Anugraha Bhashanam to Veda Vidyarthis in a special event, SASTRA University, Thanjavur

Anugraha Bhashanam to Veda Pathashala Students at Sastra University on 30/6/2019. On an auspicious Dwadashi students from Trichy, Thanjavur & Kumbakonam Veda Pathashalas numbering to more than 200 participated in the event. As directed by His Holiness the students participated in Veda Parayana and then were taken around to various research labs to get introduced about various scientific advancements & technology. The Vidyarthis & Adhyapaks were then honoured in presence of His Holiness in a beautiful auditorium in the University Campus. His Holiness then addressed the Vidyarthis: गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः। गुरुः साक्षात् परं ब्रह्म तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः॥ नारायणं पद्मभुवं वसिष्ठं शक्तिं च तत्पुत्रपराशरं च​ व्यासं शुकं गौडपदं महान्तं गोविन्दयोगीन्द्रमथास्य शिष्यम्। श्रीशंकराचार्यमथास्य पद्मपादं च हस्तामलकं च शिष्यं तं तोटकं वार्तिककारमन्यान्नस्मद्गुरुमानतोऽस्मि॥ सदाशिवसमारम्भां शंकराचार्यमध्यमाम्। अस्मदाचार्यपर्यन्तां वन्दे गुरुपरम्पराम्॥ Here children belonging to Rig, Yajur & Sama Veda Pathashalas have assembled along with their respective Adhyapakas. Bharata Desa is an important centre for education. Why should we study, what should we study what is the benefit of learning? Even an less intelligent person does not act without any benefit. Benefit is for who. For us? Our people? our country? Knowingly or unknowingly what you children are doing is a very lofty ideal for everyone’s benefit & welfare. Only when Jambavan reminded Hanuman of his powers did He cross the mighty ocean. While Hanuman posessed divine powers, he had to be reminded of it. He used it only for noble deeds, for Ramakaryam. Anjaneya Swamy was well educated, strong, very capable, was able to help others, and was able to praise good qualities, irrespective of the kind of person who posessed them. This is known when he first sees Ravana and exclaims ‘but for his Adharma, Ravana is capable of ruling all the three worlds’. Rama knowing the capability of Hanuman, inspite of many Vanara Heroes present, entrusted his Ring only to him. His very first words when he saw Rama after returning from Lanka were Drashta Sita, Kanden Sitayai. He was well aware of other’s difficulties and was always ready to remove them. Hanuman was a Navavyakarana Pandita and was praised by Rama as a great scholar. नानृग्वेदविनीतस्य नायजुर्वेदधारिणः। नासामवेदविदुषः शक्यमेवं प्रभाषितुम्॥ “A person who has not read Rig, Yajur & Sama Vedas, cannot talk in such a wonderful manner.” Anjaneya Swami was so talented that his talk was beautiful, modest, full of meaning and which were capable to remove sadness & generate happiness. His actions were great. We have to note here that when talking about Hanuman’s talent Sri Rama tells that only a person who has studied Vedas can talk like this. By study of Vedas goodness and capability increases. Sometimes, unknowingly we do good things and sometimes bring difficulty to others. Parents with lot of belief in traditions and lot of affection have sent you all to study Vedas. By studying Vedas, unconsciously & unknowingly you are helping the world. ब्राह्मणेन निष्कारणेन षडंगो वेदोऽध्येयो ज्ञेयश्च​। Brahmins are ordained to study Vedas with its meaning as Svadharma. As prescribed by Gruhya Sutras, after Upanayana in the first Shravam, Veda Adhyayanam is commenced. They are called as Shatkarma Nirata, meaning they have to learn & teach, perform Yagas & and enable others to perform, do charity & receive charity. In this line Veda Adhyayanam comes first. सा विद्या या विमुक्तये- That which removes our difficulties & bondage is called Vidya. The real education evolves through continuous learning. Vedas with Shadangam शिक्षा व्याकरणं छन्दः निरुक्तं ज्योतिषं तथा।कल्पश्चेति षडंगानि must be learnt. Then Sastras like Tarkam, Mimamsa, Vyakaranam, Vedantam should be learnt. To come out of the three types of difficulties namely Adhyatma, Adhidaivika & Adhibhoutika you should learn philosophies. Vidyaranya Swami’s Bhashya must be learnt so that the meaning of the mantras are learnt. Shroutam another branch of Vedas must be learnt to know about Yagnya Anushthanas. Before we go in to all these subjects, the Mulam Bhaga of the Vedas must be learnt with Swaras & perfect intonations thoroughly. Aavritti must be chanted with all sincerity. Vedas must be chanted in the early mornings during Brahma Muhurta as it is very good for memory. Good & nutritious food must be consumed. Higher learning is important but Nitya Anushthanams must be observed and it must also be taught to other children which will be a form of Vedic Service. Agni Upasana is very special and must be observed with care and this should develop as Aupasanam & Agnihotram. Three things must be remembered. First is Adhyayanam. Second is Bhakti. As students, you should not shy to perform prostrations to our Guru routinely. Education should be learnt with devotion & humility. Third is Acharam. *This is half speech rest in website kamakoti.org