Confiusion about Vedic Texts

[Guest guest]

Just recently we had a discussion about one text from Vedic scriptures (I quote it below):

 

It is in that section of the Brhad-aranyaka Upanishad which is the basis of

and contains the mantras for the Garbhadhana-samskara. Before you can do the (Vedic) garbhadhana-samskara, you must of course have a wife who is willing:

 

"If she does not grant him his desire, he should buy her (with presents). If

she still does not grant him his desire he should beat her with a stick or

his hand and overcome her (saying) with (manly) power and glory, 'I take

away your glory.' Thus she becomes devoid of glory." (Brhad-aranyaka 6.4.7)

 

Vedas are ment to promote people, gradualy towards spirituality. Why Vedas recomend this. Isn't it very demonical instruction? I hope someone can explain it.

 

ys

Add

[Manni 0]

Hi Guest,

 

I'm no expert on scripture or anything, but I know a few people who have translated from Sanskrit to English - it's no easy job! Sanskrit has so many twists and turns and has actually changed over past few thousand years and so what may be 'beat her' in an English translation might actually just mean 'persuade her' (i.e. verbally).

 

This might sound far-fetched but i am TOTALLY unwilling to believe the Vedas, which themselves stand for non-violence and True Knowledge, would advocate such demonic behaviour.

 

Out of interest, where did you get the translation from? Was there a purport? If not, it only stresses the point many saints over ages, including Srila Prabhupada, have said - that Vedic Texts should not be read in solitude, without the guidance of a qualified master.

 

Hope this helps.... Hari Bol.

[Guest guest]

Hi again,

 

This text was translated by Ekanath das. He knows sanskrit very well. Also we had an other translation from one sanskrit teacher(with ph.d degree) which was the same as Ekanath translation. So, it seems the vers to be right translated. (But I will try to find original sanskrit text and maybe someone would translate it in a better way /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif).

But if the text is ok then is still very confiusing

 

ys Add

[Manni 0]

Hiya,

 

oh ok, so varified by 2 sanskritis then, eh? Then i no longer have a plausible explanation! But i still stand by what i said before - don't try to interpret any Vedic Text without a qualified spiritual Master as a guide!

[Guest guest]

Hi again,

 

therefore I post my question here hoping that I will get answer (comment on this vers) from some authorized source /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

 

ys Add

[Jahnava Nitai Das 2]

Shankara has commented on this verse. His comments are more or less the same.

 

He starts with sama, dana, etc., suggesting one buy her gifts, etc.

 

[Guest guest]

How I can find those comments?

Add

[Raguraman 0]

Reference:

 

The Principal Upanishads

 

with English Translation and notes

according to Madhvacharya's Bhasya

 

by

 

Prof. K.T. Pandurangi

 

Dvaita Vedanta Studies and Research Foundation

[Raguraman 0]

More verses

 

Well, translation for the verses is not provided in the book referred in my previous post and will appreciate if anybody provides the same. If the verses seem too explicit that it cannot be provided here then no need to provide it here.

[AncientMariner 0]

 

 

 

I was looking in the yellow pages and I can't seem to find a qualified spiritual master anywhere.

[theist 1]

looking up under C for Caitya.

[AncientMariner 0]

 

 

 

LOL

[AncientMariner 0]

 

 

 

That was just a little joke that was actually more relevant than you would think. When I was just out of high school I started reading Bhagavad Gita on my own and I didn't understand it. At the time I had severe depression and I was taken to a mental hospital. I kept telling them I needed to find a spiritual master and they all looked at me like I was crazy. I was even at the point where I wanted to go to India and try to find Srila Prabhupada. I didn't know he had already passed away.

[theist 1]

I can appreciate that. That urge to know was being strengthened and intensified as well as being fulfilled by the Lord in your heart.

 

There is so much effort put in to trying to promote this guru over that guru. I believe it would be more productive if we are directed from day one to ask of the Supersoul, "My dear Lord, please lead me to the one who can lead me to You." And to continue that direct prayer. By increasing that dependecy on the Lord for the revelation of who His representative is we can be assured of not being cheated. The only obstacle is really our lack of sincerity.

[debbie 0]

Theist,

I agree with what you replied to AncientMariner, about his urge to know was being strengthened and intensified, as well as being fulfilled by the Lord in his heart.

Where I live,there is not much talk of gurus and spiritual advisors. It is not that I do not believe in the power of prayer,because I do, and I would gladly ask Him for that request, but do you think it is at all possible, I could find one in North Carolina. I know you may not have all the answers, but these are questions I have for someone.Why is it so important to have a spiritual advisor or guru? I know there is much I do not understand,and it will take sometime before I do, but I am patient and confident it will happen.Is it not possible to have spiritual advancement, without gurus and spiritual advisors? Debbie /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[theist 1]

debbie, it is not possible to know anything without Guru. God is the ultimate Guru. He first exists within us, the Soul of the soul. As we begin to desire to know the truth He will lead us from within to one who knows the truth. It is all very natural. Or He may show us the proper literature to read for our advancement. By reading the commenatries of past pure devotees we can associate with them through their words. At some point the Lord in the heart may direct us a particular devotee so that we may inquire from them directly in a face to face way. But the main thing is that we be lead there by the grace of the Lord and not by peer pressure to conform as often happens.

 

Many are finding that Srila Prabhupada's books are perfectly

clear and contain the potency to reveal both your self and God to you.

 

Don't become impatient. You have a strong desire to know the truth.That is evident. For sure the Lord will arrange everything.

 

It is very important to remember that what we seek comes by revelation from within. A true revelation will be in line with past revelations in the scriptures and advanced saints as well as guru.

 

My main point is that if we ardently seek guru within then we will also be lead to guru who exists externally. Not the other way around for best results.

 

 

 

[gHari 0]

Debbie,

 

You must purchase a guru.

 

The price you need to pay is sincerity. God resides in your heart witnessing all that happens. When your desires turn away from material enjoyment, towards Sri Krsna, then God will arrange a meeting for you with His bona fide representative.

 

The Bhagavad-gita is a process - a process by which one gradually extracts themself from the earthly drama and then, becoming free, they turn towards their eternal best friend, Sri Krsna, who responds with absolute love.

 

There is nothing magical; it is all about loving God first and foremost. Yet it all becomes miraculous as mundane existence happily fades away making room for our true love.

 

May you enjoy all success with Sri Krsna in this life.

 

gHari

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