all environments and another day is hereditary and next day both combined. Psychology which refuted consciousness which in the Vedas is due to the presence of divine soul in the gross body, has started feeling its existence but without linking it with the manifested soul (Jivatma). The eminent scientist Eddingnton’s proposition says, “recognizing that all the physical world is entirely abstract and without actuality, apart from its linkage to consciousness - even time and space are spun out of consciousness.” In atom a large number of sub-atomic particles have been found, including some waves and wavicles and no material nuclei at the bottom.
Unlike Vedas where science is part of metaphysics, the modern scientists are largely resisting its merger with the science of soul, beauty and virtue, which Bhagavad Gita describes as the sovereign science.
Ancient and Vedic Architecture and town planning
Architecture and town planning: The unique quality of the Indian architecture is its spiritual content.
The glory of Indian architecture lies in its ability, to reflect the lifestyle and history of the era. The range extends from the city and town planning, temple complexes, observatories, monuments and memorials in various materials from rock to metal. Examples of Indian works are Ajanta Ellora caves of 6th century AD, Sanchi and saranath Stupas 2nd century BCE , Mahabaliswer, brihadiswara Madurai Menaxi temples, Konark sun temple, Konark temple sculptures of erotics
The Great Bath of Mohen jo Daro ( 3000 BC)
The great bath, built at Mohenjodaro is unique. The Tank has rectangular structure. It is situated in the center of the courtyard and measures 11.89 mts. From north to south and 7.01 mts from east to west, the depth being 2.44 mts. A double ringed well in one of the rooms for supply for water to the bath, the floor of which is approached by a flight of steps on the north and south. An interesting feature if the construction was the care bestowed in water tightening of the structure. A two cms, thick damp-proof course of bitumen was used between the facing baked bricks of the basin and the intermediate wall, which inturn was retained by mud-brick packing and the outermost baked-brick wall. Across the lane to the north of the Great Bath there is a block with eight bathrooms arranged in two rows, one on either side of a drain. Each bathroom in Mohenjodaro had a stair case that was leading to the upper storey and privacy was secured by ensuring that the doors were not disposed opposite to one another.
Silparatna – an architecture text from Veda.
The glory of Indian architecture lies in its ability, to reflect the lifestyle and history of the era. The range extends from the city and town planning, temple complexes, observatories, monuments and memorials in various materials from rock to metal. Examples of Indian works are Ajanta Ellora caves of 6th century AD, Sanchi and saranath Stupas 2nd century BCE , Mahabaliswer, brihadiswara Madurai Menaxi temples, Konark sun temple, Konark temple sculptures of erotics
The Great Bath of Mohen jo Daro ( 3000 BC)
The great bath, built at Mohenjodaro is unique. The Tank has rectangular structure. It is situated in the center of the courtyard and measures 11.89 mts. From north to south and 7.01 mts from east to west, the depth being 2.44 mts. A double ringed well in one of the rooms for supply for water to the bath, the floor of which is approached by a flight of steps on the north and south. An interesting feature if the construction was the care bestowed in water tightening of the structure. A two cms, thick damp-proof course of bitumen was used between the facing baked bricks of the basin and the intermediate wall, which inturn was retained by mud-brick packing and the outermost baked-brick wall. Across the lane to the north of the Great Bath there is a block with eight bathrooms arranged in two rows, one on either side of a drain. Each bathroom in Mohenjodaro had a stair case that was leading to the upper storey and privacy was secured by ensuring that the doors were not disposed opposite to one another.
Silparatna – an architecture text from Veda.
Veda and Health Science
Ayur Veda : - The Knowledge of Life . Ayurveda is the oldest traditional healing system practiced in India and the most comprehensive holistic healing system in the world. This ancient knowledge was given to mankind, more than 5000 years ago by sages and seers for the well being of humans. It is also known as the
mother of all healing system:
It is original source of many modern natural healing therapies. The aim of Ayurveda is not only healing the sick, but also the prevention of illness and the preservation of life, and in that way it comprises a noble system of living that makes Ayurveda the most complete system of medicine and healthcare we know today.
There are several aspects to Ayurveda that are quite unique:
i) Its recommendations will often be different for each person regarding which foods and which lifestyle they should follow in order to be completely healthy. This is due to its use of a constitutional model.
ii) Everything in Ayurveda is validated by observation, inquiry, direct examination and knowledge derived from the ancient texts.
iii) It understands that there are energetic forces that influence nature and human beings. These forces are called the Tridoshas.
iv) Because Ayurveda sees a strong connection between the mind and the body, a huge amount of information is available regarding this relationship.
Origin of Ayurveda:
Ayurveda is an intricate system of healing that originated in India thousands of years ago. We can find historical evidence of Ayurveda in the ancient books of wisdom known as the Vedas. In the Rig Veda, over 60 preparations were mentioned that could be used to assist an individual in overcoming various ailments. The Rig Veda was written over 6,000 years ago, but really Ayurveda has been around even longer than that. What we see is that Ayurveda is more than just a medical system. It is a Science of Life. We are all part and parcel of nature. Just as the animals and plants live in harmony with nature and utilize the Laws of Nature to create health and balance within their beings, we, too, adhere to these very same principles. Therefore, it is fair to say that Ayurveda is a system that helps maintain health in a person by using the inherent principles of nature to bring the individual back into equilibrium with their true self. In essence Ayurveda has been in existence since the beginning of time because we have always been governed by nature's laws.
Meanings of Ayurveda:
Ayurveda is made up of two Sanskrit words: “Ayu” which means life and “Veda” which means the knowledge of. To know about life is Ayurveda. However, to fully comprehend the vast s cope of Ayurveda let us first define "Ayu" or life. According to the ancient Ayurvedic scholar Charaka, "ayu" is comprised of four essential parts. The combination of mind, body, senses and the soul.
Mind, Body, and Senses :
We tend to identify most with our physical bodies; yet, in actuality, there is more to us then what meets the eye. We can see that underlying our physical structure is the mind, which not only controls our thought processes but also helps assist us in carrying out day-to-day activities such as respiration, circulation, digestion and elimination. The mind and the body work in conjunction with one another to regulate our physiology. In order for the mind to act appropriately to assist the physical body, we must use our senses as information gatherers.
We can think of the mind as a computer and the senses as the data, which gets entered into the computer. Smell and taste are two important senses that aid in the digestive process. When the mind registers that a particular food is entering the gastrointestinal tract, it directs the body to act accordingly by releasing various digestive enzymes. However, if we overindulge the taste buds with too much of a certain taste, such as sweet, we may find that the ability of the mind to perceive the sweet taste is impaired; and thereby the body becomes challenged in its ability to process sweet foods. Maintaining the clarity of our senses is an essential part in allowing the mind and body to integrate their functions and help in keeping us healthy and happy individuals.
Tridosha: Ayurveda's concept of the Tridoshas is unique to medical science. Ayurveda says the body is made up of tissues (dhatus), waste products (malas), and doshas (loosely translated to Energetic Forces). It is the Tridoshas' job to assist with the creation of all of the various tissues of the body and to remove any unnecessary waste products from the body. It is also the Tridoshas that influence all movements, all transformations, all sensory functions, and many of the other activities in the human body and mind.
i) Vata Dosha: The Vata dosha is the most important of the three doshas. This is for two reasons. First, if Vata becomes imbalanced for long enough and sufficiently enough, it can also cause the other two doshas (Pitta or Kapha) to become imbalanced. It can even cause both Pitta and Kapha to become imbalanced; this is called a Tridoshic imbalance and is the most difficult to overcome. Secondly, Vata is the main driver or mover of the body, Including the other two doshas, all the tissues (dhatus) and all of the waste products (malas).
Vata provides the following functions:
1. All eliminations: fetus, semen, feces, urine, sweat, and a few others
2. Assists with all the various metabolisms in the body (called Agni in Ayurveda)
3. Controls all of the various movement of body (both physical & mental), including such things as respiration, heart beat, motivation and contraction of muscles.
4. Relays all sensory input from the various sense organs to the brain
ii) Pitta Dosha: The Pitta dosha is associated with fire or heat. Wherever there is transformation, there is Pitta (doing its job). Whether it is in the GI tract, liver, skin, eyes or brain doesn't matter, for these are all locations where Pitta works.
Pitta provides the following functions:
1. Metabolism - at all the various levels
2. from digestion of food to transformation of all other material
3. Thermo-genesis - maintains the proper body temperature
4. Vision - converts external images into optic nerve impulses
5. Appetite - the feeling of hunger and thirst
6. Comprehension - of information into knowledge, also reasoning and judgment
7. Courage & Braveness - to face the situation
8. Complexion - gives color and softness to skin
ii) Kapha Dosha: Kapha is the heaviest of the three doshas. It provides the structures and the lubrication that the body needs. These qualities help to counterbalance Vata's movement and Pitta's metabolism. A big, heavyset football play or wrestler is a person with a predominance of Kapha.
Kapha provides the following functions:
1. Strength - to perform physical tasks
2. Moistness & Lubrication - to prevent excessive friction from occurring between the various parts of the body
3. Stability - to add the necessary grounding aspect to both mind and body
4. Mass & Structure - to provide fullness to bodily tissues
5. Fertility & Virility - to produce healthy offspring
Principles of Ayurveda :
Now that we have a better understanding of what comprises life, let's look at some of the principles of Ayurveda and how they might affect us. In Ayurveda we view a person as a unique individual made up of five primary elements. The elements are ether (space), air, fire, water, and earth. Just as in nature, we too have these five elements in us. When any of these elements are present in the environment, they will in turn have an influence on us. The foods we eat and the weather are just two examples of the presence of these elements. While we are a composite of these five primary y elements, certain elements are seen to have an ability to combine to create various physiological functions. Ether and air combine to form what is known in Ayurveda as the Vata dosha. Vata governs the principle of movement and therefore can be seen as the force, which directs nerve impulses, circulation, respiration, and elimination. Fire and water are the elements that combine to form the Pitta dosha. The Pitta dosha is the process of transformation or metabolism.
The transformation of foods into nutrients that our bodies can assimilate is an example of a Pitta function.
Pitta is also responsible for metabolism in the organ and tissue systems as well as cellular metabolism. Finally, it is predominantly the water and earth elements, which combine to form the Kapha dosha. Kapha is what is responsible for growth, adding structure unit by unit. Another function of the Kapha dosha is to offer protection. Cerebral-spinal fluid protects the brain and spinal column and is a type of Kapha found in the body. Also, the mucousal lining of the stomach is another example of the Kapha dosha protecting the tissues. We are all made up of unique proportions of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These ratios of the doshas vary in each individual; and because of this, Ayurveda sees each person as a special mixture that accounts for our diversity. Ayurveda gives us a model to look at each individual as a unique makeup of the three doshas and to thereby design treatment protocols that specifically address a person’s health challenges. When any of the doshas (Vata, Pitta or Kapha) become accumulated, Ayurveda will suggest specific lifestyle and nutritional guidelines to assist the individual in reducing the dosha that has become excessive. We may also suggest certain herbal supplements to hasten the healing process. If toxins in the body are abundant, then a cleansing process known as Pancha Karma is recommended to eliminate these unwanted toxins.
Tulsi – the time tested remedy for several ailments.
Many families in India maintain a tulsi planted in a specially built structure, which has images of deities installed on all four sides, and an alcove for earthen oil lamp. Some of the larger households even have up to a dozen tulsi plants on the verandah or in the garden. Tulsi is of great medicinal significance, and is a prime herb in ayurvedic treatment. Marked by its strong aroma and a stringent taste, tulsi promotes longevity. The plant’s extracts can be used to prevent and cure many illnesses and common ailments like common cold, headaches. Heart disease various forms of poisoning and malaria. Essential oil extracted from Karpoora tulsi is mostly used for medicinal purposes through of late it is used in the manufacture of herbal toiletries.
The tulsi plant is even known to purify or de-pollute the atmosphere and also works as a repellent to mosquitoes, flies and other harmful insects. Tulsi used to be a universal remedy in cased of malarial fever.
Scholars of Ancient Indian Health Science
Sushruta – 4th century B.C.: He was the first surgeon of the world. Sushruta was the father of plastics surgery and an expert in anesthesia. An expert in removing cataract, urinary stones and treating fractures. He was the first to perform a caesarean. He was authored ‘Sushruta Samhita – a medical treatise where he lists 101 types of surgical instruments. He named surgical tools after animals or birds they resemble. Even today, the medical community uses the name – Crocodile forceps and Hawk-bill forceps
Sushruta has described surgery under the following:
Chedya (excision), Lekhya (sacrification), Vedhya (puncturing), Esya (exploration), Ahrya (extraction), Vsraya (evaculation) and Sivya (suturing)
Charaka - Charaka was the 1st physician to present the concept of digestion, metabolism and immunity. He authored ‘Charaka Samhita’, which was a revised treatise of the original by agnivesha.He was the court physician of Kushana King of kanishka. He is regarded as the principal exponent of the medical system known as ‘Kaya Chikitsa’
Patanjali – 147B.C.- Patanjali was the founder of Yoga system and the author of Yoga sutras, which is the first document of its kind to expound techniques of control over body and mind by practice of Yoga
mother of all healing system:
It is original source of many modern natural healing therapies. The aim of Ayurveda is not only healing the sick, but also the prevention of illness and the preservation of life, and in that way it comprises a noble system of living that makes Ayurveda the most complete system of medicine and healthcare we know today.
There are several aspects to Ayurveda that are quite unique:
i) Its recommendations will often be different for each person regarding which foods and which lifestyle they should follow in order to be completely healthy. This is due to its use of a constitutional model.
ii) Everything in Ayurveda is validated by observation, inquiry, direct examination and knowledge derived from the ancient texts.
iii) It understands that there are energetic forces that influence nature and human beings. These forces are called the Tridoshas.
iv) Because Ayurveda sees a strong connection between the mind and the body, a huge amount of information is available regarding this relationship.
Origin of Ayurveda:
Ayurveda is an intricate system of healing that originated in India thousands of years ago. We can find historical evidence of Ayurveda in the ancient books of wisdom known as the Vedas. In the Rig Veda, over 60 preparations were mentioned that could be used to assist an individual in overcoming various ailments. The Rig Veda was written over 6,000 years ago, but really Ayurveda has been around even longer than that. What we see is that Ayurveda is more than just a medical system. It is a Science of Life. We are all part and parcel of nature. Just as the animals and plants live in harmony with nature and utilize the Laws of Nature to create health and balance within their beings, we, too, adhere to these very same principles. Therefore, it is fair to say that Ayurveda is a system that helps maintain health in a person by using the inherent principles of nature to bring the individual back into equilibrium with their true self. In essence Ayurveda has been in existence since the beginning of time because we have always been governed by nature's laws.
Meanings of Ayurveda:
Ayurveda is made up of two Sanskrit words: “Ayu” which means life and “Veda” which means the knowledge of. To know about life is Ayurveda. However, to fully comprehend the vast s cope of Ayurveda let us first define "Ayu" or life. According to the ancient Ayurvedic scholar Charaka, "ayu" is comprised of four essential parts. The combination of mind, body, senses and the soul.
Mind, Body, and Senses :
We tend to identify most with our physical bodies; yet, in actuality, there is more to us then what meets the eye. We can see that underlying our physical structure is the mind, which not only controls our thought processes but also helps assist us in carrying out day-to-day activities such as respiration, circulation, digestion and elimination. The mind and the body work in conjunction with one another to regulate our physiology. In order for the mind to act appropriately to assist the physical body, we must use our senses as information gatherers.
We can think of the mind as a computer and the senses as the data, which gets entered into the computer. Smell and taste are two important senses that aid in the digestive process. When the mind registers that a particular food is entering the gastrointestinal tract, it directs the body to act accordingly by releasing various digestive enzymes. However, if we overindulge the taste buds with too much of a certain taste, such as sweet, we may find that the ability of the mind to perceive the sweet taste is impaired; and thereby the body becomes challenged in its ability to process sweet foods. Maintaining the clarity of our senses is an essential part in allowing the mind and body to integrate their functions and help in keeping us healthy and happy individuals.
Tridosha: Ayurveda's concept of the Tridoshas is unique to medical science. Ayurveda says the body is made up of tissues (dhatus), waste products (malas), and doshas (loosely translated to Energetic Forces). It is the Tridoshas' job to assist with the creation of all of the various tissues of the body and to remove any unnecessary waste products from the body. It is also the Tridoshas that influence all movements, all transformations, all sensory functions, and many of the other activities in the human body and mind.
i) Vata Dosha: The Vata dosha is the most important of the three doshas. This is for two reasons. First, if Vata becomes imbalanced for long enough and sufficiently enough, it can also cause the other two doshas (Pitta or Kapha) to become imbalanced. It can even cause both Pitta and Kapha to become imbalanced; this is called a Tridoshic imbalance and is the most difficult to overcome. Secondly, Vata is the main driver or mover of the body, Including the other two doshas, all the tissues (dhatus) and all of the waste products (malas).
Vata provides the following functions:
1. All eliminations: fetus, semen, feces, urine, sweat, and a few others
2. Assists with all the various metabolisms in the body (called Agni in Ayurveda)
3. Controls all of the various movement of body (both physical & mental), including such things as respiration, heart beat, motivation and contraction of muscles.
4. Relays all sensory input from the various sense organs to the brain
ii) Pitta Dosha: The Pitta dosha is associated with fire or heat. Wherever there is transformation, there is Pitta (doing its job). Whether it is in the GI tract, liver, skin, eyes or brain doesn't matter, for these are all locations where Pitta works.
Pitta provides the following functions:
1. Metabolism - at all the various levels
2. from digestion of food to transformation of all other material
3. Thermo-genesis - maintains the proper body temperature
4. Vision - converts external images into optic nerve impulses
5. Appetite - the feeling of hunger and thirst
6. Comprehension - of information into knowledge, also reasoning and judgment
7. Courage & Braveness - to face the situation
8. Complexion - gives color and softness to skin
ii) Kapha Dosha: Kapha is the heaviest of the three doshas. It provides the structures and the lubrication that the body needs. These qualities help to counterbalance Vata's movement and Pitta's metabolism. A big, heavyset football play or wrestler is a person with a predominance of Kapha.
Kapha provides the following functions:
1. Strength - to perform physical tasks
2. Moistness & Lubrication - to prevent excessive friction from occurring between the various parts of the body
3. Stability - to add the necessary grounding aspect to both mind and body
4. Mass & Structure - to provide fullness to bodily tissues
5. Fertility & Virility - to produce healthy offspring
Principles of Ayurveda :
Now that we have a better understanding of what comprises life, let's look at some of the principles of Ayurveda and how they might affect us. In Ayurveda we view a person as a unique individual made up of five primary elements. The elements are ether (space), air, fire, water, and earth. Just as in nature, we too have these five elements in us. When any of these elements are present in the environment, they will in turn have an influence on us. The foods we eat and the weather are just two examples of the presence of these elements. While we are a composite of these five primary y elements, certain elements are seen to have an ability to combine to create various physiological functions. Ether and air combine to form what is known in Ayurveda as the Vata dosha. Vata governs the principle of movement and therefore can be seen as the force, which directs nerve impulses, circulation, respiration, and elimination. Fire and water are the elements that combine to form the Pitta dosha. The Pitta dosha is the process of transformation or metabolism.
The transformation of foods into nutrients that our bodies can assimilate is an example of a Pitta function.
Pitta is also responsible for metabolism in the organ and tissue systems as well as cellular metabolism. Finally, it is predominantly the water and earth elements, which combine to form the Kapha dosha. Kapha is what is responsible for growth, adding structure unit by unit. Another function of the Kapha dosha is to offer protection. Cerebral-spinal fluid protects the brain and spinal column and is a type of Kapha found in the body. Also, the mucousal lining of the stomach is another example of the Kapha dosha protecting the tissues. We are all made up of unique proportions of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These ratios of the doshas vary in each individual; and because of this, Ayurveda sees each person as a special mixture that accounts for our diversity. Ayurveda gives us a model to look at each individual as a unique makeup of the three doshas and to thereby design treatment protocols that specifically address a person’s health challenges. When any of the doshas (Vata, Pitta or Kapha) become accumulated, Ayurveda will suggest specific lifestyle and nutritional guidelines to assist the individual in reducing the dosha that has become excessive. We may also suggest certain herbal supplements to hasten the healing process. If toxins in the body are abundant, then a cleansing process known as Pancha Karma is recommended to eliminate these unwanted toxins.
Tulsi – the time tested remedy for several ailments.
Many families in India maintain a tulsi planted in a specially built structure, which has images of deities installed on all four sides, and an alcove for earthen oil lamp. Some of the larger households even have up to a dozen tulsi plants on the verandah or in the garden. Tulsi is of great medicinal significance, and is a prime herb in ayurvedic treatment. Marked by its strong aroma and a stringent taste, tulsi promotes longevity. The plant’s extracts can be used to prevent and cure many illnesses and common ailments like common cold, headaches. Heart disease various forms of poisoning and malaria. Essential oil extracted from Karpoora tulsi is mostly used for medicinal purposes through of late it is used in the manufacture of herbal toiletries.
The tulsi plant is even known to purify or de-pollute the atmosphere and also works as a repellent to mosquitoes, flies and other harmful insects. Tulsi used to be a universal remedy in cased of malarial fever.
Scholars of Ancient Indian Health Science
Sushruta – 4th century B.C.: He was the first surgeon of the world. Sushruta was the father of plastics surgery and an expert in anesthesia. An expert in removing cataract, urinary stones and treating fractures. He was the first to perform a caesarean. He was authored ‘Sushruta Samhita – a medical treatise where he lists 101 types of surgical instruments. He named surgical tools after animals or birds they resemble. Even today, the medical community uses the name – Crocodile forceps and Hawk-bill forceps
Sushruta has described surgery under the following:
Chedya (excision), Lekhya (sacrification), Vedhya (puncturing), Esya (exploration), Ahrya (extraction), Vsraya (evaculation) and Sivya (suturing)
Charaka - Charaka was the 1st physician to present the concept of digestion, metabolism and immunity. He authored ‘Charaka Samhita’, which was a revised treatise of the original by agnivesha.He was the court physician of Kushana King of kanishka. He is regarded as the principal exponent of the medical system known as ‘Kaya Chikitsa’
Patanjali – 147B.C.- Patanjali was the founder of Yoga system and the author of Yoga sutras, which is the first document of its kind to expound techniques of control over body and mind by practice of Yoga
Indians contribution to world of mathematics
The discovery of Zero - Decimal numeration system - Place value system
“The unit place the digit has the same value, in the 10th place 10 times the value and 100th place 100 times the value, as a woman is called mother, daughter and sister”
(Vyasa Bhashya to Yoga Sutra 650AD)
Algebra
1500 years back we introduced new technique of computation Bija ganitam, during the renaissance in Europe, this seer’s knowledge they received and developed.
Horticulture & Veda
There are many horticulture wonders found in ancient Indian manuscripts. ‘Surapala’, Scientist in agriculture writes in ‘Vrikhaayurveda’ about bearing flowers and fruits round the year, producing fragrance, changing the tastes, colors, the flowers, the fruits, the fragrance, producing flowers on non flowering creepers, transforming trees into creepers, dwarfing the trees, mixing longevity of crop, destruction and quick rejuvenation, quick production of fruits, increasing sizes of fruits and flowers, their appearance etc.
In Vedic time they worshipped Tree as god. Vriksha raja – Trees and plants are King
‘Clones without branching should grafted in autumn, sprouted branch should be grafted in spring (Hemanta) well developed branches should be grafted in the rainy season, by looking in to selection of the direction of the grafting one should graft the branches’.
A soft soil is helpful for all varieties of trees. Sesame is first sown and crushed, when it blooms in order to mix with soil’ (Vrksha Ayurveda of varahamihira – 500AD)
“The unit place the digit has the same value, in the 10th place 10 times the value and 100th place 100 times the value, as a woman is called mother, daughter and sister”
(Vyasa Bhashya to Yoga Sutra 650AD)
Algebra
1500 years back we introduced new technique of computation Bija ganitam, during the renaissance in Europe, this seer’s knowledge they received and developed.
Horticulture & Veda
There are many horticulture wonders found in ancient Indian manuscripts. ‘Surapala’, Scientist in agriculture writes in ‘Vrikhaayurveda’ about bearing flowers and fruits round the year, producing fragrance, changing the tastes, colors, the flowers, the fruits, the fragrance, producing flowers on non flowering creepers, transforming trees into creepers, dwarfing the trees, mixing longevity of crop, destruction and quick rejuvenation, quick production of fruits, increasing sizes of fruits and flowers, their appearance etc.
In Vedic time they worshipped Tree as god. Vriksha raja – Trees and plants are King
‘Clones without branching should grafted in autumn, sprouted branch should be grafted in spring (Hemanta) well developed branches should be grafted in the rainy season, by looking in to selection of the direction of the grafting one should graft the branches’.
A soft soil is helpful for all varieties of trees. Sesame is first sown and crushed, when it blooms in order to mix with soil’ (Vrksha Ayurveda of varahamihira – 500AD)
Astronomy Astrology and Vedic Mathematics
Before you can go indepth,I would like to introduce the Tantri's and Gurus.Please visit the links given below:
http://www.tharananellur.org
http://www.namboothiri.com
We explore the eclipse - The ancient Indian astronomers knew the real scientific causes of eclipses even in pre- Aryabhatta period. Aryabhatta I (476 AD) explains the phenomenon briefly. ‘The moon covers the sun and the great shadow of the earth that is Bhu Chaya eclipses the moon’. (Arybhatiya, 4.37.)
Varahamihir of 6th century AD, in his famous Brihat Samhita explains at length the scientific cause of an eclipse and boldly discards traditional myths related to the eclipses. “he tells at the solar eclipse the moon enters (covers) the sun’s Disc”. And he also explains, at the lunar eclipse the moon enters the shadow of the earth. – Brihat Samhita V.8.
In Rig Veda, ‘Oh! Sun when the demon Svarbhanu enveloped you by his shadow, the whole world was seen as if the people have forgotten their position and looked to be stunned. The sage Atri could locate the sun, which was covered with darkness by Svarbhanu. Nobody else could do that’. (RV 5/40)
A late commentary by one of the leading Indian astronomers Lalla in 8th C., Provides a scientific explanation for solar eclipse.“People at different places of earth see different parts of the sun as eclipsed. At some places eclipse is not visible at all. When this is understood who can say Rahu causes eclipse ? – Lalla’s Sishya – dhi – Vriddhida, 20-26
Law of gravity what Veda says? Ancient Indian scriptures mention the existence of gravitational force. We can note several references regarding this, but the modern world waited till Newton to know the existence of gravitational force. A definition to Gravity is discussed in ‘Navya kandali’ as follows:‘Gravity is the cause of falling of liquids and solids. It is invisible and is inferred by the falling motion. Gravity acts not only on the body, but also equally on its finer constituents’
‘If the famous goddess of the earth would not hold on this body by supporting apaana this body would have floated anywhere in the space or fallen down’–( Prshnopanishad–Shaankarabhaashya).This statement is shows clearly that Adi Sankara knew very well about gravitational force of the earth.
It is amazing to know that Indian astronomers have found out the precise numerical values of the planetary motion in such a time when not many sophisticated instruments were available for them. This is possible only because of concentration of power and subtle thinking capacity earned b them from veda. In depth knowledge of Indian astronomers can be guessed by the following sample from AryaBhatta
Work about Planetary Motion.
Distance of Planets
The distance of planets from the sun in terms earth to sun average distance known as
Au. (1.5x108 Km) are:
Planet Aryabhatta’s value Modern value
Mercury 0.375 0.387
Venus 0.725 0.723
Mars 1.538 1.523
Jupiter 5.16 5.20
Saturn 9.41 9.54
Revolution of periods: Sidhanta shiromani of Bhaskaracharys gives earth’s period of revolution as 365.2578756484 days. The periods of other planets are
Planet Aryabhatta’s value Modern value
Moon 27.322 days 27.322 days
Mars 1.881 years 1.881 years
Jupiter 11.861 years 1.862 years
Saturn 29.477 years 29.458 years
‘All the planets whether moving in the orbits or in eccentric circles, move anti clock wise from their apogees and clockwise from their perigees’. Aryabhattiya – chapter 3, verse 17
This law was state in the 5th C.AD, much before Johannes Kepler gave the first law of planetary motion in 1609 AD.
Indian astronomers observe the knowledge of elliptical orbits.
bhapa kramo grahamchcha sisivikshepa apamandalata saadharma
sani-guru-kuja-kha-ka-gargha bhruhu-bhudha kha…..
aaryabhattiya – chapter – 1, verse8
The details about elliptical orbits: The greatest declination of the sun: 24 deg. (modern value 23.deg.30 min)
The greatest celestial latitudes
Planet Aryabhatta’s value Modern value
Moon 4deg.30 min. 5 deg.0.min
Saturn 2deg.0.min 2deg.30min
Jupiter 1deg.0min 1deg.30min
Mars 1deg.30min 1deg.51min
Venus 2deg.0min 3deg.23min
Mercury 2deg.0min 7deg.0min
Circling the square: Baudhayana gives the very interesting construction for a circle whose area is equal to that of a given square approximately. He says if you wish to circle the square, draw half of its diagonal above the center towards the east west line, and then describe a circle together with a third part of that, which lies out side the square
Ancient Indian mathematics at glance
Period Mathematics Notable Mathematicians
3000-1500BC Indus scale, length and weigh
Measurement and standardization
1500-5000BC Vedas, Vedangas and Shulba Sutras,
World of numerals, beginning of astronomy Baudhayana,
Arithmetical operations, Vedic geometry Apastambha
Katyayana
500-200BC Emergence of jain mathematics, Number policy
Permutation and combinations, the Binomial theorem
Pingalas Chandah sutra, Meru prastara
Period Mathematics Notable Mathematicians
200BC–400 AD The Bakshali manuscript, Rules of Mathematical
Operations, first use of zero, simple algebra, unknown
Quantity representation, negative sign concept
400 – 1400AD Best period of Indian Mathematics, imp.Mthcal works Aryabhatta
Written by Aryabhattiya, Panchasidhantika, Bhashya, Parameswara
Mahabhashya,Siddhanta siromani, Venuaroha Nilakantta
Madhava, Bhaskaracharya
Varhamihira, Bhaskara
Brahmagupta, Shridhara etc.
‘In gayatri chandas,one pada has six letters. When this number is made half, it becomes three, remove one from three and make it half to get one. Remove one from it, thus gets the zero’ Pingalachary’s Chanda-Shastra-200BC. Almost 2,600 years ago, Apastamba, the great Indian geometer and author of ‘Apastamba Sulba Sutra’, first time gave remarkably accurate value for squre root of 2, as equal to- =1+1/3 + 1/(34) – 1/(3434). The general linear equation was solved in the Apastamba’s Sulba Sutra
http://www.tharananellur.org
http://www.namboothiri.com
We explore the eclipse - The ancient Indian astronomers knew the real scientific causes of eclipses even in pre- Aryabhatta period. Aryabhatta I (476 AD) explains the phenomenon briefly. ‘The moon covers the sun and the great shadow of the earth that is Bhu Chaya eclipses the moon’. (Arybhatiya, 4.37.)
Varahamihir of 6th century AD, in his famous Brihat Samhita explains at length the scientific cause of an eclipse and boldly discards traditional myths related to the eclipses. “he tells at the solar eclipse the moon enters (covers) the sun’s Disc”. And he also explains, at the lunar eclipse the moon enters the shadow of the earth. – Brihat Samhita V.8.
In Rig Veda, ‘Oh! Sun when the demon Svarbhanu enveloped you by his shadow, the whole world was seen as if the people have forgotten their position and looked to be stunned. The sage Atri could locate the sun, which was covered with darkness by Svarbhanu. Nobody else could do that’. (RV 5/40)
A late commentary by one of the leading Indian astronomers Lalla in 8th C., Provides a scientific explanation for solar eclipse.“People at different places of earth see different parts of the sun as eclipsed. At some places eclipse is not visible at all. When this is understood who can say Rahu causes eclipse ? – Lalla’s Sishya – dhi – Vriddhida, 20-26
Law of gravity what Veda says? Ancient Indian scriptures mention the existence of gravitational force. We can note several references regarding this, but the modern world waited till Newton to know the existence of gravitational force. A definition to Gravity is discussed in ‘Navya kandali’ as follows:‘Gravity is the cause of falling of liquids and solids. It is invisible and is inferred by the falling motion. Gravity acts not only on the body, but also equally on its finer constituents’
‘If the famous goddess of the earth would not hold on this body by supporting apaana this body would have floated anywhere in the space or fallen down’–( Prshnopanishad–Shaankarabhaashya).This statement is shows clearly that Adi Sankara knew very well about gravitational force of the earth.
It is amazing to know that Indian astronomers have found out the precise numerical values of the planetary motion in such a time when not many sophisticated instruments were available for them. This is possible only because of concentration of power and subtle thinking capacity earned b them from veda. In depth knowledge of Indian astronomers can be guessed by the following sample from AryaBhatta
Work about Planetary Motion.
Distance of Planets
The distance of planets from the sun in terms earth to sun average distance known as
Au. (1.5x108 Km) are:
Planet Aryabhatta’s value Modern value
Mercury 0.375 0.387
Venus 0.725 0.723
Mars 1.538 1.523
Jupiter 5.16 5.20
Saturn 9.41 9.54
Revolution of periods: Sidhanta shiromani of Bhaskaracharys gives earth’s period of revolution as 365.2578756484 days. The periods of other planets are
Planet Aryabhatta’s value Modern value
Moon 27.322 days 27.322 days
Mars 1.881 years 1.881 years
Jupiter 11.861 years 1.862 years
Saturn 29.477 years 29.458 years
‘All the planets whether moving in the orbits or in eccentric circles, move anti clock wise from their apogees and clockwise from their perigees’. Aryabhattiya – chapter 3, verse 17
This law was state in the 5th C.AD, much before Johannes Kepler gave the first law of planetary motion in 1609 AD.
Indian astronomers observe the knowledge of elliptical orbits.
bhapa kramo grahamchcha sisivikshepa apamandalata saadharma
sani-guru-kuja-kha-ka-gargha bhruhu-bhudha kha…..
aaryabhattiya – chapter – 1, verse8
The details about elliptical orbits: The greatest declination of the sun: 24 deg. (modern value 23.deg.30 min)
The greatest celestial latitudes
Planet Aryabhatta’s value Modern value
Moon 4deg.30 min. 5 deg.0.min
Saturn 2deg.0.min 2deg.30min
Jupiter 1deg.0min 1deg.30min
Mars 1deg.30min 1deg.51min
Venus 2deg.0min 3deg.23min
Mercury 2deg.0min 7deg.0min
Circling the square: Baudhayana gives the very interesting construction for a circle whose area is equal to that of a given square approximately. He says if you wish to circle the square, draw half of its diagonal above the center towards the east west line, and then describe a circle together with a third part of that, which lies out side the square
Ancient Indian mathematics at glance
Period Mathematics Notable Mathematicians
3000-1500BC Indus scale, length and weigh
Measurement and standardization
1500-5000BC Vedas, Vedangas and Shulba Sutras,
World of numerals, beginning of astronomy Baudhayana,
Arithmetical operations, Vedic geometry Apastambha
Katyayana
500-200BC Emergence of jain mathematics, Number policy
Permutation and combinations, the Binomial theorem
Pingalas Chandah sutra, Meru prastara
Period Mathematics Notable Mathematicians
200BC–400 AD The Bakshali manuscript, Rules of Mathematical
Operations, first use of zero, simple algebra, unknown
Quantity representation, negative sign concept
400 – 1400AD Best period of Indian Mathematics, imp.Mthcal works Aryabhatta
Written by Aryabhattiya, Panchasidhantika, Bhashya, Parameswara
Mahabhashya,Siddhanta siromani, Venuaroha Nilakantta
Madhava, Bhaskaracharya
Varhamihira, Bhaskara
Brahmagupta, Shridhara etc.
‘In gayatri chandas,one pada has six letters. When this number is made half, it becomes three, remove one from three and make it half to get one. Remove one from it, thus gets the zero’ Pingalachary’s Chanda-Shastra-200BC. Almost 2,600 years ago, Apastamba, the great Indian geometer and author of ‘Apastamba Sulba Sutra’, first time gave remarkably accurate value for squre root of 2, as equal to- =1+1/3 + 1/(34) – 1/(3434). The general linear equation was solved in the Apastamba’s Sulba Sutra
Physics and Veda
In ancient India, the sages used to observe nature and natural phenomena and try to understand them by going in to deep meditation. This is the equivalent of their theoretical framework, which would induce them make closer observations – experiments- and discover new information.
Knowledge of ancient Indians on various aspects of the physical world is scattered in many Sanskrit works, which include the Vedas, vedaangas, puraanas etc. deal with several aspects of the animate and inanimate world. Some of the observations of the sages can now be better correlated with the 21st century physics concepts.
‘One is led to anew notion of unbroken wholeness, which denies the classical idea of the ability to analyze the world into separately and independently existing parts. We have reversed the usual classical notion, that the independent elementary reality, and that the various systems are merely particular contingent forms and arrangements if these parts. The Laws of Gravity in Indians view Rather, we say that inseparable quantum interconnectedness if the whole universe is the fundamental reality and the relatively independently behaving parts are merely particular and contingent forms within the above’ – Mundakopanishad –
1200 years before sir Isaac Newton rediscovered.
The different between the ancient indian measurement (1500 years ago) and the modern measurement is only 0.00085 days (0.0002%). India has given the world the idea of smallest and largest measure of time – from 34,000th a second (Kranti) to 4.32 billion years (kalpa).
We suggested the sphere
(Bhugoladhyaya , surya sidhanta). Arya bhatta was the first to deduce that the earth is round. It must be mentioned that western science accepted that earth is spherical only in 14th century. Also he was the first to postulate it is the earth that rotates and the stars are stationary. This was about a 1000 year before Copernicus.
‘The globe of earth stands suspended in space at the center of a circular frame that is at the center of the Bhagola surrounded by water, soil, fire and air and is circular on all sided that is spherical’.
(Aryabhatiya - chapter 4, verse 6)
How long is your day??
23 hrs – 56 mts – 4 scds – 0.1 fractions – ‘ aryabhatta’
23 hrs – 56 mts – 4 scds – 0.091 fractions – modern value
Science of yajna or e= mc2
Aitareya rishi said’ yjna is conversion of consciousness into matter and matter in to consciousness through vital force. Einsein he discovered that matter and energy are inter-convertible as per his formula e=mc2.this lead to the discovery of atomic energy.The vedic seers have discovered a still superior form of energy viz. the power of consciousness. It is the consciousness, which activate our vital energies, which in turn, can bring about any transformation.
The power of consciousness is represented by mantra, vital energy are the Deva’s (God) when we say that Deva’s are invoked by mantras, we simply mean to say that vital energies are activated by the use of psychic power. These psychic powers, which are supra-physical, can control anything physical. Thus, by use of mantras and by invoking Deva’s all of our desires can be fulfilled. Aitareya who says that yajna s a process of converting consciousness into matter and matter into consciousness, since consciousness and matter cannot be interchanged directly, the interchange takes place via vital force.
Aitereya and Einstein formula
Einstein
MATTER ENERGY
Aitareya
MATTER VITAL FORCES CONSCIOUSNESS
Speed of Light The 14th c. scholar Saayana (1335-1387 AD) mentions about the speed of light in his commentary of Rigveda. He was a minister in the court of king Bukka I of vijayanagar empire in south India.
‘Thus this remembered: (oh Sun!) Bow to you, you who traverse 2,202 yojanas in half a nimisha’
(saayanacharya – commentary on 4th verse of the hymn of Rig Veda 1.50)
Transformation of energy in rigveda
Agne … tmna satinam purusham (Rig veda 2.2.9)
In this sloka RV define the universal transformation of energy
Stirnaa asya samhato viswarupa (RV 3.1.7.)
Energy Omnipresent
Viswasya ketu, bhuvanasya garbha, oh rodasi aprunat (YV.12.33)
In vedic quotation interestingly mentioned the seven rays of sun. In Rig veda these are nothing but the colors –VIBGYOR, RV supports ‘the seven rays of the sun are falling, there I live with my family’. (RV8-72-16)
These statements are evident to assume the seven colors of sunrays were very well known, even during the vedic period.
Rishi Kanaada - forerunner to Archimedes and Einstein: Kanaada or Kashypa lived in the 6th century B.C. from his childhood; kashyapa displayed a keen sense of observation. Kanada was the first expounder of the atomic concept in the universe. He was the first to point out he binary molecule and atom. Everything in the universe, he said ‘is made up of Paramanu(Nuclear).
Paramanu are eternal and indestructible and do not exist in free state nor can they be sensed through any human organ’. Kanaada
propounded Vaiseshika Sutras (peculiarity Aphorisms). They are a blend of science, philosophy and religion.
This wisdom stuns the modern scientist that Rishi Kanaada could make such profound observations on Atomic Science in the 6th century.
Knowledge of ancient Indians on various aspects of the physical world is scattered in many Sanskrit works, which include the Vedas, vedaangas, puraanas etc. deal with several aspects of the animate and inanimate world. Some of the observations of the sages can now be better correlated with the 21st century physics concepts.
‘One is led to anew notion of unbroken wholeness, which denies the classical idea of the ability to analyze the world into separately and independently existing parts. We have reversed the usual classical notion, that the independent elementary reality, and that the various systems are merely particular contingent forms and arrangements if these parts. The Laws of Gravity in Indians view Rather, we say that inseparable quantum interconnectedness if the whole universe is the fundamental reality and the relatively independently behaving parts are merely particular and contingent forms within the above’ – Mundakopanishad –
The Laws of Gravity in sages view
1200 years before sir Isaac Newton rediscovered.
‘Objects fall on the earth due to a force of attraction by the earth. Therefore the earth, planet, constellations, moon and the sun are held in orbit by attraction’(Surya Sidhantha by Bhaskaraachaarya). In surya sidhantha, bhaskaraachaarya calculates the time taken for the earth on orbit the sun to 9 decimal places (365.258756484 days). The modern accepted measurement is 365.2596 days.
The different between the ancient indian measurement (1500 years ago) and the modern measurement is only 0.00085 days (0.0002%). India has given the world the idea of smallest and largest measure of time – from 34,000th a second (Kranti) to 4.32 billion years (kalpa).
We suggested the sphere
Earth is not flat instead it is spherical in shape. This was discussed in the ancient astronomical text, Surya Sidhanta, ‘As the earth is round every person considered himself at the top of the earth where he or she is standing. So downward direction is towards the center of the earth for everyone.’ –
Everyone on the earth feels that he is at the top of the earth. But this is not true.
(Bhugoladhyaya , surya sidhanta). Arya bhatta was the first to deduce that the earth is round. It must be mentioned that western science accepted that earth is spherical only in 14th century. Also he was the first to postulate it is the earth that rotates and the stars are stationary. This was about a 1000 year before Copernicus.
‘The globe of earth stands suspended in space at the center of a circular frame that is at the center of the Bhagola surrounded by water, soil, fire and air and is circular on all sided that is spherical’.
(Aryabhatiya - chapter 4, verse 6)
How long is your day??
23 hrs – 56 mts – 4 scds – 0.1 fractions – ‘ aryabhatta’
23 hrs – 56 mts – 4 scds – 0.091 fractions – modern value
Science of yajna or e= mc2
Aitareya rishi said’ yjna is conversion of consciousness into matter and matter in to consciousness through vital force. Einsein he discovered that matter and energy are inter-convertible as per his formula e=mc2.this lead to the discovery of atomic energy.The vedic seers have discovered a still superior form of energy viz. the power of consciousness. It is the consciousness, which activate our vital energies, which in turn, can bring about any transformation.
The power of consciousness is represented by mantra, vital energy are the Deva’s (God) when we say that Deva’s are invoked by mantras, we simply mean to say that vital energies are activated by the use of psychic power. These psychic powers, which are supra-physical, can control anything physical. Thus, by use of mantras and by invoking Deva’s all of our desires can be fulfilled. Aitareya who says that yajna s a process of converting consciousness into matter and matter into consciousness, since consciousness and matter cannot be interchanged directly, the interchange takes place via vital force.
Aitereya and Einstein formula
Einstein
MATTER ENERGY
Aitareya
MATTER VITAL FORCES CONSCIOUSNESS
Speed of Light The 14th c. scholar Saayana (1335-1387 AD) mentions about the speed of light in his commentary of Rigveda. He was a minister in the court of king Bukka I of vijayanagar empire in south India.
‘Thus this remembered: (oh Sun!) Bow to you, you who traverse 2,202 yojanas in half a nimisha’
(saayanacharya – commentary on 4th verse of the hymn of Rig Veda 1.50)
Transformation of energy in rigveda
Agne … tmna satinam purusham (Rig veda 2.2.9)
In this sloka RV define the universal transformation of energy
Stirnaa asya samhato viswarupa (RV 3.1.7.)
Energy Omnipresent
Viswasya ketu, bhuvanasya garbha, oh rodasi aprunat (YV.12.33)
In vedic quotation interestingly mentioned the seven rays of sun. In Rig veda these are nothing but the colors –VIBGYOR, RV supports ‘the seven rays of the sun are falling, there I live with my family’. (RV8-72-16)
These statements are evident to assume the seven colors of sunrays were very well known, even during the vedic period.
Rishi Kanaada - forerunner to Archimedes and Einstein: Kanaada or Kashypa lived in the 6th century B.C. from his childhood; kashyapa displayed a keen sense of observation. Kanada was the first expounder of the atomic concept in the universe. He was the first to point out he binary molecule and atom. Everything in the universe, he said ‘is made up of Paramanu(Nuclear).
When matter divided and sub-divided until further division is not possible, the remaining indivisible entity is called Paramanu.
Paramanu are eternal and indestructible and do not exist in free state nor can they be sensed through any human organ’. Kanaada
propounded Vaiseshika Sutras (peculiarity Aphorisms). They are a blend of science, philosophy and religion.
This wisdom stuns the modern scientist that Rishi Kanaada could make such profound observations on Atomic Science in the 6th century.
Modern chemistry and ancient Indian knowledge
Ancient Indian chemists were conducting their experiments in well-equipped chemical laboratories. They more than employed more than 32 pieces of apparatus for chemical and pharmaceutical investigations. They called them as ‘Yantra’
Rasaratna Samuchchaya : It gives the working, usage and construction of such yantras. ‘Tiriyak Patana Yantra’ is one those, used for purpose of the distillation. This particular device first introduced by Nagarjuna for the extraction of essence of cinnabar.
The distillation of perfumes: The distillation of scents, perfumes and fragment liquids and ointments was one area where the knowledge of chemistry was applied in India, since ancient times. At those times, perfumes and fragment ointments were of two type namely, Teertha (Liquid) and Gandha (slurries or ointments). ‘Place the chemical in a vessel provided with a long tube inserted in an inclined position which enters the interior of other vessel arranged as a receiver. The mouth of the vessel and the joint should be luted clay and cloth. Now put a strong fire at the bottom of the vessel containing chemicals, while the other vessel is in cold water. The apparatus is used for distillation’ (Rasaratna Samuchchaya 1.48-50)
In India, chemistry had its beginnings in remote antiquity in the development of purposeful and practical arts meant to fulfil the demands of the necessities of life. Of particular interest is the Indian alchemy, otherwise known as ‘Rasa Vidya’ which possibly formed part of the mystic practices of certain sections of tantric and sidhas. In India the beginning of chemistry as practical and purposeful art are noticeable in remote antiquity. Of particular importance is the knowledge as well as the technique concerning the baking of clay and
Production of pottery, i.e. of objects fashioned from clay and hardened by fire. Metalwork, processing of various naturally occurring minerals, slaking of the burnt limestone, compositions of essential oils, use of pigments, and production of different types of glass were among the noteworthy chemical practices in India even in vedic times. Ancient Indians were far ahead in so many areas like chemicals, medicines, textiles, dyeing, tanning, perfumery, glass, ceramics, gems, cements, mortars, lutes etc. the ancient medical system of
India.
Ayur veda, is mainly related to health. All the process developed for extracting metals like gold, silver, iron, copper, zinc etc. from their ores, making alloys of these metals with specific properties, using finely powered and treated metals and metallic preparations in medicine etc are essentially chemical processes. The ancient Indians excelled in several chemical processes– melting, smelting,casting, tempering of steel, calcinations sublimation, steaming, fermentation etc.Various technological developments including the use of iron has led various social and military developments. The history of Indian indigo, dyes and dyeing industry marks also an interestingly study.
Ancient Indian manuscripts of chemistry:
1) Rasa Ratnakara by Sidha Nagarjuna
2) Rasaratna Samuchchaya by Vagbhataachaarya
3) Rasa Hridaya by Bhagavad Govinda
4) Rasaarnava – author not known
5) Rasendra Chudamani by Somadeva
6) Rasapraka Sasudhakara by Yasodhara
7) Rasa Chintamani by Madanantha Deva
8) Rasa Rajalaxmi by Vishnudeva
9) Rasa Nakshtra Maalika by Mathan Simha
10) Rasaratnakara by Nithyanantha Sidha
11) Rasa Pradeepa - author not known
12) Rasa Kalpa from RudraYaamalam
13) Dhatu Kriya or Dhatu Manjan form Rudrayaamalam
14) Dhatu Ratnamaala from Ashwinikumara Samhita
15) Kaka Chandeswarimatha Tantra
16) Rasasaara by Govindachary
17) Rasakaumudi by jnanachandra
18) Rasarajalakshmi by ramiswara Bhatta
19) Rasindrachintamani by Ramachandra Guha
20) Rasabheshaja kalpa by surya panditha
21) Rasankita Kalika by chamunda
22) Loha Padhati by suriwara
23) Kankali Granta by narasimha sotri
24) Rasa Mukthavali by devanatha
25) Rasa padhati by bindu panditha
26) Rasaamrutha by ramiswara
27) Rasendra sara samgraha by gopalakrishna kaviraja
28) Paradayoga sastra by sivaramayogin
29) Rasa ratnamaala by Narasimha Kavi raja
30) Rasamangala by Gahananda Muni
31) Rasaraja Smaskara by Ramakrishna
Rasavadin (Scientists ) had their own Rasasalas (Chemical Laboratories) which contained several types of contrivances, and apparatus furnaces, instruments and places for washing and drying operations. The apparatus include the Koshti Apparatus for extraction of essence, pair of bellows, pestle and mortar, sieves of different meshes, crucibles, glass retorts, iron pans, conch shell etc.The apparatus employed by Indian alchemist were named as ‘Yantras’. The crucible ‘Musha Yantra’ was earthren one. ‘Svedini Yantra’ was used for steaming purposes. ‘Patana Yantra’ was employed for distillation and sublimation. The extraction of mercury from cinnabar was made from apparatus named as ‘Vidyadhara yantra’. Balka is a type of sand bath for heating uniformly, the substances for long time. If instead, salt was used it was called a ‘Lawana yantra’.
A closed crucible containing the chemical substances and keep inside a mass of sand is styled as ‘Bhudhara Yantra. It will thus be noticed that the rasavadins of India must have developed the different alchemical compositions through protracted and sustained experimentation over a long period. Though India had outstanding achievements to its credit in the field of rasa sastra (Chemistry), it did not receive encouragement or support from the intelligentsia of that age. The practices ultimately had remained as practical arts than as branches of a developing Chemical science. ‘Gold, silver, copper, iron, zinc are the six types of metals, their stability i.e. resistance towards corrosion/reactivity is in the verse of the above order’ – (Rasarnavam). ‘When strongly heated in the fire the loss of weight for gold is nil, for silver 2%, tin8%, lead and copper 5% and iron 10%’ – (Yajnavalkya smrti)
Samstapya mrinmaye patre tamra patram susamskritam
Chayayechchighi griven chandrarbhi kashta pamsubhi
Dastamoshyo nighadavya paradachchaadidastata
Samyyoga jjayate tejo mitraavarunasamchjhitam
(Agastya Samhita)
Place with copper plates in an earthern pot, cover with copper sulphate and moistened saw dust.
Spread zinc powder and cover it with mercury. Due to chemical reaction, +ve and –ve electricity is produced. He further says that this water is decomposed in to oxygen and Hydrogen’. (Agastya Samhita).
Scientifically tested and proved by practical, When a cell was prepared accordingly to this text and measured, it gives open circuit voltage as 1.138 volts, and short circuit current as 23 mA.
Rasaratna Samuchchaya : It gives the working, usage and construction of such yantras. ‘Tiriyak Patana Yantra’ is one those, used for purpose of the distillation. This particular device first introduced by Nagarjuna for the extraction of essence of cinnabar.
The distillation of perfumes: The distillation of scents, perfumes and fragment liquids and ointments was one area where the knowledge of chemistry was applied in India, since ancient times. At those times, perfumes and fragment ointments were of two type namely, Teertha (Liquid) and Gandha (slurries or ointments). ‘Place the chemical in a vessel provided with a long tube inserted in an inclined position which enters the interior of other vessel arranged as a receiver. The mouth of the vessel and the joint should be luted clay and cloth. Now put a strong fire at the bottom of the vessel containing chemicals, while the other vessel is in cold water. The apparatus is used for distillation’ (Rasaratna Samuchchaya 1.48-50)
In India, chemistry had its beginnings in remote antiquity in the development of purposeful and practical arts meant to fulfil the demands of the necessities of life. Of particular interest is the Indian alchemy, otherwise known as ‘Rasa Vidya’ which possibly formed part of the mystic practices of certain sections of tantric and sidhas. In India the beginning of chemistry as practical and purposeful art are noticeable in remote antiquity. Of particular importance is the knowledge as well as the technique concerning the baking of clay and
Production of pottery, i.e. of objects fashioned from clay and hardened by fire. Metalwork, processing of various naturally occurring minerals, slaking of the burnt limestone, compositions of essential oils, use of pigments, and production of different types of glass were among the noteworthy chemical practices in India even in vedic times. Ancient Indians were far ahead in so many areas like chemicals, medicines, textiles, dyeing, tanning, perfumery, glass, ceramics, gems, cements, mortars, lutes etc. the ancient medical system of
India.
Ayur veda, is mainly related to health. All the process developed for extracting metals like gold, silver, iron, copper, zinc etc. from their ores, making alloys of these metals with specific properties, using finely powered and treated metals and metallic preparations in medicine etc are essentially chemical processes. The ancient Indians excelled in several chemical processes– melting, smelting,casting, tempering of steel, calcinations sublimation, steaming, fermentation etc.Various technological developments including the use of iron has led various social and military developments. The history of Indian indigo, dyes and dyeing industry marks also an interestingly study.
Ancient Indian manuscripts of chemistry:
1) Rasa Ratnakara by Sidha Nagarjuna
2) Rasaratna Samuchchaya by Vagbhataachaarya
3) Rasa Hridaya by Bhagavad Govinda
4) Rasaarnava – author not known
5) Rasendra Chudamani by Somadeva
6) Rasapraka Sasudhakara by Yasodhara
7) Rasa Chintamani by Madanantha Deva
8) Rasa Rajalaxmi by Vishnudeva
9) Rasa Nakshtra Maalika by Mathan Simha
10) Rasaratnakara by Nithyanantha Sidha
11) Rasa Pradeepa - author not known
12) Rasa Kalpa from RudraYaamalam
13) Dhatu Kriya or Dhatu Manjan form Rudrayaamalam
14) Dhatu Ratnamaala from Ashwinikumara Samhita
15) Kaka Chandeswarimatha Tantra
16) Rasasaara by Govindachary
17) Rasakaumudi by jnanachandra
18) Rasarajalakshmi by ramiswara Bhatta
19) Rasindrachintamani by Ramachandra Guha
20) Rasabheshaja kalpa by surya panditha
21) Rasankita Kalika by chamunda
22) Loha Padhati by suriwara
23) Kankali Granta by narasimha sotri
24) Rasa Mukthavali by devanatha
25) Rasa padhati by bindu panditha
26) Rasaamrutha by ramiswara
27) Rasendra sara samgraha by gopalakrishna kaviraja
28) Paradayoga sastra by sivaramayogin
29) Rasa ratnamaala by Narasimha Kavi raja
30) Rasamangala by Gahananda Muni
31) Rasaraja Smaskara by Ramakrishna
Rasavadin (Scientists ) had their own Rasasalas (Chemical Laboratories) which contained several types of contrivances, and apparatus furnaces, instruments and places for washing and drying operations. The apparatus include the Koshti Apparatus for extraction of essence, pair of bellows, pestle and mortar, sieves of different meshes, crucibles, glass retorts, iron pans, conch shell etc.The apparatus employed by Indian alchemist were named as ‘Yantras’. The crucible ‘Musha Yantra’ was earthren one. ‘Svedini Yantra’ was used for steaming purposes. ‘Patana Yantra’ was employed for distillation and sublimation. The extraction of mercury from cinnabar was made from apparatus named as ‘Vidyadhara yantra’. Balka is a type of sand bath for heating uniformly, the substances for long time. If instead, salt was used it was called a ‘Lawana yantra’.
A closed crucible containing the chemical substances and keep inside a mass of sand is styled as ‘Bhudhara Yantra. It will thus be noticed that the rasavadins of India must have developed the different alchemical compositions through protracted and sustained experimentation over a long period. Though India had outstanding achievements to its credit in the field of rasa sastra (Chemistry), it did not receive encouragement or support from the intelligentsia of that age. The practices ultimately had remained as practical arts than as branches of a developing Chemical science. ‘Gold, silver, copper, iron, zinc are the six types of metals, their stability i.e. resistance towards corrosion/reactivity is in the verse of the above order’ – (Rasarnavam). ‘When strongly heated in the fire the loss of weight for gold is nil, for silver 2%, tin8%, lead and copper 5% and iron 10%’ – (Yajnavalkya smrti)
Battery in vedic times: An interesting procedure, that gives proof for the usage and preparation of the battery cell is recorded in Agastya samhita. The following lines illustrate the electrical cell
Samstapya mrinmaye patre tamra patram susamskritam
Chayayechchighi griven chandrarbhi kashta pamsubhi
Dastamoshyo nighadavya paradachchaadidastata
Samyyoga jjayate tejo mitraavarunasamchjhitam
(Agastya Samhita)
Place with copper plates in an earthern pot, cover with copper sulphate and moistened saw dust.
Spread zinc powder and cover it with mercury. Due to chemical reaction, +ve and –ve electricity is produced. He further says that this water is decomposed in to oxygen and Hydrogen’. (Agastya Samhita).
Scientifically tested and proved by practical, When a cell was prepared accordingly to this text and measured, it gives open circuit voltage as 1.138 volts, and short circuit current as 23 mA.
Awakening to Indian scientific facts
Most Indians are aware that they have a great heritage; few would include science in it. This is mainly because during centuries of alien rule they have been led to believe that science is an import from Europe. They tend to forget the many significant contributions to science, which India had made for hundreds of years before the first Europeans came to India. There is evidence that more than 3,000 years before birth of Christ, people of this subcontinent had much scientific knowledge. Relics of the Indus valley civilization, found at Harappa and Mohanjo-daro, indicate that their cities were well planned, with excellent water supply and drainage systems. The progress they had made in agriculture, brick-making craft and industry was remarkable. Their cloths were made of cotton. There were astronomers, mathematicians and geometricians. Their calendar was based on the movement of both the moon and the sun. They had identified various constellations and had named the months after them. Outstanding contributions were made to mathematics, astronomy and medical science. However, there were several invasions, which wrought irreparable damage. Indians themselves forget this glorious scientific past until the Indus valley civilization was discovered in 1921.
Veda : The word ‘Veda’ literally means knowledge par excellence or supreme knowledge. The Hindus consider the Vedas as the original and prime source of their cultural life. The thinking and feeling of Hindus are regulated by the Vedas. It is almost impossible to perceive and fully understand the ethos of spiritual and cultural lives of Indians without having an insight into the Vedas. The themes appearing in the Vedas are eternal and relevant to the humanity for all times to come.This knowledge was not derived from a particular scripture or prophet but came into being in course of several millennia. This knowledge continued incessantly being transmitted from centuries from generation to generation by word of mouth. Most of the Indian scholars consider the Harappa-Mohen-Jo-Daro culture (4000B.C) to be later phase of the Vedic culture. This places the date of the Rig Veda, the earliest of the Vedas, around 10,000 B.C. The great sages Krishna Dvaipayana Vyas or Veda Vyasa is said to have effected this division by collecting all mantras extent during this time, and editing them, into four groups: Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva. He taught them to his for chief disciples: Raila (Rig Veda), vaisampayana (Yajur-Veda), Jaimini (Sama Veda) and Saumana( Atharva Veda). This is how these four Vedas took shape.
RIG VEDA : Of all the four vedic Samhitaas, the RV- Samhitaa is the oldest and has a pre-eminent place in the vedic literature.The topics dealt with in the RV samhitaa fall roughly into three groups. The first group deals with the deities like Agni, Indra, Varuna and others. The second group is concerned with philosophical speculations like the origin of the universe and the real nature of the human beings. Third group deals with several secular subjects like marriage, wars of kings, eulogy of generosity and so on. The mantra in which well-known statement ‘ekam sat viprah bahudhaa vadanti’, truth is one, sages call it by various names, sums up the spirit of the entire RV. The concept of ‘vasudeva kudumbakam’ or universal oneness was propounded in the RV. In the RV period Varna (cast system) had already taken roots, monogamy, polygamy and Swayamvara system (that of a bride choosing her husband) – all existed side. Agriculture aand animal husbandry was the chief means of livelihood. Civilization was well developed and fine arts were encouraged. Priests and kings were powerful. Satya (Truth) and Dharma (Righteousness) were extolled. Social life was permeated by spiritual consciousness.
YAJUR VEDA : It is collection of yajus, the mantras in prose, which are specially useful to the ahvaryu priests during sacrifices (Yajna). The YV-samhitaa is in two major forms the Krishna and the Shukla, meaning the Black and White.Though the Krishna- YV-samhita is said to have had 85 saakhaas or recensions, only four are available now
a. Taittiriya
b. Maitraayaniya
c. Katha
d. Kapisthala
Associated with the Taittiriya – samhita are Taittiriya-braahmana, Tittiriya aranya and the Taittiriya-upanishad. The well-known Kathopanishad also belongings to the Krishna YV, but to the Katha recension.The Shukla-YV-samhitaa, also known as the Vaajasaneyi-samhitaa, is said to have been collected and edited by famous sage Yajnavalkya.Ishavasyopanishad and Brhahadaranyakopanishad are the Upanishad of this Veda.
SAMA VEDA : The Sama Veda – ‘knowledge of chanted hymns’ in way stands between the poetic Vedas and the ritualistic Vedas. Sama stands for love of god and consists of hymns of devotion. The verses are traditionally chanted on different ceremonial occasions. In content form, it is poetry of the highest Order, while in arrangement and purpose it is ritualistic. Mostly the selections are made from the Rig Veda and grouped together and arranged for ritualistic purposes. The SV contains 1,875 verses, of which only 75 are not to be found in the RV. The rest are virtually the repetitions of the RV verses. The SV is said to have had one thousand recentions but only three of them are now preserved and they are Ranayania sakha, Kautuma sakha and Jaiminiya Sakha.
ATHARVA VEDA: Atharva Veda is also known as Brahma Veda. The contents of this veda ranges from diseases and their cure, building construction, trade and commerce, statecraft, penances and propitiatory rites. High philosophical ideas much nearer to those of the Upanishads are also found. The AV has 6,077 mantras spread over 20 Kaandas. This veda designates God as the Absolute not only to Brahman but also by some interesting names like Skambha, Ucchista and Vraatya. The whole universe has emerged out of Him due to His will and is established in Him. He is the Lord of the whole creation.This work gives us an interesting picture of the society of its times. The land in which the people lived, extend from Gaandhaara (Afghanistan) to Magadha (Bhihar) and Vanga (Bengal). The Varna (Caste) system had been well established. Trade and commerce were prosperous though agriculture was mainstay of the people. The cow was highly venerated and Godaana (gift of cow) was considered meritorious. The three well-known Upanishads – the Prasna, the mundaka and the Maandukya – belong to this Veda.
PURAANA: The ‘Puraana’ means ‘ancient tales’. The puraanaas are eighteen in number which didactic in character and sectarian in purpose.The Puranaas in general deal with the origin of the universe, its destruction, the geographical divisions of the world, the nature of the people inhabiting the various Parts of the world, the dynasties that ruled over them, the political divisions of India in different periods of history, the important places of pilgrimage and the religious and social practices of the different people of the everyday life in ancient India moral precepts through interesting stories in the puranaas very popular among the people.
UPANISHAD:‘What is that by knowing which everything in this vast universe is known’? This question has some time or other agitated all thinking persons.The vedas are the basic scriptures of Hindus. Each Veda has four parts i.e Samhita, Brahmana, Aranyakaand Upanishads. The first three parts are called Karmakaanda – interpretation of actions. The other part is called Jnanakaanda – the interpretation of philosophy – known as Upanishads have a unique place in the development of Indian thought. The word Upanishad derives from the Sanskrit root ‘sadil’ with the prefixes (upasargas) ‘upa’ and ni’ which means ‘sit near’. (Upa –Near, Ni- Down, Sad-Sit). There is more intimate contact between the student and teacher; the student sits close to the teacher and that is the reason for designating the text as Upanishad. The Upanishads gives the ultimate knowledge and destroy ignorance.
YAGNA (YAGA): Yagna means sacrifice. In a yagna conducted in the vedic period, the members of the community came together in a spirit of dedication and sacrifice for the purpose of a co-operative spiritual and divine endeavor to invoke the grace of the Presiding Deity for the blessings of the community, for peace of the world, for the prosperity in wealth etc.
-Features of Yagna
-Inspiring goal for prosperity of everyone
-Working together in team spirit
-Sharing results
The yagna spirit is seen everywhere in nature: the sun shines, the moon appears, the sea throbs, the earth bears – all in a spirit of sacrifice and self-dedicated motherly love, never with even a trace of attachment or any kind of self-arrogating motives. The law of seva, is faithfully followed by every sentiment and insentiment member of the cosmos instinctively. Man alone is given the freedom to act as he likes and to the extent he disobeys this Universal Law of sacrifice (Yaga or yagna), to that extent he comes to suffer because of his arrogant and egoistic actions. This brings discord in the harmony of the existence around them.
Veda : The word ‘Veda’ literally means knowledge par excellence or supreme knowledge. The Hindus consider the Vedas as the original and prime source of their cultural life. The thinking and feeling of Hindus are regulated by the Vedas. It is almost impossible to perceive and fully understand the ethos of spiritual and cultural lives of Indians without having an insight into the Vedas. The themes appearing in the Vedas are eternal and relevant to the humanity for all times to come.This knowledge was not derived from a particular scripture or prophet but came into being in course of several millennia. This knowledge continued incessantly being transmitted from centuries from generation to generation by word of mouth. Most of the Indian scholars consider the Harappa-Mohen-Jo-Daro culture (4000B.C) to be later phase of the Vedic culture. This places the date of the Rig Veda, the earliest of the Vedas, around 10,000 B.C. The great sages Krishna Dvaipayana Vyas or Veda Vyasa is said to have effected this division by collecting all mantras extent during this time, and editing them, into four groups: Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva. He taught them to his for chief disciples: Raila (Rig Veda), vaisampayana (Yajur-Veda), Jaimini (Sama Veda) and Saumana( Atharva Veda). This is how these four Vedas took shape.
RIG VEDA : Of all the four vedic Samhitaas, the RV- Samhitaa is the oldest and has a pre-eminent place in the vedic literature.The topics dealt with in the RV samhitaa fall roughly into three groups. The first group deals with the deities like Agni, Indra, Varuna and others. The second group is concerned with philosophical speculations like the origin of the universe and the real nature of the human beings. Third group deals with several secular subjects like marriage, wars of kings, eulogy of generosity and so on. The mantra in which well-known statement ‘ekam sat viprah bahudhaa vadanti’, truth is one, sages call it by various names, sums up the spirit of the entire RV. The concept of ‘vasudeva kudumbakam’ or universal oneness was propounded in the RV. In the RV period Varna (cast system) had already taken roots, monogamy, polygamy and Swayamvara system (that of a bride choosing her husband) – all existed side. Agriculture aand animal husbandry was the chief means of livelihood. Civilization was well developed and fine arts were encouraged. Priests and kings were powerful. Satya (Truth) and Dharma (Righteousness) were extolled. Social life was permeated by spiritual consciousness.
YAJUR VEDA : It is collection of yajus, the mantras in prose, which are specially useful to the ahvaryu priests during sacrifices (Yajna). The YV-samhitaa is in two major forms the Krishna and the Shukla, meaning the Black and White.Though the Krishna- YV-samhita is said to have had 85 saakhaas or recensions, only four are available now
a. Taittiriya
b. Maitraayaniya
c. Katha
d. Kapisthala
Associated with the Taittiriya – samhita are Taittiriya-braahmana, Tittiriya aranya and the Taittiriya-upanishad. The well-known Kathopanishad also belongings to the Krishna YV, but to the Katha recension.The Shukla-YV-samhitaa, also known as the Vaajasaneyi-samhitaa, is said to have been collected and edited by famous sage Yajnavalkya.Ishavasyopanishad and Brhahadaranyakopanishad are the Upanishad of this Veda.
SAMA VEDA : The Sama Veda – ‘knowledge of chanted hymns’ in way stands between the poetic Vedas and the ritualistic Vedas. Sama stands for love of god and consists of hymns of devotion. The verses are traditionally chanted on different ceremonial occasions. In content form, it is poetry of the highest Order, while in arrangement and purpose it is ritualistic. Mostly the selections are made from the Rig Veda and grouped together and arranged for ritualistic purposes. The SV contains 1,875 verses, of which only 75 are not to be found in the RV. The rest are virtually the repetitions of the RV verses. The SV is said to have had one thousand recentions but only three of them are now preserved and they are Ranayania sakha, Kautuma sakha and Jaiminiya Sakha.
ATHARVA VEDA: Atharva Veda is also known as Brahma Veda. The contents of this veda ranges from diseases and their cure, building construction, trade and commerce, statecraft, penances and propitiatory rites. High philosophical ideas much nearer to those of the Upanishads are also found. The AV has 6,077 mantras spread over 20 Kaandas. This veda designates God as the Absolute not only to Brahman but also by some interesting names like Skambha, Ucchista and Vraatya. The whole universe has emerged out of Him due to His will and is established in Him. He is the Lord of the whole creation.This work gives us an interesting picture of the society of its times. The land in which the people lived, extend from Gaandhaara (Afghanistan) to Magadha (Bhihar) and Vanga (Bengal). The Varna (Caste) system had been well established. Trade and commerce were prosperous though agriculture was mainstay of the people. The cow was highly venerated and Godaana (gift of cow) was considered meritorious. The three well-known Upanishads – the Prasna, the mundaka and the Maandukya – belong to this Veda.
PURAANA: The ‘Puraana’ means ‘ancient tales’. The puraanaas are eighteen in number which didactic in character and sectarian in purpose.The Puranaas in general deal with the origin of the universe, its destruction, the geographical divisions of the world, the nature of the people inhabiting the various Parts of the world, the dynasties that ruled over them, the political divisions of India in different periods of history, the important places of pilgrimage and the religious and social practices of the different people of the everyday life in ancient India moral precepts through interesting stories in the puranaas very popular among the people.
UPANISHAD:‘What is that by knowing which everything in this vast universe is known’? This question has some time or other agitated all thinking persons.The vedas are the basic scriptures of Hindus. Each Veda has four parts i.e Samhita, Brahmana, Aranyakaand Upanishads. The first three parts are called Karmakaanda – interpretation of actions. The other part is called Jnanakaanda – the interpretation of philosophy – known as Upanishads have a unique place in the development of Indian thought. The word Upanishad derives from the Sanskrit root ‘sadil’ with the prefixes (upasargas) ‘upa’ and ni’ which means ‘sit near’. (Upa –Near, Ni- Down, Sad-Sit). There is more intimate contact between the student and teacher; the student sits close to the teacher and that is the reason for designating the text as Upanishad. The Upanishads gives the ultimate knowledge and destroy ignorance.
YAGNA (YAGA): Yagna means sacrifice. In a yagna conducted in the vedic period, the members of the community came together in a spirit of dedication and sacrifice for the purpose of a co-operative spiritual and divine endeavor to invoke the grace of the Presiding Deity for the blessings of the community, for peace of the world, for the prosperity in wealth etc.
-Features of Yagna
-Inspiring goal for prosperity of everyone
-Working together in team spirit
-Sharing results
The yagna spirit is seen everywhere in nature: the sun shines, the moon appears, the sea throbs, the earth bears – all in a spirit of sacrifice and self-dedicated motherly love, never with even a trace of attachment or any kind of self-arrogating motives. The law of seva, is faithfully followed by every sentiment and insentiment member of the cosmos instinctively. Man alone is given the freedom to act as he likes and to the extent he disobeys this Universal Law of sacrifice (Yaga or yagna), to that extent he comes to suffer because of his arrogant and egoistic actions. This brings discord in the harmony of the existence around them.
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