Mantra:
vedamanuchyacharyonthe vasinamanusasthi Sathyam vada Dharmam chara…
Sri Sankara in his Bhashya points out that the preceptor, after
teaching the Veda comprehensively to his student, epitomizes its meaning and content. The upadesas given below have to be
practiced definitely before the dawn of jnana.They shall refine the mind of
man. One, whose heart is refined by the karmas shall derive ‘atma
jnana soon. Therefore, the karmas that are going to be indicated lead to the
birth of jnana.They have to be practiced necessarily. As these are the mandates
laid down, any noncompliance of these shall result in sin. As these are
ordained well before the realization of Brahmavidya, it shows that after the
dawn of jnana or Vidya there is no effect for the karmas at all. So all karmas
are useful in destroying the accrued
sins earlier and leading to the rise of jnana.
The mantra “Avidyayamrutyumthirthwavidyayamruthamasnuthe” affirms
the same sentiment.As these mandates are given after the Vedadhyayana, it
is a clear indication that the student, after mastering the Vedas should
practice the principles of Dharma properly, and come out of his Gurukulavasa.
He should perform karmas only after learning the essence of the mantras.
The Anusasanas or mandates are as under:
(1)
Speak the Truth.
(2)
Practice Dharma (act in a righteous manner).
(3)
Do not forget the Veda that you have practiced.
(4)
Get yourself married and bring forth children.
(5)
Even by mistake do not speak untruth or lies.
One who speaks falsehood shall be rooted out of existence. There is no greater
sin than speaking untruth. “Sruthi: yonrutamvadatisamulovaeshaparisushyate”.
(6)
Do not live without “Anushtana” Carry on your ordained karmas(VIHITA) without
endangering yourself.
(7)
Get yourself whatever medical relief and assistance to maintain the wellness of your
body.
(8)
Get riches or become prosperous through just
ways of Vedic practices and by receiving alms from righteous persons (bhuti=riches
or prosperity).
(9)
Continue your own studies and teach your
students dutifully.
(10) Perform Deva karyas like
yagnas and pitrukaryas like “Sradhas” (anniversaries)dutifully.
(11)Consider Mother as God and
worship her.
(12)Consider Father as God and
worship him.
(13)Consider the acharya—one who
has given you education---as God and worship him.
(14)Consider the “Atithi” (one
who visits you unexpectedly at any time) as God and worship him. After teaching
rules of performing “Srouthasmartha karmas”,special rules according to (achara)practice
are described.
(15)Perform acts that are not
tainted and considered deplorable. In case a few religious elders do such acts
do not emulate them and perform such acts.
(16) As a teacher do not think
that whatever acts you do are perfect and righteous. Follow the good path and
get rid of evil practices. Follow our practices that do not contradict or are
against the Vedas. Granting that we act against Veda sastras, do not act like
us and do anything against the Veda sastras.
(17) Offer hospitality and
serve other respectable Brahmins and offer gifts as per your capacity.Do not
find fault with their pravachanam with
any arrogance of your knowledge.
(18) Offer alms or dana with
sraddha or faith. Give only to those who qualify for it. Offer with sraddha even to those who do not qualify.
(19) Never offer alms without
faith or sraddha.
(20) Offer alms according to
your capacity or riches.
(21) Be humble in offering
alms.Though you offer much, feel that it is after all nothing and that you can
give more.
(22) Offer with a fear for the
other world.
(23) For any doubts in vihita
karmas approach the Brahmins doing those karmas regularly by themselves
peacefully,righteously,and without any desire. Follow such people.
(24) You have to offer danafor
activities of your friends and others.
(25) In socializing with people
of doubtful character(bad and sinful people),follow those Brahmins who are
gentle and righteous and act similarly.
These mandates are the duties to be
performed by each and every individual. The word upadesa means any piece of
advice offered by the teacher or father to his student or son for his
progress.This is the secret of the Veda and the word of Iswara. One has to
follow these mandates assiduously with the firm belief that they are the words
of Iswara.
Taittiriya Upanishad.
Twelfth Anuvaka. Santhi
Mantra.
Mantra:
Sannomitrasyamvarunaha…
Meaning: O Vayu! You are the form of Brahma! I have praised you as the direct Brahman.
Pleased with my compliments you have protected me and my preceptor.
The disciple offers his thanksgiving and gratitude to
Parameswara for having protected and allowed him to continue his education in
Brahma Vidya without any impediments.
SIKSHAVALLI COMPLETED
.
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