Vedas valid forever


CHENNAI OCT. 15 . Clear guidelines for all members of
the entire society as to how to steer through life's
journey and tackle all problems have been laid in
scriptures. "Zealously uphold them; you will be
successful", are the positive suggestions contained in
the Divine revelations, the origin of which is
dateless. These directives, called the Vedas, are
valid at all times. Apart from stating what a person
should do and how to conduct himself, these utterances
also specify what ought not to do and how he should
definitely refrain from indulging in acts, which are
despicable. The Vedas are "impersonal" reflecting the
cultural and religious ethos of India. They show the
ways to prosperity here and to reach the final goal.

There may arise some doubts about these Divine rules
puzzling those who adhere to them. The Vedas have come
down through the ages only by oral transmission. When
the answers are not traceable in textual evidence or
in traditions, the Vedas, if scrutinised, will offer
the solutions. If a person puts a question as to
whether anyone has seen heaven, the details of the
God's kingdom and how to reach its doors are
prescribed in the Vedic words. The ancient bards who
had handed over to us these grand ideals were positive
in their outlook and when these are followed, there
will be peace and prosperity.

In a discourse, Sri Andavan Swami mentioned how the
essence of the epics and other scriptures is also
interspersed in the Vedic injunctions. A Thirukkural
couplet says that if the protecting monarch fails in
his duties the yield of milk by cows will diminish and
sages will forget the Vedas. Because of their
antiquity and relevance no one can efface them. How
difficult to learn, memorise and recite them, in
strict accordance with the rigid standards of adopting
proper intonations will surely bewilder those who know
their value. Even the common Tamil word for sacraments
has its origin from the term in Sanskrit. The ancient
Tamil work, Tholkappiam, contains reference to Vedic
traditions.

Classical music with all its nuances is no different
from the Vedas. The instrument, Veena, is advised to
be played when a woman is in the fairly advanced stage
of pregnancy. The notes (Swaras), the Sruti, octaves,
different scales, the structural beauty of the tunes
(Ragas) can all be traced from the Vedas, more
particularly from the Sama Veda. Even the
qualifications for rendering music are prescribed
therein. Music is thus an integral part of ancient
Vedic structure.

copy right: the Hindu daily.






__________________________________________________ ______________________
Want to chat instantly with your online friends? Get the FREE Yahoo!
Messenger http://mail.messenger.yahoo.co.uk