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Siksa
sastra may be said to be a "guard" to ensure the right
enunciation of a (Vedic) mantra. But it is Chandas that
determines whether the form of the mantra is right. Of course the
form of a mantra can never be wrong. The mantras, as mentioned so
often, were not created by the sages and are not the product of
their thinking. It was Bhagavan who caused them to be revealed to
them. Man, beast, tree and other sentient creatures and
insentient objects of creation exist as they should be according
to the law of nature. In the same way, the metre of a Vedic
mantra must be naturally correct. However, Chandas helps us to
find out whether a mantra or sukta that is being taught or
chanted has come down to us in its true form. We may check the
hymn according to its metre and if we find it faulty we may
correct it in consultation with people who are well-versed in
such matters.
Apart
from the mantras, which appeared on their own, are the
composition of poets. Chandas is of help in giving shape to
poetic thought and imagination. Like tala to music is chandas to
poetry.
It
is because poetry is composed according to a certain measure and
its rhythm determined in a certain order of syllables that it
acquires a definite form. It is also easy to memorise. Modern
society is discarding all those rules of discipline meant to give
it a definite character and purpose. In keeping with this new
trend, poetry too is being written without any metre and
"poets" compose as they please. People don't realise
that to be free means to be firmly attached to a system, that
discipline is the road to a higher freedom.
Chandas
is the means by which we ensure that the Vedic mantra is
preserved in its original form, it being impossible to add one
letter to it or take away another. The very purpose of the Vedas
is the raising up of the Self. Must we then permit a single sound
to be added to it or be taken away?
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"Hindu Dharma" is a book
which contains English translation of certain invaluable and
engrossing speeches of Sri Sri Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi MahaSwamiji (at
various times during the years 1907 to 1994).
For a general background, please see here
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