Thursday, July 30, 2015

SIKSHAVALLI 4th ANUVAKA



                                                                                                                                            

                                                                     
Mantra: yas chandasa mrishabho viswarupaha….
After prescribing in the first two anuvakas santhi and siksha respectively, the  preceptor  presents the mantras to be recited by the medhakama—the aspirant of medha or buddhi. The mantras for srikama or the aspirant for wealth are also described. These mantras have to be recited while performing homas. This anuvaka is in praise of “ Pranava” which is the quintessence of the three Vedas.
The gist of the mantras: Let this Pranava which is the form of Paameswara make me medhavanta- full of buddhi! “O Pranava! Let me absorb Brahma Jnana which is ‘ Amruta Swarupa’ the form of divine nector!”
Where is the need for prayer for medha? Unless one is blessed with buddhi he cannot assimilate what the teacher has taught. Brahma Jnana cannot occur without the assimilation of the teachings of the preceptor. Therefore the mantras for medhakama are totally relevant.
    “ Let my body be hale and healthy! Let my tongue speak sweetly! Let my ears be sound enough to hear clearly! O Pranava! You reside in the sheath of Parabrahma.” In other words common folk cannot understand the importance of Pranava. As such kindly protect the knowledge of the atma gained through my hearing. Protect me from being affected adversely by emotion, vengeance or by forgetfulness of the essence of teachings.
Comments: If the body is not hale and healthy it will be unfit for attending classes and lectures. If the tongue is harsh it will induce the preceptor too to be harsh. Jnanopadesa too will be affected. If the ears are affected you cannot hear properly. In short, all the organs of the body should function with absolute perfection. These two mantras should be recited by medhakama as well as deharogya kama-one who desires wellness of the body. Prosperity without medha will end in extravagance and evil ways. So riches should be granted only after granting medha. Without riches sacrifices and yagas required for purification of heart will not be possible Therefore the prayer is to bless one with medha first and riches and prosperity next.
 Next, the mantras for homa to be recited by srikama are presented: Meaning: O Pranava! After blessing me with medha and sound body, bless me with food and drink, cows and clothing and multiply them and let them remain for long time. Let celibate aspirants for  education  come seeking me. Let them come for knowledge leading to Swarga as also moksha. Let me have a congregation of people. Let me be renowned and respected more than the mighty and the rich. Then the preceptor pleads for unity with Omkara. “ O worshipful Pranava! I enter into you who shines  as the sheath of Parabrahma! You shall also enter into me. Let the ignorance of people who think both of us are separate and different be totally rooted out. O Pranava! You are like the neighbouring house for those who chant your name repeatedly and always.
The aim of speaking about Srikama in the vidyaprakarana is only to stress on money or riches. They are intended for actions ordained by the Sasthras. These vihita  karmas shall wash off sins accrued already. After the sins are washed off there will be occasion for the arrival of Jnana according to sri Adi Sankaracharya.
“ Jnana muthpadyathe pumsam kshayath papasya karmanaha” (Mahabharatha Mokshaprva—204-8) 

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