TENETS OF VEDHANTHA APPLIED TI LIFE . PART - 1 .

OM:THAMASO MA JYOTHIRGAMAYA ,

ASATHO MA SATGAMAYA ,

MRUTHYOR MA AMRUTHAM GAMAYA .

TENETS OF VEDDHANTHA  APPLIED TO LIFE  as known , gathered , compiled

and presented by N. SETHURAMAN CHENNAI – INDIA  [Oh ! Ma , dispel the darkness in me and illumine ; enlighten the mind and edifice the soul ; what is low , raise and support ]

Preface

This book is for those uninitiated to the fundamentals of Hinduism as practiced in India , but would like to make a beginning as a seeker of self – knowledge .

SPIRITUAL BENT OF MIND FOR POSITIVE APPROACH

There is scope in each of us to grow spiritually and elevate our inner personality to higher levels . In the perpetual search for God , meaning of life and afterlife , one pursues , answers eternally . Vedhantha provides answers to many of our questions and doubts and prepares our mind . The pursuit of knowledge is the PRIMARY THAPAS and without this knowledge seeking is endless .

TO LOOK INWARD TURN TO VEDHANTHA

Our holy ancient scriptures , derived from Vedic Wisdom , give us insight into the Vedhanthic treasurehouse . VEDHANTHA is a means of expressing the great love and joy that are within us . Vedhantha by itself is not an end but a means to gain mental strength and clarity of thought that in turn help us to narrow the distance between ourselves and our likes and dislikes . The distance gained enables us to look at ourselves positively . Vedhanthic pursuit , combined with ABHYASA [ Practice ] , VIVEKA [ Discretion ] , VAIRAGYA [ Objectivity ], BHAKTHI [ Recognition of Eswara ], and DHYANA [Meditation ] , ultimately dissolves the difference between our SELF and ABSOLUTE SELF . Based on various authentic sources , I present these Vedhanthic concepts . The aim is to spread the Wisdom in understandable format so that it reaches the ‘ time starved ‘ seekers who have the inclination to provide mental space for Vedhantha . Our Vedhanthic concepts are derived from Holy Scriptures [Pramanas ] which contain the nectar of VEDHIC WISDOM . A person who seeks this knowledge is a VEDHANDIC [ seeker of self – knowledge /BRHAMA VIDHYA ].

On to happy seeking…..

INTRODUCTION

Before approaching the Vedhanthic concepts , it is essential to know the sources of PRAMANAS . Our ancient holy scriptures contain the nectar of Vedhic Wisdom and they are the pramanas . A person who seeks this knowledge is a Vedhanthic and he is supposed to pursue Vedhantha as a means of gaining ‘ SELF – KNOWLEDGE ‘ [ BRAHMA VIDHYA ]. THIS KNOWLEDGE IS RARE IN TERMS OF ITS RESULTS , IN TERMS OF ITS DIFFICULTY TO GAIN . The person who knows this knowledge is sarva – bhutasa . He knows that Brahman is everything – ‘ Idham sarvam Brhmaiva ‘. Only few develop interest and inclination to pursue the spiritual path and even among them it is rare to find one who is steadfast . Scriptures point out that it is the ‘ punya ‘ – karmaphala – acquired over many births that matures into taste for scriptural study and spiriyual pursuit .

this book is done in two parts . Part 1 deals with ‘ THE RICHES OF HINDU SCRIPTURES ‘ and part II deals with the ‘ TENETS OF VEDHANTHA , APPLIED TO LIFE ‘.

PART – 1

RICHES OF HINDU SCRIPTURES

CONTENTS SUBTITLED

1. The Sound forms of Pranava

2. Basic sources of Knowledge

3. The Vedhas

4. Divisions of Vedhas

5. Upanishadhs

6. Vedha Angas

7. Six Schools of Thought

8. Dharma Shasthram

9. Up – Vedhas

10. 10 Prasthana Thrayam [ Holy trinity ]

11. Maha puranas

12. Mahabharatha Ithihasa – an equation

13. Ramayana Ithihasa – an equation

14. Other scriptures

1 THE SOUND FORMS OF PRANAVA

A ] Divine vibrations from which the Vedhic wisdom was born , Codified , known and passed on to

U ] the succeeding generations By Sages .

M ]

2 BASIC SOURCES OF KNOWLEDGE [ Dharma sthanas ]

Vedhas – 4 Shruthi

Vedha Angas – 6

Upa Vedhas – 4

Prasthana Thryam – Holy Trinity

Upanishadhs , Brahma suthra , Bhagavd Githa

Maha Pyranas – 18

Ithihasa – 2

Dharma Shathras – Smruthis

‘ SRADDHAVAN LABHATHE GNANAM ‘ – One who has faithin Shasthras gains knowledge .

This knowledge is rare in terms of its results , in terms of difficulty to gain

To be continued to Vedhas .

PART - 2

OM:THAMASO MA JYOTHIRGAMAYA from 3/10/11

ASATHO MA SATGAMAYA

MRUTHYOR MA AMRUTHAM GAMAYA

TENETS OF VEDDHANTHA APPLIED

as known , gathered , compiled and presented by

N. SETHURAMAN - CHENNAI – INDIA

[Oh ! Ma , dispel the darkness in me and illumine ;

enlighten the mind and edifice the soul ; what is low , raise and support ]

3 THE VEDHAS :-

RIG , YAJUR , SAMA , ATHARVA

Vedhas were codified & presented to the mankind & future generations by the sage VEDHA VYASA . He dited all of the oral traditions vontained in Vedha into four parts . He taught them to his disciples Paila , Vaismpayana , Jaimini & Sumanthu . Vedhas reflect Indian thoughtat its best & highest in all aspects . The word ‘ Vedha ‘ itself derived from the Sanskrit root Vidh , Vedh – to know . We see in Vedhas the whole process of evolution from the beginning ti its completion .

RIG VEDHA delineates present divinity , YAJUR gives practical shape to RIG VEDHIC thoughts . SAMA vedha is ritualistic in content & highly poetic in form . ATHARVA is purely humanist in content & treatment for material prosperity .

The vedhas are presented in its pristine purity through chanting it in the traditional diction , metre & style . it’s common knowledge that in the matter of Vedhic sacrifices the Prayoga ( operative ) manthras are taken from the Rig Vedha ; Adhwarya (priestly ) manthras from the Yajur Vedha & the Audgathra (singing ) manthras from the Sama Vedha .

The 5 ways of reciting the Vedhas are 1 Moola 2 Padha 3 Krama 4 Jatha & 5 Ghana . The manthras are said to gain in their potency by so chanting .

Four planets are said to preside over the Vedhas . Guru – Jupiter over Rig ; Shukra – venus over Yajur ; Mangal – Mars over Sama ; & Budha – mercury over Atharva .

4 DIVISIONS OF VEDHAS

KARMA KAANDA deals with various Karmas/Yagnas/rituals for a person’s happy living here & after . Contemplative literature for purposes of recitation & chanting ( padha & sthuthi ) ; Worship ( yagana ) & contemplation ( upasana ) or gradual emancipation ( Karma & Mukthi ) after death .

GNANA KAANDA DEALS WITH Athma Dharshan , knowledge of the infinite Spiritual Reality ( Supreme Being ) leading to Spiriyual Liberation , Divinity of the Soul & its Unity with Brahman ( jeevan Mukthi )

5 UPANISHADHS , concluding part of Gnana Kaanda of Vedhas deal with philosophical speculation of Vedhas The summit of eternal wisdom & the Truths expounded by them are universal . Also known as Vedhantha , Upanishadhs form the end part (antha ) of Vedha & also because of the Vedhic Spiritual knowledge . reaches its culmination (antha ) here .

Upa = near , ni = down , shadh = to sit . Traditionally group of students sit down near the Guru to learn the doctrines .

The tration puts the number of Upanishdhs at 108 . Vedhantha develops the Sankhyan cosmology & builds further on it & shows that the ultimate principle of consciousness , the Spiritual Reality ( Brahman ) as one & infinite & the innumerable purushas are its empirical manifestations in different bodies . LIKE THE SUN REFLECTED IN MANY POOLS OF WATER IN MYRIAD WAYS .

The basic texts , aphorisms – ‘ sutras ‘ – have to be studied & interpreted under the guidance of copetent teacher , well versed in tradional thoughts .

Some of the Upanishadhs are 1 Esavasya upanishadh - Yajur 2 Kenopanishadh – Sama 3 Khtopanishadh – Yajur , 4 Prachnopanishadh – Atharva 5 Mundakhopanishadh 6 Mandukyopanishadh 7 Thaithreeya Upanishadh – Yajur 8 Chandokyopanisdh – Sama –

9 Brahatharanyaka Upanishadh – Yajur 10 Aithreyopanishadh – Rig 11 Swethaswathara Upanishadh 12 Kowshithiki upanishadh .

JAYA JAYA SANKARA ; HARA HARA SANKARA .

To be contd….

VEDHA MATHA :-

Once there was doubt arose in the midst of the Devas . “ Who is the best one of the Thrimoorthees – Lord Lord Shiva or Sri Vishnu or Sri Brahma . So , the job was entrusted to the Sage Bhrugu to find it out . Firstly , he went to the Sathya Lok of Brahma . He was simply sitting there meditating ! Bhrugu just kicked Him on His chest . Brahma didn’t even open His eyes & mouth ! So , the Sage proceeded straight to Sri Vaikuntam of Sri Vishnu . The Lord was just in His nidhra Yoga as usual on the Adisesha . Bhrugu kicked Him too on His chest . At once , The Lord woke up & jumped out of His snake bed & knelt before the Sage , lifted his foot that kicked & holding it on His hands , asked the Sage “ Oh ! Maharshe ! Was your foot hurt by the Kousthub & the ornaments habging around my neck ? “ The Sage left immediately for the Kailash – the place of Lord Shiva . He kicked Him too . Shiva just stared at him angrily & kept quiet . The Sage returned back to Devaloka & informed Indra that the Lord Vishnu was the best of the Thrimoorthees . 

Now the climax begins . Goddess Saraswathy was very angry with Brahma for keeping quiet , when Bhrugu kicked Him & for not punishing him in return & she left Him immediately & hid herself somewhere in the Bhooloka . 

Likewise , Sri Mahalakshmi too got damn wild with Mahavishnu for his “ shameless “ reaction , when Bhrugu kicked Him & She too left Him & hid Herself in Bhooloka . 

In Kailash , the scene was a different one . Parvathy asked the Parameswara 

“ Prabho ! Though you only know the reason for your strange action , against the atrocious assault of Bhrugu , would you be good& kind enough to share it with me too . because , as a true wife , I am bothered much mentally , when you were kicked by him . Normally , you become ferocious against any such atrocity against you . But , you are just keeping quiet , which is strange & confusing too !” 

Shiva replied Her in too short a reply “ Darling ! This is something between me & my devotee . You had better keep away from this unperturbed ! “ & closed His eyes in meditation . 

After sometime , there was a bare necessity for the Devas to perform a Yagna on the advise of Sri Bruhaspathy . They approached Brahma to perform it for the sake of the Devas & the Devaloka . Though He was ready to do it he informed them about His inability to do it without His Wife Saraswathy . Though She was away from Him , Saraswathy was all ears of the proceedings in the Sathya Loka . 

The Devas began to look for a wife to Brahma in the Bhooloka . At that moment a Yadhava woman was passing through them & immediately they stopped her & said 

“ Ma ! We are the Devas & this one is Brahma . He has to perform a Yagna urgently , but His wife had left Him . He can’t perform the Yagna , without His wife sharing in it . hence , we request you to please marry Him & help us to finish this Yagna successfully . “ That woman was simply looking at Brahma & said nothing . Brahma said “ If you marry me , I shall lift you to such a high level that , all the people of this world worship you more than all the other Gods . I promise . “ Then , she accepted & Brahma married her immediately there & then & began His Yagna . On hearing this news , saraswathy returned to Him wild with anger , but in vain . The rituals of the marriage was over . And , that Yadhava woman is our Pran – the very breath of Life – Matha gayathri Devi ! 

Sriu adi sankara Bhagavath Paddal refers these scenes in an excellent poetic way , in His

Soundarya Lahari’s 99th Sloka :- 

Saraswathya Lakshmya vidhiharisa pathno viharathe :

rathe : paathivrathyam shithilayathi ramyena vapusha !

Chiranjeevanneva kshapitha pashupaashavyathikaras : 

Paraanandhabhikyam rasayathi rasam thvadhbhajanavaan !!

The Acharya says “ Even Sri Lakshmi Devi & Sri Srasawathy Devi TOO were away from their Bharthas for sometime , in the past . But , you are always with your Bhartha lord Shiva , without severing from Him for not even a fraction of a second ! What to say about great Pathi Bhakthi & chastity ? “ 

And , nobody need to question here about the chastity of Sri Mahalkshmi & Sri Maha Saraswathy , immediately on reading this ! it doesn’t mean so either ! Because , They love & worship their Husbands so dearly , they couldn’t tolerate that atrocity , insult & shame , when Their Husbands were kicked , & that too in their very presence , which is also the exact quality of the right Pathnis! Their reaction only differs according to the Sathva , Rajo & Thamo Gunas ! The “ wild anger & posture “ of our dear KaliMatha , the other form of Goddesss Parvathy is known all over this Universe , isn’t it ? That form too was too was taken by Her for the sake of us , only to destroy the Asur Raktha Bheeja ! Further , don’t we recite in the Durga Pooja Manthras “ Sri Duurga , Lakshmi , Saraswathy …. “? Doesn’t it confirm that all the THREE great Shakthis are one & the same in different forms . 

Further , it is a practice in all our Puranas too , to praise & elevate the concerned Deity , higherthan all the other Deaities . In each Purana , that particular Deity is the Hero ! That’s all 

Anyway , by all these Thrimurthees & Thri Shakthees , we are benefitted by the greatest ever gift of , the greatest power namely Sri Matha Gayathri ! Without worshipping , if one , chants any other great manthra , will NEVER yield any result at all ! She is even above the Vedhas & She herself is the Vedha Matha ! 

That’s the fact ! 

LET US ALL WORSHIP & BE BENEFITTED WITH ALL THE PROSPERITY OF THIS GLOBE !

VEDHA MATHA :-

Once there was doubt arose in the midst of the Devas . “ Who is the best one of the Thrimoorthees – Lord Lord Shiva or Sri Vishnu or Sri Brahma . So , the job was entrusted to the Sage Bhrugu to find it out . Firstly , he went to the Sathya Lok of Brahma . He was simply sitting there meditating ! Bhrugu just kicked Him on His chest . Brahma didn’t even open His eyes & mouth ! So , the Sage proceeded straight to Sri Vaikuntam of Sri Vishnu . The Lord was just in His nidhra Yoga as usual on the Adisesha . Bhrugu kicked Him too on His chest . At once , The Lord woke up & jumped out of His snake bed & knelt before the Sage , lifted his foot that kicked & holding it on His hands , asked the Sage “ Oh ! Maharshe ! Was your foot hurt by the Kousthub & the ornaments habging around my neck ? “ The Sage left immediately for the Kailash – the place of Lord Shiva . He kicked Him too . Shiva just stared at him angrily & kept quiet . The Sage returned back to Devaloka & informed Indra that the Lord Vishnu was the best of the Thrimoorthees . 

Now the climax begins . Goddess Saraswathy was very angry with Brahma for keeping quiet , when Bhrugu kicked Him & for not punishing him in return & she left Him immediately & hid herself somewhere in the Bhooloka . 

Likewise , Sri Mahalakshmi too got damn wild with Mahavishnu for his “ shameless “ reaction , when Bhrugu kicked Him & She too left Him & hid Herself in Bhooloka . 

In Kailash , the scene was a different one . Parvathy asked the Parameswara 

“ Prabho ! Though you only know the reason for your strange action , against the atrocious assault of Bhrugu , would you be good& kind enough to share it with me too . because , as a true wife , I am bothered much mentally , when you were kicked by him . Normally , you become ferocious against any such atrocity against you . But , you are just keeping quiet , which is strange & confusing too !” 

Shiva replied Her in too short a reply “ Darling ! This is something between me & my devotee . You had better keep away from this unperturbed ! “ & closed His eyes in meditation . 

After sometime , there was a bare necessity for the Devas to perform a Yagna on the advise of Sri Bruhaspathy . They approached Brahma to perform it for the sake of the Devas & the Devaloka . Though He was ready to do it he informed them about His inability to do it without His Wife Saraswathy . Though She was away from Him , Saraswathy was all ears of the proceedings in the Sathya Loka . 

The Devas began to look for a wife to Brahma in the Bhooloka . At that moment a Yadhava woman was passing through them & immediately they stopped her & said 

“ Ma ! We are the Devas & this one is Brahma . He has to perform a Yagna urgently , but His wife had left Him . He can’t perform the Yagna , without His wife sharing in it . hence , we request you to please marry Him & help us to finish this Yagna successfully . “ That woman was simply looking at Brahma & said nothing . Brahma said “ If you marry me , I shall lift you to such a high level that , all the people of this world worship you more than all the other Gods . I promise . “ Then , she accepted & Brahma married her immediately there & then & began His Yagna . On hearing this news , saraswathy returned to Him wild with anger , but in vain . The rituals of the marriage was over . And , that Yadhava woman is our Pran – the very breath of Life – Matha gayathri Devi ! 

Sriu adi sankara Bhagavath Paddal refers these scenes in an excellent poetic way , in His Soundarya Lahari’s 99th Sloka :- 

Saraswathya Lakshmya vidhiharisa pathno viharathe :

rathe : paathivrathyam shithilayathi ramyena vapusha !

Chiranjeevanneva kshapitha pashupaashavyathikaras : 

Paraanandhabhikyam rasayathi rasam thvadhbhajanavaan !!

The Acharya says “ Even Sri Lakshmi Devi & Sri Srasawathy Devi TOO were away from their Bharthas for sometime , in the past . But , you are always with your Bhartha lord Shiva , without severing from Him for not even a fraction of a second ! What to say about great Pathi Bhakthi & chastity ? “ 

And , nobody need to question here about the chastity of Sri Mahalkshmi & Sri Maha Saraswathy , immediately on reading this ! it doesn’t mean so either ! Because , They love & worship their Husbands so dearly , they couldn’t tolerate that atrocity , insult & shame , when Their Husbands were kicked , & that too in their very presence , which is also the exact quality of the right Pathnis! Their reaction only differs according to the Sathva , Rajo & Thamo Gunas ! The “ wild anger & posture “ of our dear KaliMatha , the other form of Goddesss Parvathy is known all over this Universe , isn’t it ? That form too was too was taken by Her for the sake of us , only to destroy the Asur Raktha Bheeja ! Further , don’t we recite in the Durga Pooja Manthras “ Sri Duurga , Lakshmi , Saraswathy …. “? Doesn’t it confirm that all the THREE great Shakthis are one & the same in different forms . 

Further , it is a practice in all our Puranas too , to praise & elevate the concerned Deity , higherthan all the other Deaities . In each Purana , that particular Deity is the Hero ! That’s all 

Anyway , by all these Thrimurthees & Thri Shakthees , we are benefitted by the greatest ever gift of , the greatest power namely Sri Matha Gayathri ! Without worshipping , if one , chants any other great manthra , will NEVER yield any result at all ! She is even above the Vedhas & She herself is the Vedha Matha ! 

That’s the fact ! 

LET US ALL WORSHIP & BE BENEFITTED WITH ALL THE PROSPERITY OF THIS GLOBE !

JAYA JAYA SANKARA ; HARA HARA SANKARA !

OM:THAMASO MA JYOTHIRGAMAYA from 3/10/11

ASATHO MA SATGAMAYA

MRUTHYOR MA AMRUTHAM GAMAYA

TENETS OF VEDDHANTHA APPLIED

as known , gathered , compiled and presented by

N. SETHURAMAN - CHENNAI – INDIA

[Oh ! Ma , dispel the darkness in me and illumine ;

enlighten the mind and edifice the soul ; what is low , raise and support ]

TENETS OF VEDHANTHA :- TOBE POSTED . 29/10/11 

PART – 5

OTHER SCRIPTURES 

a Chilpa Shasthra : 

by Sage Kashyapa an science of Architecture .

b Malini Shasthra : 

By Sage Rishyashringa – an art of beautifying by flowers , flower shows , 

Bouquets etc ; 

c Dhathu Shasthra :

by aswini Kumaras – deals with naturl & artificial metals & minerals , 

Rasavadha [ alchemy ]

d Sowdhamini Kala : 

By Sage Mathanga : deals with photographic science , shadows , landscape 

photography .

e Akshara Laksha :

by Sage Valmiki – deals with Mathematics – geometry , applied maths , 

algebra , physics , mineralogy , hydels [ methods of measuring air , heat & 

properties of metals ]. 

f Vaimanika Shasthra :

by Sage Bharadhwaja – deals with land , sea & sky borne vehicles & 

techniques . 

g Astronomy by Sage Aryabhatta .

h Shakthi Thanthras 

by Sage Agasthya : deals with power aspect of God , riyualistic worship . 64 of 

them are prominent . 

i Shabdha Shasthra 

by Sage Kndika : deals with sounds echoes etc ; 

j Parakaya Pravesha 

by Sage Valkhilyas . Teaches 32 kinds of yogas , eightfold of siddhis & the art 

of entering one body from the other .

TENETS OF VEDHANTHA - PART ONE ENDS HEREWITH 

THE PART TWO – APPLIED TO LIFE 

CONTENTS - CLASSIFIED 

A Pancha kosha Prakriya 

[ analysis of body , mind – sense complex ]

B pursuits , gunas , influences & ways of Jeevathma 

C Paths & means available to a seeker 

D Srushti Prakriya 

[ analysis of creation & its author ]

E The triads 

Bibliography 

THAT THVAM ASI { That thou art - you are that }

Is the essence of Vedhantha .

‘ A ‘ & ‘ B ‘ analyses THVAM [ you ]

‘ D ‘ deals with THAT { supreme Being } , while 

‘ C ‘ equates THATH & THVAM .

STHULA – SUKSHMA – KARANA INDHRIYAS 

[ body – mind – sense complex ]

Annamaya kosha } Food layer

} Gross

Pranamaya kosha } Life layer

Manomaya kosha } Subtle 

Vignanamaya kosha } Divine manifestation layer

Anandhamaya kosha Casual Bliss layer

ANNAMAYA KOSHA [ FOOD SHEATH ]

Dasha Indhriyas ( senses )

Gnana Indhriyas 

Eyes , Ears , Nose Tongue & Skin .

Karma Indhriyas 

Speech , Hands , Feet , Genital & excretion . 

The five objects of senses 

Colour , sound , smell , taste & touch . 

Knowing is different from experiencing . We ‘ Know ‘ with the physical help of our senses & physical mind . We ‘ experience ‘ by integrating our Soul , physical senses & mind . 

PRANAMAYA KOSHA { VITAL AIR Sheath } 

Prana Faculty of perception & respiration 

Apana Faculty of excretion 

Samana Faculty of digestion 

Vyana Faculty of circulation 

Udhana Faculty of upkeep . 

MANOMAYA KOSHA { MENTAL SHEATH }

Controls perception organs & vital air sheath . Receives emotions & perceptions through sense organs & sends them to intellect ( buddhi ) for judgement . Always in a state of flux [ sanchalam ] & is a continuous flow of thoughts . Can penetrate only known realm . 

VIGNANAMAYA KOSHA 

A Buddhi [ intellect ] 

Judging , discriminating & the discerning faculty .

Storehouse of memories & spring board of all ideas & ideologies . 

Can penetrate unknown realms , contemplate & comprehend . Like a river bank , 

Regulates flow of thoughts & determines course of direction/action .

B Ahankara [ Ego ]

Owns up to activities . Thinks that iit IS the karanakartha of all actions . Not the 

Real ‘ I ‘ but the perceived ‘ I ‘. Understands the Athma through the means of 

knowledge .

ANANDHAMAYA KOSHA { Bliss sheath }

Chith – Pure awareness , consciousness . In the unlimited sense , it is the Jeevan 

{ indweller } , Jeevathma – known , not felt . 

Athma is manifest in body – mind – sense complex . But , body – mind – sense complex is NOT Athma .

JAYA JAYA SANKARA ; HARA HARA SANKARA !` 

31 OCT

OM:THAMASO MA JYOTHIRGAMAYA 

ASATHO MA SATGAMAYA

MRUTHYOR MA AMRUTHAM GAMAYA

TENETS OF VEDDHANTHA APPLIED

as known , gathered , compiled and presented by

N. SETHURAMAN - CHENNAI – INDIA

[Oh ! Ma , dispel the darkness in me and illumine ;

enlighten the mind and edifice the soul ; what is low , raise and support ]

TENETS OF VEDHANTHA :- TOBE POSTED . 29/10/11 

PART – 6

TREE OF SAMSARA 

1 . Jeevan Indweller 

2 . Fruits Pleasure , pain 

3 . Roots Three gunas

4 . Sap – (juices) Four Purushartthas 

5 . Overhanging roots Five sense organs

6 . Branches Six modifications 

7 . Barks Seven power centres 

8 . Bougs Eight elements of nature 

9 . Hollows Nine gated body 

10 . Leaves Ten forms of vital airs

FOUR PURUSHARTTHAS { HUMAN PURSUITS }

Arttha : Seeking securities . Being materialistic . 

Kama : Seeking worldly , sensual pleasures . Likes & dislikes .

Dharma : Seeking pleasure through good deeds – charity , selfless service , ethics .

Moksha : Seeking freedom from being a wanting person . Absolute shreyas . 

A purusharttha can refer to either a desire or an object of desire . Sankalpa a simple thought ( Vrutthi ) is capable of becoming a desire . 

THREE CONSTIYUENT GUNAS 

Sathva Desire for knowledge , nobility .

Rajas Active , agitated , arrogant , ambitious . Desire for name , fame & power . 

Thamas inactive , ignorance , dull . False values . 

These conditions of mind are all products of three gunas , the qualities of Maya .The predominance of one guna over the other two accounts for dissimilarities among people . 

THREE FOLD SUFFERINGS 

Physical Manifested in disease

Mental Psychological inadequacies & complexes

Spirutual Soul ignorance & avidhya 

THREE SOURCES OF SORROW 

Adhyathmika Own body mind & senses .

Adhibhauthika Situations including people around you . 

Adhidaivika Absolute divine , natural phenomena , over which we have no 

Control

THREE LIMITATIONS 

1 Sorrow 2 Time 3 Ignorance 

Forms of limitations :

1 Desa Paricchedha . 2 Kala Paricchedha 3 Vasthu Paricchedha 

Limitations in regard to place , time & qualities . 

SHAD BHAVA VIKARAS { Sixfold modifications }

1 Jayathe ( birth ) 2 Asthi ( existence ) 3 vardhathe ( growth ) 

4 Viparinamathe ( growth ) 5. Apakshyathe ( decline ) 6 Vinashyathi 

(death )

SIXFOLD AFFLICTIONS 

Kama ( likes & dislikes ) krodha ( anger ) Lobha ( greedy ) Moha ( false values ) Madha ( vanity ) Mathsarya ( envy ) 

AVASTHANA THRAYAM {Three states of experience )

Jagrath - Waking Swapna - dreaming Sukshupthi - Sleeper , deep sleep state of consciousness 

THREE POWERS AT OUR CONTROL 

Iccha Shakthi – Power to will & desire 

Kriya Shakthi - Power to make , act & do 

Gnana Shakthi Power to think , explore , know & remember 

TWO FOLD VALUES 

Intellectual values : It may be subjective or objective . if you attribute an extra value of sanctity to an onbject it is a subjective value , the creation of your mind . If you use the same mind to inquire & appreciate it for what it is , its subjective value disappears & only the objective value remains . 

HABITUAL VALUES : Even after leaving a habit & eventhough a person might abstain from any contact with the object , the taste for the object remains as a habitual value .

THREEFOLD SRADDHA ( faith ) 

Sathviki Sraddha : One who wants to purify his mind & worships for this purpose . Rajasi Sraddha : One who wants to become powerful & worships to become greater than others or for specific accomplishment . Thamasi Sraddha : One who worships spirits to inconvenience or hurt others .

THREEFOLD THAPAS 

Manasa thapas : ( Mental austerity ) : If one is deliberate in maintaining a mind that is calm & cheerful . 

Vak thapas : ( Austerity of speech ) : If one is deliberate in speaking & making sure one’s words are true , gentle & meaningful . 

Kayika Thapas (Physical austerity ) : Exerting control over one’s sense organs & body . 

Anyone of these types of thapas can be Sathvika , rajas , or thamas according to the motive one has , in doing it .

NOV 1

OM:THAMASO MA JYOTHIRGAMAYA 

ASATHO MA SATGAMAYA

MRUTHYOR MA AMRUTHAM GAMAYA

TENETS OF VEDDHANTHA APPLIED

as known , gathered , compiled and presented by

N. SETHURAMAN - CHENNAI – INDIA

[Oh ! Ma , dispel the darkness in me and illumine ;

enlighten the mind and edifice the soul ; what is low , raise and support ]

TENETS OF VEDHANTHA :- TOBE POSTED . 29/10/11 

PART – 7

FOUR VARIETIES OF SUKHAS {Pleasures }

Vishaya sukha Pleasure derived from a sense object or a situation . Situational gain in terms of a desire fulfilled . 

Vidhya sukha Born of knowledge . Increases our sathva disposition . 

Heightened sathva makes the mind more composed . 

Yoga sukha Born of prayer , meditation or pranayama . Not born of external situations .

Athma sukha Athyanthika sukaha or absolute sukha recognised by intellect . Beyond sense 

Perception . Does not depend on any gain , accomplishment or any particular piece 

of knowledge . 

VARIETIES OF KARMA 

Sanchitha karma Those that have not yet begun to manifest that can’t be exhausted in this body 

life .

Prarabdha karma Those that you gathered in your previous janma . (Life )

Agami karma Those that you gather in this life . 

TYPES OF DEVOTEES 

Artha devotees in distress . Atleast during the spell of distress he thinks of HIM .

Artharthi One who invokes God not only in distress but also when he wants to accomplish 

something . 

Jijnasu Who desires to know the truth about God . He doesn’t use Bhagvan as an accomplice 

For his small little pursuits . Not interested in the limited ends the other two seek . 

Gnani One who knows the truth of Iswara as not separate from himself . Naturally he is 

Always united with God . He is the most exalted among among the four types . 

Real Bhaktha . 

FOUR ASHRAMS { STAGES } IN A HINDU’S LIFE 

1 Brahmchary ( Bachelor ) 2 Grahastha ( Householder ) 3 Vanaprastha ( forest dweller )

4 Sanyasi ( Renunciator) 

PANCHA YAGNAS { Five important duties of a Hindu }

Brahma Yagna ; Deva Yagna ; Pthru Yagna ; Manushya Yagna ; Bhootha Yagna 

Oblations offered to 1 . Gods 2 . Devathas 3 . Ancestors 4 Fellow human beings and 

5 Other beings asa symbol of man’s acknowledgement of his debts , bonds and responsibilities to other creations in cosmos and also to seek the blessings from them for one’s progress . 

FACTORS THAT DETERMINE RESULTS 

Prayathna (effort ) kaala ( time ) Deiva ( unknown factor ) – Lord’s grace .

Two types of results : Dhrushta phala ( seen ) Adhrushta phala ( unseen )

Prayer releases invisible force causing adhrushta phala ( unseen result )

Three types of prayer : Kayika – in the form of physical action such as offering flowers .

Vachika -- in singing Lord’s glories etc . Manasa -- purely mental ( sravanam , smaranam , 

dhyanam ) .

PATH OF AVIDHYA { IGNORANCE }

Due to the influence of ‘ avidhya ‘, we live in the path of ‘ multiplicity ‘. In this path we face suffering , egoistic self – expression etc ; 

Meditation * 

Affection 

Attachment 

Desire 

Anger 

Delusion 

Mind incapacitates 

Loss of memory 

Loss of wisdom 

Self destruction 

The discriminative knowledge of Athma is covered by ignorance . 

Ref : srimadh Bhavath Githa – Ch ; 2V .62 .

*Other than God , meditation can be on any object . 

JAYA JAYA SANKARA ; HARA HARA SANKARA ! 

NOV 3

OM:THAMASO MA JYOTHIRGAMAYA from 3/10/11

ASATHO MA SATGAMAYA

MRUTHYOR MA AMRUTHAM GAMAYA

TENETS OF VEDDHANTHA APPLIED

as known , gathered , compiled and presented by

N. SETHURAMAN - CHENNAI – INDIA

[Oh ! Ma , dispel the darkness in me and illumine ;

enlighten the mind and edifice the soul ; what is low , raise and support ]

TENETS OF VEDHANTHA :-

CHAPTER No : - 8

DEFINTION OF KNOWLEDGE

Not created but uncovered . Without knowledge , seeking is endless .

Knowledge illumines , discovers & helps CLARITY .

Without clarity PRIORITIES become misplaced . Knowledge removes the notion of DOERSHIP . Increases our SATHVA disposition . Heightened Sathva makes the mind more composed . Knowledge & devotion co – exist in the state of REALISATION .

Knowledge liberates . Karma binds .

STEPS THAT LEAD TO KNOWLEDGE

Sri Arobhindo states , due to the influence of ‘ Vidhya ‘ ( Knowledge ) we live in the path of ‘ unity ‘ , or in union with Supreme Being . Through our Vidhya , we develop the perfect sense of oneness & enjoy integrerally the immortality & the beautitude . ( a state of blessedness ) .

Ignorance [ non – discriminative ]

Viveka [ discrimination ]

Sraddha [ Faith ]

Vairagya [ objectivity ]

Mumukshuthva [ Desire for liberation ]

Vichara [ Enquiry ]

Sankhya [ Knowledge ]

The pursuit of knowledge is the primary thapas . [ Penance ].

THE SELF KNOWLEDGE

‘ body – mind – sense complex ‘ is the perceived ‘ I ‘ . THE REAL ‘ I ‘ IS ATHMA .

Athma is known , not perceived or left . Athma is self - evident , self – shining & SELF – EXISTENT .

ATHMA IS BRAHMAN , which is Sathyam , Gnanam , Anantham . Brahman is suddha chaithanya ( pure awareness ).

THE TWO LIFESTYLES

Karma Yoga Pravrutthi marga ( path of action )

Gnana yoga Nivrutthi marga ( path of knowledge ) – renunciation of activity

Bhakthi yoga ( path of devotion ) & hatha Yoga ( path of mysticism ) are also to be taken as Karma Yoga .

Any action that comes at your will is Karma . Bhakthi is the recognition of Iswara & any Karma done for the sake recognizing Iswara is Yoga . Similarly Hatha Yoga is a didiscipline which is Sadhana or indirect means for Mokaha . ( eternity )

Any discipline is either for purification of mind or integration & coordination of the physical body .

Na Karmana , na prajaya , dhaneya ,

Thyajanaike amruthathva manasu .

{ Not by rituals , not by progeny , not by wealth

But by renunciation alone is immortality obtained }.

NOV 4

OM:THAMASO MA JYOTHIRGAMAYA from 3/10/11

ASATHO MA SATGAMAYA

MRUTHYOR MA AMRUTHAM GAMAYA

... TENETS OF VEDDHANTHA APPLIED

... as known , gathered , compiled and presented by

N. SETHURAMAN - CHENNAI – INDIA

[Oh ! Ma , dispel the darkness in me and illumine ;

enlighten the mind and edifice the soul ; what is low , raise and support ]

TENETS OF VEDHANTHA :-

CHAPTER No : - 9

STEPS OF KRMAYOGI

Karma Yogi is defined two ways . ‘ SAMATHVAM YOGA UCHYATHE ‘ { Evenness of mind } & ‘ YOGA KARMASU KAUSHALAM ‘ { DISCRETION & ACTION} . Ref : Bhagavath Githa Chapter 2 v- 48/50 .

Raga – Dhvesha { likes & dislikes }

Prayer { recognition of Iswara }

Antha : karana duddhi { purification of mind }

Guru Buddhi { exposure to pramans }

Sankhya { knowledge }

Samayhva buddhi

{ sameness to desirable & undesirable results }

Karmayoga

Most of us assume that spirituality & materialism are incompatible .With this assumption we never try to lead spiritual & material life simultaneously . Our silence during our spiriyual activity doesn’t reject the material world . Infact , it sustains it . This approves also the reconciliation by which the soul remains free & still even while it lends itself to all actions .

7 LEVELS OF CONSCIENCIOUSNESS EIGHTFOLD PATH OF YOGA

SELF/ATHMAN SELF/ATHMAN

{ SELF Realisation } { SELF Realisation }

7 Sahasra Padhma 8 SAMADHI

{ SUPER CONSCIOUSNESS }

6 Agna 7 DHYANA

{ Meditation }

Internal

5 Vishuddha 6 DHARANA

{ concentration }

4 Anahatha 5 PRATHYAHARA

{ Sense dissocitaion }

3 Manipooraka ------------------------------

---------

2 Swadhishtana 4 PRANAYAMA

{ Steady breath }

1 Mooladhara 3 ASANA

{ Steady posture }

External Basic Disciplines

2 NIYAMA

{ Observances }

1 YAMA

2 { Abstentions }

YOGA SHASTHRA

According to Sage Pathanjali , the author of Yoga Shasthra , Yoga serves from the point of view of ‘Gunas ‘ as a mind purifier . Rajas & Thamas can be overcome by ASANAS & PRANAYAMA . it is a logical step by step thought process & action programme that brings about the cessation of all negative forces – ‘ CHITTHA VRUTTHI NIRODHA ‘. Yoga is uniting mind with absolute reality leading to the final stage of ABSOLUTENESS in which the Yogi realises the TRUTH beyond all in tellectual apprehensions .

When the Sathvic mind is able to distinguish between the immutable ‘ PURUSHA ‘ { the self } & the ‘ ASMITHA ‘

{ the ego centre - the “ I “ thought } through constant introspection & VIVEKA [ one pointed discrimination ] , all mental activities cease . With the three Gunas in ‘ CHITTHA ‘ thus in equilibrium , ‘ KAIVALYA ‘ [ ultimate goal of existence ] is fecilitated .

Yoga breaks the walls of mind , intellect & ego & helps merger of CONDITIONED CHITH with UNLIMITED CONSCIOUSNESS .

In Bhagavath githa VI : 46

Lord Sri Krishna praises the Yogi as follows :

“ the Yogi is greater than body disciplining ascetics , greater ever than the followers of the path of wisdom

( Gnana Yoga ) or of the path of action ( Karma Yoga ) , be thou , O disciple Arjuna , a yogi ! “

DEFINITION OF A WISE MAN

Not bound by likes & dislikes .

Not bound by body – mind – sense complex limitations .

Happy & feels secure with himself .

Performs Karma according to Dharma , Universal Laws . Acceptable to himself . This total acceptance makes one face the facts of life as-it–is . Sees action in action ; inaction in action .

Seeks self - knowledge , which is self – freedom .

The mind of a wise person is lik a flame that is protected from the wind .

It does not tremble .

FOUR MAHA VAKYAS

Pragnanam Brahman

Consciousness is Brahman

That thvam asi

That thou art { You are that }

Ayam Athma Brahman

This Athma is Brahman

Aham Brahmasmi

I am Brahman

THIA KNOWLEDGE IS RARE IN TERMS OF ITS RESULT , IN TERMS OF ITS DIFFICULTY TO GAIN .

The person who has this knowledge is Sarva Bhoothastha . he knows that Brahman is everything .

{ ‘ Idham sarvam Brahmaiva ‘ }

A person whose ‘individual conscientiousness ‘becomes transformed into ‘ transcendental consciousness ‘ develops the ability to perceive the ‘ truth ‘ that all the confrontations & turmoils are due to the onterplay & influence of individual consciousness persists , it is not possible to perceive the ‘ Reality ‘ { supreme God } .

A PERSON WHO CANNOT PERCEIVE THE REALITY IS IMPERFECT .

JAYA JAYA SANKARA ; HARA HARA SANKARA !

OM:THAMASO MA JYOTHIRGAMAYA from 3/10/11

ASATHO MA SATGAMAYA

MRUTHYOR MA AMRUTHAM GAMAYA

TENETS OF VEDDHANTHA

APPLIED TO LIFE

as known , gathered , compiled

and presented by

N. SETHURAMAN

CHENNAI – INDIA

[Oh ! Ma , dispel the darkness in me and illumine ;

enlighten the mind and edifice the soul ;

what is low , raise and support ]

PART - 11

FOUR STATUSES OF ABSOLUTE REALITY

( 1 ) THE ABSOLUTE

Paramathma

Brahmam

( 2 ) ISWARA

Akshara

{ changeless }

Karana Brahman

( 3 ) HIRANYA GARBHA

Kshara

{ subject to change }

Karya Brahman

( 4 ) VIRAT

{ MATTER }

Universe

They are separate FOUR FOLD TO OUR MENTAL VIEW , seperable only in appearance . It is an ineffable unity in which these conceptual distinctions are made . This is the way in which Hindu thinkers interpret the integral nature of the Supreme Reality .

THE TRIADS

Cosmic Order

Purusha [ Brahmam ] Prakruthi [ maya ] Brahmanda [ universe ]

Iswara [ Godhead ] Huranya Garbha [ world soul ] Virat [ Matter ]

Sath [ Existence ] Chith [ Awareness ] Anandha [ Bliss ]

Sathyam [ Truth ] Gananam [ Knowledge ] Anantham [ Infinite ]

Srushti [ Creation ] Sthithi [ sustenance ] Prlaya [ Dissolution ]

Sathva [ Equilibrium ] Rajas [ Active ] Thamas [ Inertia ]

Individual Order

Sthula [ Gross ] Sukshma [ subtle ] Karana [ casual ]

Manas [ Mind ] Buddhi [ Intelligence ] Chith [ Jeeva ]

Jagrath [ Walking ] Svapna [ Dreaming ] Sukshupthi [ deep sleep

Consciousness ]

Vairagya [ Objectivity ] Viveka [ Discretion ] Snanubhoothi

[Realisation ]

Pramatha [ Knower ] Prameya [ Known ] Pramana [ Knowledge ]

Pramana [ God ] Medha [ intelligence ] Sraddha [ Faith ]

Social Order

Artha [ Material ] Kama [ Sensual ] Dharma [ moral ]

Sathya [ Truth ] Dharma [ ethics ] Karma [ Duty ]

Sravanam [ Observance ] Smaranam [ Contemplation ] Dhyanam [ Meditation ]

Gnanayoga Bhakthiyoga Karmayoga

[path of Renunciation ] [ Path of Devotion ] Path of Action ]

Kayika [ Physical ] Vachika [ Auditory ] Manasa [Mental ]

Prayathna [ effort ] Kala [ Time ] Dhaiva [ grace ]

Na karmana , na prajaya , dhaneya ,

Thyagenaike amruthathva manasu.

[ Not by rituals , not by pogeny , not by wealth

But by renunciation alone is immortality obtained ]

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1 Srimadh Bhagavath Githa

2 ‘ Teachings from Bhagavath githa ‘ –

By Poojya Swami Dhayanandha Saraswathy.

3 ‘ The principal Upanishadhs ‘ – by Dr. s Radhakrishnan

4 ‘ Aotobiography of a Yogi ‘ – Paramahamsa Yoganandha

5 ‘ Hinduism ‘ – by Mukhyanandha

6 ‘ Kindle Life ‘ – by Swami Chinmayanandha

7 ‘ The Life Divine ‘ – by Sri aurobindo

8 ‘ Hindu Shasthras and Samskaras ‘ – by V.A.K Aiyar .

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan

TENETS OF VEDDHANTHA

APPLIED TO LIFE

as known , gathered , compiled

and presented by

N. SETHURAMAN

CHENNAI – INDIA

The author of this book Sri N. SETHURAMAN is none other than my dearest younger brother , Who is a highly experienced Senior Executive in an Advertising Company in Chennai . hence , all the credits go to him only . I take this opportunity to thank him for generosity to permit me to post it here . May God shower the fullest blessings on him & his family with all the prosperity of the world forever .

THAMASO MA JHYOTHIRGAMAYA !

ASATHO MA SATGAMAYA

MRUTHYOR MA AMRUTHAM GAMAYA

OM SHANTHI ; SHANTHI : SHANTHI :