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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