The publication of this souvenir was occasioned by the Silver Jubilee function of the Veda Patashala, established by Sri Ganapathi Sachidananda Swamiji. Its underlying objective is to enable the layman to comprehend the philosophy and essence of the Vedas.
The term Dharma denotes performance of the duty enjoined in the Vedas. In other words, human beings are required to perform, only the duties stipulated in the Vedas, and none other. Mankind is protected and its welfare is promoted by the Vedic Dharma. Veda connotes knowledge and it is the bounded duty of all the denizens of this world to protect and preserve this great source of knowledge. However, it is to be conceded that each and every person cannot protect the Vedas. Nevertheless, it is possible for everyone to pursue and practice the Dharma of the Vedas.
In recognition of the fact that Dharma is based on the Vedas, the Maharishis established the Gurukula system. This system protects the Vedas and preserves it for the succeeding generations. The according of protection to the Vedas, in turn, afforded protection to Dharma. This tradition has been in vogue from times immemorial. Thus we find that the ancient Maharishis like Maharishi Kasyapa, as well as the Maharishis of the present day, strictly uphold this tradition. This mission has been preserved and promoted by Pujya Sri Swamiji, Who established the Veda Patashala in the Ashram, for the express purpose of continuing the Vedic system. The Veda Patashala was instituted at a time when the Ashram had a paucity of financial resources, in comparison to the present day situation. However, this did not impede Sri Swamiji.
The Vedas specify what we should do and what we should not do. As such, the faithful discharge of Vedic duties fulfils all worldly desires; and the knowledge of the Vedas enables us to understand the essence of the Lord Paramatma. The Vedas incorporate a number of mantras that cater to the requirements related to education, employment, marriage, offspring, dwellings and vehicles. The application and practice of these mantras is provided in the Vedas.
In the present Kali Era, there are quite a few people who have no qualms about any possible means to fulfil their desires. Thus, we find people who use violence against others. Moreover, there are some people who indulge in heinous acts, in order to achieve their objectives. Such acts are strictly prohibited in the Vedas, which unequivocally declare them to be serious sins.
Man is a bundle of desires, and the Vedas teach a number of ways by which these desires can be realised. These include the worship of gods, making liberal donations, performing good deeds, chanting mantras, and meditation.
It is natural for an ordinary individual to harbour a number of desires. In order to satisfy these desires, a person has to perform some action. Thus, each desire requires some action to gratify it. On the other hand, if one were to read the Vedas in their entirety, or in the alternative to engage scholars to read the Vedas on one’s behalf, then all the desires of that person could be realised in one go. The term parayana implies reading at a particular time, each and every day, and the parayana of the Vedas fulfils all desires.
The outcome of Veda parayana has been declared by Maharishi Bhodhayana. He also prescribed the systematic method for the Veda parayana. Each and every person must perform the Veda parayana, by appointing scholars for that purpose, at least once in their lifetime.
Even those who are ignorant of the Vedas will be attracted to it, once they listen to its chanting. Individuals may feel depressed, if they had not practised the chanting of the Vedas of if they had failed to make their children learn the Vedas. Such despondency is unwarranted, and they should contribute or provide service to the Veda Patashala, established by Sri Swamiji. This will provide them with the beneficial results of Veda practice.
The study of any branch of the Veda entails a minimum study of eight years. The student has to put in all possible effort, during this period. Learning the Veda is not like learning any other subject, and it demands the maximum concentration and physical participation of the student. Every student has to allocate at least twelve hours, daily to such study. These pupils are required to sit before the teacher throughout the class and to carefully observe the pronunciation of the verses. In the absence of such observation, the student could develop incorrect pronunciation.
May the Mother Goddess of the Veda provide Her blessings to all those who strive hard to mould Veda students into Veda scholars!
May the Veda students, who study the Vedas as tapas, amidst the earthly distractions, fallacies and passions receive the blessings of their Gurus!
It is the Veda that determines human Dharma. It teaches Dharma continuously forever. The Vedic Dharma will spread all over the world.
Sri Ganapathi Sachidananda Veda Patashala will celebrate its Golden Jubilee, Diamond Jubilee and many more in the future.
May it flourish forever!
Jaya Guru Datta!