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Monday, June 04, 2007

The meaning of "Bramarpanam" Mantra - 2

The concept of yoga is unique with Sanatana Dharma; it indicates that all aspects of creation should be looked upon with a holistic point of view, or ‘Samhita way of the universe.’ Modern science has been developed with the idea of ‘divide and conquer’ while Indian wisdom has looked at everything as a unit with all of its possibilities. For example, the human being is not looked upon as only a physical personality but also as a holistic being at all five levels, referred to as ‘Pankta’ or ‘Panca Kosa.’ Similarly, another concept is that of the five bhutas or the basic elements we find in the nature called the earth, water air, fire and space which are the basic ingredients of the created universe. Interesting thing in this space is also a part of the gross substance and is connected with fire air etc and not mind or Prana indicating Prana or mind do not belong to the category of space or its modifications.

The sutra also indicates that Yagna is also a part of Brahma Karma. Yagna is a unique concept in Indian philosophy. Yagna is a concept developed to determine the various harmonious combinations of creation. A fire ceremony is used to symbolize this concept during Hindu rituals. The ritual may be anything from a house warming to a festival or even someone’s death. In all of these rituals, the fire ceremony is an important aspect. During a fire ceremony, a small fire is created and clarified butter, or ghee, is spooned in while chanting mantras. This is called Yagna. The moment an activity is accompanied by these rituals it obtains a spiritual significance.

Although the sutra originated in the Bhagavad-Gita, it has been adapted by many as a peace chant before eating. We are reminded of the spiritual Sadhana, or discipline, that is a part of experiencing Brahman. The offering process of eating food is Brahman. The food is being offered by Brahman and there is no ego of ‘I am eating.’ This whole process is Brahma Karma, or the activity of Brahman.

- to be continued...

Love,
Raghuram

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Sir, This is a very wonderful article with lots of information.
We knew the simple meaning of mantra ,but we didn't have the idea about its in-depth meaning. Thank you so....much Sir,for giving us the knowledge.

Unknown said...

Sir, This is a very wonderful article with lots of information.
We knew the simple meaning of mantra ,but we didn't have the idea about its in-depth meaning. Thank you so....much Sir,for giving us the knowledge.