Mulamagiya Vedam

Hinduism can be broadly be classified as "Shaivam" and "Vaishnavam". Question arises whether these to one religion or whether they belong to one and same religion. Christianity also can be classified broadly into two sect ("Catholics" and "Protestants"). But still it is believed to be part of one religion. This is because both of them worship the same GOD, Jesus Christ. Budhism religion also can be classified as "Hinayanam" and "Mahayanam". In spite of the classification they are still considered to be part of one religion, because both of them believe Lord Budha to be the GOD.

The question that would arise in one mind, do shaivites and vaishnavites have the same GOD? The answer is "No". Some of the ardent vaishnavites would never even visit temple of SHIVA. For them Lord Vishnu is the lone GOD. Many Vaishnavites believe Shiva to be a Bhakta of Lord Vishnu. Many Shivites believe Lord Vishnu to be a servant of Lord Shiva. How then can they be said to belong to the same religion.

One may further query - Do they at least share the same spiritual book? Shivites follow "THEVARAM" (தேவாரம்), as the scripture. Vaishnavites follow "Naalayarathu Prabahndam"(நாலாயரத்து ப்ரபந்தம்). Both follow different GOD and have different spiritual books, which they follow. How, then can be be said to belong to the same religion? Though there seem no such distinction with us, the British called all of us Hindus.

Are we part of one religion? Or Are there are two distinct religion? The above mentioned classification are just two broad categories. Just as we have "Shiavam" (சைவம்), "Vaishnavam" (வைஷ்ணவம்), there are other branches. "Saktar" (சாக்தர்), "Kaumaram" (கௌவ்மாரம்). Ghanaapatyars (கானாபத்யர்) is another sect, which worship Lord Ganapathy. Each one of them worship different deity. How can be grouped under one religion called "Hindus"?

The GODS they follow are different and the scripture followed are also different. How can be believed to belong to one religion. A careful scrutiny would reveal all these branches/sects have the same spiritual book and follow the same scriptures. The differences in these sects have crept in, are essentially due to the mind set of it's practitioners. Those who wrote the scriptures "THEVARAM" (தேவாரம்) and "Naalayarathu Prabahndam"(நாலாயரத்து ப்ரபந்தம்), never wrote/sang these scriptures to proclaim each of the sect to be different religion "per-se". If one follows the history of "Shaivam" and "Vaishnavam", it can be observed that these two religions were in existence even before these two spiritual books were written. Then what is the spiritual book that was followed? The book is undoubtedly "VEDAS".

Shaivites have described EASHWARA thus

வேதமோ டாரங்க மயினானை

வேதநாதன், வேதகீதன், ஆரண்ன்கான்

In many Vaishnavite scriptures one will find the following mentioned.

வேதமோ தமிழ் செய்த மாறன் சடகோபன்

If one carefully observes these sayings, it is clear that both these sects have the same book, the Vedas. It is clear both THEVARAM" (தேவாரம்) and "Naalayarathu Prabahndam"(நாலாயரத்து ப்ரபந்தம்), accept Vedas as the basic scriptures. Both the sects seem to talk very highly of the Vedas. The Vedas are four. It has six Angas. God is in the form of Vedas and it's Angas. (வேதமோ டாரங்க). Without the six angas, the vedas cannot be interpreted. Vyakarana (व्याकरणं) is one of the Angas. Vedas are the root of all religion. This Root needs to be protected. To protect Vedas, Sanskrit is a pre-requisite.

The famous Tamil poet, wrote Thirukural. To perform it's Arangetram, he came to Madurai. In the Lotus pond, there used to be plank called SANGA PALAGAI (சங்க பலகை). Another place where Arangetram was performed was at Chidambaram. Kamba Ramayanam arangetram took place at Shrirangam.

In those days, when a writing is placed on the Sanga Palagai, if it is not of highest quality, the writing would fall into the pond. The Sanga Palagai, would not accept it in it's fold. Tirukaural was a small book. When it was placed on the SANGA PALAGAI (சங்க பலகை), all the poets watching the event fell in the pond. It alone stood on the SANGA PALAGAI. Thus Kural's Arangetram was performed. There are many books written about Kural, listing it's greatness. One such book is "THIRUVALLUVA MALAI" திருவள்ளுவ மாலை

There is a famous saying

ஆரியமும் செந்தமிழும் ஆராய்ந்த நிதனினிது

சீரிய தென்றோன்றைச் செப்பரிதால் ஆரியம்

வேதம் உடைத்துத் தமிழ்த்திரு வள்ளுவனார்

ஒது குறட்பா உடைத்து

I am pained to hear people claiming that one Bhasha is superior to another Bhasha. Some even go to the extent of fighting over Bhasha. Sometimes it seems we would be better of even if we were born "MUTE". Bhasha is a tool of expressing our views. It cannot be same in every place. Each place will have different Bhasha. Even within the same palce, different groups have different language. To say that language is superior to religion and GOD, is huge mistake.
சைவமும் தமிழும் தழைத்தோங்க
Let Tamil and Shaiva be prosperous. (Let religion and language grow)

But to say language alone should grow is not right. To me, to have just "BHASHA ABHIMAN" alone is not right. When we see people fighting on "religion", we feel that there is no need for language nor religion. Political parties fight on the methodology of ruling a country.

Sometimes i feel, why should there be political parties. At best, this country will be without developmental activity. It would be like a jungle. Even the animals, birds don't have so much of enimity and ill-will. For sure there would not be so much of ill-will, if there were no parties or languages.

We very come across "Tamil" loyalists, objecting to Sanskrit. They even object to "Hindi". This is because "Hindi" language is based on "Sanskrit" Language. They believe, If Hindi is allowed, sanskrit will also find its way in to the system. Down north many eminent hindi scholars, raise objections to sanskrit. In Tamil Nadu for the past thirty years, the hatred towards sanskrit has been growing.

Before this, even Christians, loved sanskrit. If Hindi were to made Rahstra Basha, Sanskrit should be made international language.

Sanskrit is not a regional language. It is a language common to all. If studying Sanskrit is difficult, Hindi is even more difficult. This has been proved. If Sanskrit were to be a mere language, i would also oppose it.

But Shastras, Puranas, Vedas are all written in Sanskrit. If we were to protect the Vedas, it is imperative that we learn Sanskrit and protect it. Even those who have written commentories on "Thirukural" must have also thought the same way.

I ventured to ask myself, which is superior.

Sanskrit or Tamil? Vedas are in Sanskrit. Thirukural is in Tamil. Thirukural is also a Tamil Marai. (தமிழ் மறை). If "Thirukural" is not considered to be equivalent to the "Vedas", then one may contend that "Sanakrit" is superior to "Tmail". Therefore one cannot contend that Sanskrit is superior to Tamil and vice versa.

There are many languages, which have been derived from other languages.In this process, the source language has lots it's essence.

To enunciate a saying/subject, each language has it's own way of expressing it. This peculiarity may not be available in another language. (Even the best of the translation may fail) Some one may require to explain a concept in a round about way. A language may have a unique characteristic of expressing a given topic/subject. This may not be found in other languages. Then again, language which is invented is subject to the limited knowledge of the inventor. Again one may refine that language, contending it is not done properly.

It is very obvious, that whenever there are doubts about any language, we refer to the root.

This is the reason, why we keep the Root (language) in tact. Branches may sprout forth, but all are one. They belong to the same tree.

Only the names are different. Once people understand this concept, the need for change will cease to exist. Even amongst people had accepted Vedas as the root, interpretation were many.

Adhi Shankaracharya propounded, the concept -

Brhamam is one. That one Brahmam, takes many forms, shapes. Forms and Shapes are many, but Brahmam is one. But in Vaishnava Siddhanta, the interpretation is different. According to them -

Lord Vishu is the only God. There are no other GOD. Others are merely his Bhaktas.

Shaivites claim -
Lord Shiva is the only God. There are no other GOD apart from them. Both Vaishnavites and Shivites frequently get into fight over this interpretation. In Shivapurana, one will find a description of the fight between Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

It also narrates how Lord Shiva, subdued Lord Vishnu in the fight. In Vishnu Purana, one can come across, Lord Shiva worshipping Lord Vishnu. It also describes, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva fighting with each other. The question arises, if they are one, how can be fighting with each other?

Lord Rama is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Parashurama is also considered to be the incarnation of Lord Rama. It is also known both fought with each other. One may ask - "Did they become two different entities, just for fighting?"

All of these interpretations had Veda as the Root. These interpretations led to different sects based on their belief. It looks, that had we not translated of Vedas into other languages, such differing interpretation may have not come forth at all. If the root (Vedas), had been in the root language (Sanskrit), the interpretation of Adi Shankara's interpretation would have sustained many years/kalas.

It would have not resulted in another sect. If the root ceases exist all the sects and religion will cease to exist. All teachers/Acharyas have accepted the Vedas as the root. It is from this root all other practices/sects have come forth.

To enunciate this point, i used to narrate a story.

In Bible it is mentioned that

- ADAM was born first.

- EVE, a girl was born later.

- There was a tree.

- EVE wanted to eat the fruit borne by the tree.

- ADAM did not eat the fruit.

- EVE ate the fruit.

There is a story to this effect.

What is the meaning behind this story?

In Veda also there is story similar to this albeit little different.

- There is a tree.

- It's name is BIBBALAM (பிப்பலம்)

- There were two birds on the tree.

- One of the birds ate the fruit from the tree, while the other did not.

- The one which did not eat the fruit, was glowing with brightness.
- In spite of not eating, the glow was clearly visible.

This story is there in the Vedas as well. BIBBALA tree is Tamil is called "ARASA MARAM" (அரச மரம்)

Down North they call it BHODI Tree. Lord Budha attained Gyana under the Bodhi tree. BIBBALA tree, ARASA MARAM, and BHODI all are one and same. They are collectively called, "GYANA TARU"

This is what people in the wast refer to as "Tree of Knowledge"

One must try to make an attempt to understand the hidden meaning behind concept. The tree represents our body. In the body, there are two birds called "PARAMATMA" (பரமாத்மா, परमात्मा)and "JEEVATMA" (ஜீவாத்மா, जीवात्मा) JEEVATMA gets associated with the "INDRIYAS"

Because of MAYA, desires sprout forth. PARAMATMA, does not get involved in/associated with "KARMENDRIYAS" and "GYANENDRIYAS". Because of this it shines on it's own. This is the real meaning behind what is stated in Vedas.

Had we left what is stated in the Vedas (Root) as it is, without getting into translating the same, the concepts would have remained the same. Real peace would have prevailed. Keeping this Root as the base, many Saints/Scholors would have enunciated new doctrines and new thoughts. Even today one will find many scholarly articles written in sanskrit, in Germany, Russia and France. Many research work has been carried out keeping this Root (Vedas) as the base. It is imperative, that source of all these should be protected. If Vedas are in Sanskrit, It is our duty to ensure to protect Sanskrit.

வேடமொடு ஆகமம். This concept is enunciated in many vedas written in Tamil. If shaiva Siddanta were to prosper and grow, the root of this siddhanta, which is the Vedas must be protected. Sanskrit should be protected. One must not have linguistic pride, by which one language flourishes and destroy the other. The Moolam or the ROOT of all religion in this world is VEDAS. What ever our religious beliefs be, and how ever different they be, the ROOT is the VEDAS. The ROOT, is the supreme truth. All others are the understanding and opinion of the author. If we choose to ignore the VEDAS and read THEVARAM and THIRUVAIMOZHI, it will serves no purpose. By doing so, one will not be able to understand the essence of the ROOT.

In a tree the ROOT, is underneath the earth. It is not visible to us. It will not be visible to us. One will be able to see the fruits, the branches and the leaves. But one will not be able to see the ROOT. IF one chooses to dig the earth to see the ROOT, the tree itself may cease to exist. ROOT must be hidden by the earth.

In Tamil, VEDAS are named as "MARAI" (மறை). MARAI also means "hidden" in Tamil. The ROOT of any tree is hidden in the earth. ROOT called Veda, needs to be chanted and practised in secrecy. It requires no advertisement. There are no written material available. One who reads from the book the VEDAS, is considered to be a "ADAMAN" (அதமன்)

गीती शीग्री शिरः कम्पी तथा लिकितपाठकः

अनर्थग्ज्यो अल्पकंठश्च षडेते पताकधमाः

गीती - one who sings

शीग्री - Hurry, Speed - Speedier rendering of VEDS.

शिरः कम्पी - One who shakes his head

तथा लिकितपाठकः - One who writes and then reads

अनर्थग्ज्यो - One who interprets it wrongly

अल्पकंठश्च - One who is feeble throated

षडेते - All these six people

पताकधमाः - Are not fit to read to the VEDAS.

Vedas should be chanted with absolute clarity on swaras. One should not shake head while chanting. One should not practice VEDAS by writing and reading. One should not even see the book. The name given to VEDAS is SHRUTI. SHRUTI means to hear. In Tamil there is a saying "எழுதா கிழவி" Kilavi (கிழவி) means literature. VEDAM, thus means unwritten epic.

There must be a sect, which should be completely involved in in just mugging/rutting up the same. It's primary aim is to ensure that the ROOT is protected. If this sect does not do it's ordained job, the ROOT would cease to exist. If the ROOT ceases to exist, the leaves, fruits and branches would also wither. To ensure the ROOT does not cease to exist another person must learn VEDAS. IT becomes the bounden duty of one to teach the other the VEDA (ROOT) We owe this sect a duty.

திரைகடலோடியும் திரவியம் தேடு. Saiva Acharyas enunciated this principle. If a Brahman crosses shore and goes to foreign land, he would be ex-communicated from the sect. The central theme behind this philosophy is, if a Brahman were to go in search of wealth, VEDA rakshana will suffer. Only if people perform the KARMA assigned to them, only then the world will be protected, the ROOT will be protected. It is for this a separate sect was created. A separate caste/sect is required to protect the ROOT. (Thus KARYAM (duty to perform a specified task) and caste is associated). A caste will cease to exist, if there is no KARYAM associated with it.

The VEDAS are the root and and is the only entity which shines throughout the world. This needs to be protected at all costs. One need not worry about not understanding the meaning. The present generation needs to learn the VEDAS and pass it on to the next generation. A blind man was walking with a lamp in his hand. A passer by remarked "Oh! Blind man, why do you require a lamp?" To which the blind man replied, i am carrying the lamp, so that you do not fall on me inadvertently. The essence of the story is that, the lamp is of no use to one who has vision.

We need to protect the ROOT(VEDAS), whether we understand them or not. We owe it to the next generation to carry forward the same. Many of us may encounter numerous difficulty and perish. But we must go ahead, even if it means we will perish. Even if we do not perform the duty of protecting the VEDA, we are either way going to perish. If we perish this way, at least we will have the satisfaction that we perished performing our duty.

In the villages, there used to be a cast called Panchangakaran (பஞ்சாங்க காரன்). In olden days, Panchangam were not in printed form. They were a rare breed of high intellect and capability. On daily basis they used to forecast the pancha anga, everyday, based on "TITHI", "WEEK", "NAKSHATRA", "YOGAM" and "KARANAM". Because of these unique capability, they were well respected in the society. They used to go every house and read out the forecast. Now we have started printing "PANACHANGAM". Because of this they (Panchangakaran (பஞ்சாங்க காரன்))have no work to prerform. Because they have no work, they have lost their respect.

The root of this malady is our inability to protect the VEDAS. By protecting the VEDAS, world peace will prevail. Mere wealth in no way provide peace. If mere wealth were to provide peace, Americans should be the most peaceful people in this world. Every day his fear towards communists are on the increase. We all believe he is living happily forever. Happiness and sorrow both can confront us at any time. We should not get carried away by these either happiness or sorrow and perform our duties.

Source : Acharya Swamigalin Upanyangal - Kalaimagal Publications.