Miscellaneous - Religion   

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.

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