Miscellaneous - Religion   

Welfare of all

CHENNAI : The Vedas, which are the primary scriptural authority of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism), have enjoined certain obligatory duties for every individual at every stage of life. Every action or ritual prescribed by the Veda has a beneficial result definitely. The benefit is not only for the individual who performs it but also for the whole world. This encompasses the wisdom that the well being of an individual is subsumed under the welfare of the entire society.

In his discourse, Sri Mani Dravid Sastri said the seer Apasthamba had illustrated the all-round benefit derived from the performance of Vedic rituals with the example of a gardener raising a mango tree. The objective of the gardener is to reap delicious mangoes from the tree he nurtures with great care. But when the sapling grows into a big tree it affords shade to passers-by, birds and animals, and also promotes a healthy and pleasing environment with its fragrance and greenery. Similarly, when an individual performs his daily obligatory rituals he derives certain specific results even though he must do them as duty and the entire world also benefits in the process. Traditionally a prayer is chanted at the end of any ritual for the well being of all.

Every person is born with three debts: towards sages, forebears and to the celestials (Devas). So man has to repay these debts by the performance of certain rituals. The obligation to the sages must be fulfilled by the study of the Vedas during Brahmacharya (as a student). The debt to one's forefathers is discharged by the performance of the prescribed rituals (Shraddha) and also by begetting a progeny who must be trained to adhere to the obligatory practices, which ensures the continuance of tradition.

The indebtedness to the celestials can be seen from the fact that man is dependent on them right from the food he eats to the air he breathes. So sacrifices must be done to express one's gratitude to the Devas. The householder must perform the daily obligatory rituals till he renounces the world to pursue the spiritual path.

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